Doctor Strange 3 Rumors: Benedict Cumberbatch, Possible Return of Derrickson, and a 2026 Timeline

The entertainment world is buzzing with fresh claims about a new Doctor Strange project. The rumor mill centers on Benedict Cumberbatch returning to the title role, with speculation suggesting a third installment in the Doctor Strange series.

Insider chatter from Jason Kane points to Miracle Studios advancing a script featuring Cumberbatch as the brilliant sorcerer Stephen Strange. In Kane’s account, the studio aims to accelerate development on a new film that would bring Doctor Strange back to the big screen sooner rather than later. The claim is that the project could land before Avengers 5: The Kang Dynasty, which is currently slated for a May 1, 2025 release window. Kane also hints at a potential director change for the third film, noting that Scott Derrickson—who directed the original Doctor Strange and was originally attached to the second film—might return to helm the upcoming project. (Citation: Jason Kane)

Another angle from the same source suggests a 2026 release for Doctor Strange 3. If the timeline aligns with Kane’s assertion that the film should precede Avengers 5, some observers speculate that Marvel Studios could be planning to delay the fifth Avengers movie by a year, with Avengers 6 potentially following in December 2026 or slipping into 2027. Details about the Doctor Strange 3 plot remain unconfirmed. However, there is growing speculation that Charlize Theron could reprise or expand her role as Clea, a prominent character in the Doctor Strange canon who is often portrayed as a romantic interest for Strange in the comics. Should Theron join the film, the dynamic between Strange and Clea could drive new storylines, including explorations of their adventures in the Dark Dimension. (Citation: Jason Kane)

The previous Doctor Strange entry, Doctor Strange 2: Into the Multiverse of Madness, debuted in May 2022 with Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead. In interviews, Cumberbatch has signaled openness to revisiting the role, which has fueled ongoing speculation about a sequel. Industry chatter emphasizes the appetite for a new chapter that expands the magical universe while threading together threads from the wider Marvel Studios slate. (Citation: Jason Kane)

As conversations about casting, timing, and narrative arcs continue, fans are weighing the possibilities of how Doctor Strange 3 could connect to the broader Marvel multiverse. The discussions increasingly focus on whether the story will push further into cosmic threats, explore the mystic arts in new dimensions, or deepen the relationships among central characters. If the project moves forward, audiences can expect updates on whether Derrickson returns to direction, how Clea participates in the plot, and how the film aligns with the near-term plans for the Avengers franchise. (Citation: Jason Kane)

Movie enthusiasts will be watching closely as studios balance release calendars, creative visions, and the desire to maintain momentum across flagship franchises. The chatter underscores a broader trend in which studios orchestrate interconnected sagas, weaving individual titles into a larger narrative tapestry that appeals to long-time fans and new viewers alike. Whether Doctor Strange 3 arrives in 2025, 2026, or beyond, the public will look for clear signals about tone, character development, and how the story intersects with the evolving Marvel Cinematic Universe. (Citation: Jason Kane)