Benedict Cumberbatch Discusses Doctor Strange, Hinting at a Resolution for a Significant 3-Year-Old MCU Mystery in Avengers: Secret Wars

The conclusion of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness left fans buzzing with questions, but fresh insights from Benedict Cumberbatch hint at possible revelations in the upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars. While the future of Doctor Strange remains somewhat ambiguous following his 2022 sequel, speculation about his next appearance continues to circulate. Notably, a third installment in the Doctor Strange series has not yet been confirmed, although Cumberbatch’s character was initially expected to feature in two upcoming Avengers films.

In a recent discussion with Variety, Cumberbatch acknowledged the expansive trajectory of Doctor Strange’s journey within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), although he clarified that he will not participate in the cast of Avengers: Doomsday.

They are very open to discussing where we go next. Who do you want to write and direct the next one? What part of the comic lore do you want to explore so that Strange can keep evolving? He’s a very rich character to play. He’s a complex, contradictory, troubled human who’s got these extraordinary abilities, so there’s potent stuff to mess about with.

While it’s disappointing to learn that Doctor Strange won’t be featured in the upcoming Avengers project, Cumberbatch did express enthusiasm about his involvement in Avengers: Secret Wars. Although this film is still two years away, Cumberbatch’s remarks suggest that Doctor Strange might have a pivotal role in its unfolding narrative. This opens up the possibility that Marvel will finally delve into the implications of Charlize Theron’s character, Clea, and reveal her connection with Doctor Strange at the end of Multiverse of Madness.

Cumberbatch’s Comments Spark Hope for Clea’s Return

Charlize Theron Deserves to Expand Her Role in the MCU

At the end of Multiverse of Madness, Doctor Strange’s transformation culminates in the emergence of a third eye on his forehead. However, the most striking moment was the surprising encounter with Clea, who urgently informs Strange of an incursion he has caused and implores him to join her in rectifying it. This scene, which features Clea opening a portal to the Dark Dimension using a magical dagger, effectively sets the stage for future developments.

Despite being a lesser-known character in the Marvel Comics universe, Clea’s introduction was met with enthusiasm, thanks in part to Theron’s star power, stemming from her roles in franchises like The Fast and the Furious and Mad Max. Given their last meeting, it makes narrative sense for her to rejoin Cumberbatch in any future MCU appearances, especially if that film is Secret Wars.

The complexity of Clea’s character is rich with narrative potential. In the comics, she has often been depicted as a romantic partner of Doctor Strange, and at one point, she even takes on the mantle of Sorceress Supreme. This versatility presents Marvel with numerous avenues to explore her character, particularly as Theron’s talent suggests a great fit for future storytelling.Secret Wars could serve as a launching pad for Clea’s development in the MCU before her anticipated return in a prospective Doctor Strange 3.

Clea’s Potential Role in Secret Wars

Clea Could Know the Multiverse Like No One Else

Clea’s character is intricately linked to the Dark Dimension, as she is the niece of Dormammu, the dimension’s formidable ruler whom Doctor Strange famously defeated. With her capabilities mirroring those of Doctor Strange and her engaging storyline encapsulating varied roles of ally, student, and partner, she emerges as a critical character. Moreover, Clea’s parentage ties her to Umar, who frequently antagonizes Doctor Strange.

Though her full backstory in the MCU remains unclear, her brief appearance in Multiverse of Madness implies that Clea possesses a profound understanding of the multiverse and its intricacies. As someone who comprehends the ramifications of incursions and is aware of the events surrounding Doctor Strange, her expertise might be crucial for the Avengers in navigating the challenges presented in Secret Wars. This could be particularly beneficial if these incursions inadvertently usher in the return of characters like Doctor Doom to Earth-616, providing valuable insight and magical support to the Avengers.

Marvel Must Address Phase 4 Post-Credit Scenes

A Growing Number of Unaddressed Storylines

The introduction of Clea is one of many post-credit scenes from Phase 4 that remain undeveloped within the MCU. Marvel has yet to clarify Clea’s return, paralleling the uncertainty surrounding several other characters introduced in various post-credit sequences. Fans eagerly await the integration of Harry Styles’ Starfox from Eternals and are curious about the future confrontation between Thor and Brett Goldstein’s Hercules following Thor: Love and Thunder.

Additionally, the mystery of the Ten Rings lingers, with no updates on their significance since the involvement of Wong, Captain Marvel, and Hulk, who sought to track their origins. With Doctor Strange’s anticipated return in Avengers: Secret Wars, Marvel finally has an opportunity to address Clea’s storyline, providing clarity for one aspect of the many unresolved narratives from Phase 4. This moment serves as a catalyst for exciting developments, as audiences hope Marvel also intends to weave together the remaining threads of storytelling that have only been teased thus far.

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