Doctor Strange is one of the most recognized and beloved characters from Marvel Comics. Known as the Sorcerer Supreme, he bends reality by waving his hands. He’s appeared in countless comic books, animated television shows, and video games. His most recent and noteworthy adventures are in the Marvel Cinematic Universe theatrical films. Doctor Strange has starred in various prominent installments, though Avengers: Doomsday will exclude him. Now the question is, how will his absence affect this upcoming movie?
The History of The Sorcerer Supreme
Stephen Strange was once a brilliant and world-famous neurosurgeon but one with a planet-sized ego. His life was suddenly thrown into disarray when he got involved in a car accident. He survived the experience, but his hands suffered severe nerve damage, ruining his career. Desperate, Stephen traveled to India to search for a supposed healer called the Ancient One. He succeeds but discovers the Ancient One is a sorcerer, not a healer. Stephen begins studying magic and ultimately becomes a Master of the Mystic Arts.
Created by Steve Ditko, Doctor Strange debuted in July 1963 in Strange Tales #110. He premiered in a secondary storyline of the issue alongside a Human Torch tale. Doctor Strange eventually took over the Strange Tales comic series until getting one of his own in 1947. The Sorcerer Supreme starred in future series since then, appearing alongside other Marvel characters. His popularity led to him appearing on collectibles and television. Of course, he achieved fame in films, such as those in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Doctor Strange in the MCU
Portrayed by the brilliant Benedict Cumberbatch, Doctor Strange first premiered in 2016’s Doctor Strange. The movie followed the standard origin of him being an arrogant and talented brain surgeon. His hands sustain massive trauma in a car accident, and his career tragically ends. Strange travels to Kamar-Taj to meet the Ancient One and trains to become a sorcerer. He soon gets wrapped up in a battle against the Ancient One’s former student, Kaecilius. To make things worse, he must also prevent an evil entity from invading Earth.
Doctor Strange briefly appeared in Thor: Ragnarok, helping Thor and Loki locate the missing Odin. His next prominent role was in Avengers: Infinity War, where he tried to stop Thanos. He was a casualty of the Snap but returned for the climax of Avengers: Endgame. In 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, Doctor Strange returned as a secondary character. He returned to the protagonist spotlight in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. His newest challenge involved protecting dimension-hopper America Chavez from the now-villainous Scarlet Witch.
No Strange in Avengers: Doomsday
Since his initial appearance, Doctor Strange has been a central individual throughout the MCU. He’s participated in many significant events, even if he supported or assisted other Marvel characters. Some fans believed Strange would fill the void Iron Man’s death created. Sadly, he won’t appear in the upcoming Marvel flick Avengers: Doomsday. Cumberbatch proved this statement true, which, naturally, bummed out many of the sorcerer’s followers. However, his exclusion unknowingly supports a popular fan theory about the next Avengers movie.
Devotees believe Doomsday will take place in a reality outside the main canon. Doctor Strange’s absence supports this idea, along with Robert Downey Jr. returning as Doctor Doom. It wouldn’t be such a farfetched idea because Marvel often explores the multiverse. If true, this direction could open numerous doors for interesting new stories. It could even introduce a cavalcade of captivating characters never seen before in the MCU. Hopefully, an update will come soon to confirm or disprove these suspicions.
Final Thoughts
Doctor Strange not being in Doomsday is a bummer, yet it’s not a bad omen. His MCU adventures are far from over because he’ll return for Avengers: Secret Wars. He’s also appearing in the third movie, which will supposedly explore the Dark Dimension. Nevertheless, even if Strange isn’t in Doomsday, I’m still excited to see it. I mainly want to see Downey return despite no longer being Iron Man. There’s no precise release date for Avengers: Doomsday, though it should premiere in 2026.
