It's an uncertain time for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With Marvel Studios looking to get back to quality over quantity, we're expecting sweeping changes to be made to the Multiverse Saga slate, with D23 or Comic-Con the most likely destinations for an update.
However, we're not the only ones wondering what's next. Talking to The Playlist, Benedict Cumberbatch was asked what he knows of Doctor Strange 3.
"Who knows," he responded when they wondered whether it would be released before the next Avengers movies. As for the former Sorcerer Supreme's role in those, Cumberbatch added, "We will see. We will find out. I’m not sure where he’s been and what he’s been up to and who with, but yeah, I know as little as you."
Later, the site quizzed the actor on the major changes made to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness after it was pushed back and arrived later than planned after 2021's Spider-Man: No Way Home swung into theaters.
"I was unaware of the articles. You’re part of a big machine, but you’re just trying to solve the problems on a set like any other job," he acknowledged. "And, yeah, it’s a massive sand pit to play in with very big and expensive, breakable toys. But you can only really do that if you’re loose and free and just doing your work as an actor. So, I kind of knuckled down and did that."
In a separate conversation with IGN, Garfield star Chris Pratt opened up on his own MCU future as the Legendary Star-Lord. DC Studios boss James Gunn departed the franchise after Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, but a post-credits scene made it clear we'll see more of Peter Quill...we think.
"It's hard to imagine what that would look like, so I guess I'd just have to take it on a case-by-case basis," he said of a possible return. "Of course I'd be open to it. I love the character. It changed my life. If it came along and it made sense and I felt like it was a story worth telling, then I'd certainly, certainly be open to it. I love playing Star-Lord."
"But it'd be tough to do without James," Pratt continued, "and you'd have to find an apparatus by which to maintain the tone that he so expertly creates, and it's kind of hard because he's truly one of a kind. And it would have to be with his blessing, so we'll see."
Hopefully, both characters return to the MCU in the near future. When we last saw him, Strange had left Earth to travel through the Multiverse alongside Clea, seemingly to stop an Incursion from taking place.
Star-Lord, meanwhile, has parted ways with Rocket's Guardians and is back home; this places them both in a role where they can be major players in Avengers 5 and beyond.