The absence of Doctor Strange in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday film has raised eyebrows among Marvel fans, especially given the character’s prominent involvement in the Multiverse Saga. Actor Benedict Cumberbatch confirmed in January 2024 that Doctor Strange will not appear in this installment, citing that “the character not aligning with this part of the story”as the reason for his exclusion. This update comes as a surprise, particularly since Strange was initially expected to be part of the cast.
Interestingly, while this change in plans for Doctor Strange may not have been anticipated, it seamlessly fits into the established narrative of the MCU. The evolution of the Multiverse Saga has laid the groundwork for his absence, providing a rich context within the storyline.
A Logical Explanation for Doctor Strange’s Absence in Avengers: Doomsday
At the conclusion of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the mid-credits scene hints at the wizard’s new path. In this scene, Doctor Strange meets Clea, who informs him of an incursion he has caused, indicating that “we’re gonna fix it.”The two then venture through a portal to the Dark Dimension, establishing that Strange is currently engaged in an interdimensional mission alongside Clea.
This situational backdrop effectively justifies Doctor Strange’s absence when Earth’s mightiest heroes face threats such as Doctor Doom. Given his commitment to safeguarding other dimensions, it’s plausible that he would miss significant dangers looming over his home world, which creates a logical narrative thread for his lack of involvement in Avengers: Doomsday.
Even in potential storyline arcs where our heroes encounter Doctor Doom, the fact that Strange is exploring another reality adds depth to his absence. Such a separation could serve to heighten tension in the eventual clash with Doctor Doom, particularly in anticipation of Avengers: Secret Wars, where the remaining heroes may question Strange’s unavailability during critical moments.
Doctor Strange’s Possible Return in Avengers: Secret Wars
Cumberbatch’s comments about Doctor Strange’s potential return for Avengers: Secret Wars align perfectly with the ongoing narrative involving multiverses and incursions. The comic storyline “Secret Wars” (2015-2016) revolves around incursions causing the multiverse to collapse, leading to a Battleworld comprised of remnants of various realities. It is likely that the MCU will mirror this theme in some form.
Doctor Strange’s journey to “fix”an incursion gives him a credible reason to appear in Avengers: Secret Wars instead of Avengers: Doomsday, where he can share vital insights about the multiverse’s intricacies. His character’s development hinges on these encounters, allowing for a more impactful return where he can unite with other heroes at a critical moment.
The Benefits of Doctor Strange’s Exclusion from Avengers: Doomsday
Doctor Strange holds immense knowledge about the multiverse, which can create complexities within any plot he participates in. By not including him in Avengers: Doomsday, the MCU can set the stage for a narrative that unfolds without his extensive input, allowing other heroes to navigate their challenges more organically.
Anticipating the release of Spider-Man 4 – scheduled to premiere between Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars – could also pave the way for Strange’s return. This sequel might see Strange rejoining the action just as he did in Spider-Man: No Way Home, establishing a link that leads to the larger multiverse narrative.
Ultimately, the decision to exclude Doctor Strange from Avengers: Doomsday while planning for his reappearance in Avengers: Secret Wars appears to be a strategic move. This approach accommodates character development and hones the overarching storyline of the Multiverse Saga, allowing for a cohesive narrative that resonates with audiences. As the saga progresses, the developments surrounding Doctor Strange promise to enrich the MCU and elevate its storytelling capabilities.
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