First MCU Actor Confirmed For 'Avengers 5'
Los Angeles, June 22 - The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is getting closer to its first Avengers movie since Endgame (2019) as the Multiverse Saga continues to move forward with its Phase 5 slate in which three films are left before the beginning of the final Multiverse, Phase 6.
One of the biggest MCU names in the post-Endgame era, Doctor Strange star Benedict Cumberbatch has been confirmed to be the first actor to join the massive ensemble of Avengers 5. During a recent edition of Still Watching Netflix (via Screen Rant), Cumberbatch looked back at playing Doctor Strange and also spilt a bean on the next Avengers film.
"This is Doctor Strange. He's a Marvel character and, well, I'll be really honest about it, the joy of playing him is immense. But also the joy of playing him means I can help create and platform stories and writing and less commercial fare into being. He's a gift in many, many ways in my life as a producer, and as an actor. I love playing him. He's great fun. I'm very much looking forward to Avengers next year, which is cooking up a storm", the actor said.
Avengers 5 was originally titled Avengers: Kang Dynasty, but assault charges against Jonathan Majors, who was set to headline the film as Kang, forced Marvel to fire him and look for other titles. It is not yet clear if Marvel will stick to Kang with a different actor or will move in a different direction with a new villain, but it is reported that the production on the same will officially kick-start in 2025 as the film is scheduled to release on May 1st, 2026.
Stay tuned...