Benedict Cumberbatch Talks Doctor Strange’s Future, Sex Symbol Status, and a Traumatic Past

The actor opens up about his evolving role in the MCU, his discomfort with celebrity labels, and the life-altering experiences that shaped him.

In a recent interview with Variety, Benedict Cumberbatch shared insights into his career, including the future of his role as Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), his perspective on being labeled a sex symbol, and reflections on a past traumatic experience.

Doctor Strange’s MCU Journey

Cumberbatch revealed that Doctor Strange will not appear in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday, set to release in 2026. However, he confirmed that the character will have a significant presence in Avengers: Secret Wars, slated for 2027. He stated, “He’s quite central to where things might go.” Additionally, discussions are underway for a third solo Doctor Strange film, following the success of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Cumberbatch mentioned that Marvel is open to his input on the character’s development, noting, “They are very open to discussing where we go next.”

Views on Sex Symbol Status

Addressing his perception as a sex symbol, Cumberbatch expressed discomfort with the label, comparing himself to actors like Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio. He remarked, “I’m not sitting around thinking, ‘Why am I sexy?’ I worry about myself in the mirror as I age, like every other f—– does.” He also criticized the term “celebrity” for its broad application, stating, “It’s so derogatory, and just lumps anyone famous together.”

Recounting a Harrowing Experience

Reflecting on a traumatic event from 2004, Cumberbatch recounted being abducted and held captive in South Africa while filming the BBC miniseries To the Ends of the Earth. He described how a tire blowout led to the abduction by six men, who robbed them and left them tied up outside after several hours. This “near-death” experience intensified his desire for high-risk activities and made him more aware of life’s fragility. Now a father of three, Cumberbatch shared how parenthood has shifted his priorities, making him more conscious of time and mortality.

Upcoming Project: The Thing with Feathers

Cumberbatch is set to premiere his new film, The Thing with Feathers, at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. In this adaptation of Max Porter’s book, he portrays a young father grappling with grief and the challenges of raising his two sons after the sudden death of his wife. The narrative delves into themes of loss and the haunting manifestations of sorrow.

Through these revelations, Benedict Cumberbatch offers a candid glimpse into his professional trajectory and personal reflections, highlighting his multifaceted experiences and future endeavors.