Benedict Cumberbatch made his debut as Stephen Strange in Marvel’s "Doctor Strange," which was released in theaters just this past November. While there are no plans for a sequel as of yet, fans will be able to see Cumberbatch reprise that role in another Marvel film. News that Benedict will again play his character in "Thor: Ragnarok" has begun to emerge, hinting at a powerful trio of heroes unleashing their fury on a new threat.
Marvel teams Thor up with old friends
The news that Cumberbatch would be bringing Doctor Strange to "Thor: Ragnarok" came as a part of a larger announcement from franchise owner, Disney Studios.
The information was included in a release reported through the official Walt Disney fan club website, D23.
“'Thor: Ragnarok" in November brings together Thor, the Hulk, and Doctor Strange to face off against intergalactic baddies both familiar and new,” reads the pertinent portion of the Disney statement.
While the statement isn’t very revealing, as far as what fans can expect from Benedict’s role in "Thor: Ragnarok," it does seem as though the Hulk and Doctor Strange characters will play prominent roles in the film. This implies Thor, who is played by Chris Hemsworth, will be joined by Hulk and Doctor Strange, which indicates the coming sequel will be more of an ensemble cast than a stand alone film in the truer sense.
There have been more teasers of a Doctor Strange cameo
While this may come as a happy surprise to some fans, those who have seen the first "Doctor Strange" film have probably been expecting this uniting of Thor with the Benedict Cumberbatch character. At the close of that movie, Thor appeared in the Sanctum Sanctorum to ask for Strange’s help in locating his brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston).
Thor is hopeful in his desire to return home to Asgard, but is reluctant in leaving Loki behind.
Other clues that Benedict Cumberbatch would reprise his role in the "Thor" sequel came even before Doctor Strange premiered in theaters. Promotional images for "Thor: Ragnarok" showed Thor carrying a business card that read “177A Bleecker Street,” which is well established as the address of Stephen Strange’s Sanctum Sanctorum.
"Thor: Ragnarok" director Taika Waititi was asked about the possibility of a Benedict Cumberbatch appearance in the upcoming sequel, but he was elusive on the subject.
“I can’t comment on it. It may have just been something for the fans,” said the Marvel director.
"Thor: Ragnarok," starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Cate Blanchett, and Idris Elba, is set to premiere in theaters on November 3, 2017.
