Marvel star Benedict Cumberbatch has given an exciting update on Avengers 5.
During an interview with Netflix, the actor, who plays Doctor Strange in the MCU, shared his excitement at the anticipated sequel and teased that filming could be starting soon.
"It's been a lovely relationship with [Marvel] ever since [being cast]. I'm very much looking forward to Avengers next year, which is cooking up a storm," he said.
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Cumberbatch revealed how much he's enjoyed playing the superhero after he initially had to turn down the role due to scheduling conflicts.
"The joy of playing him is immense, but also the joy of playing him means I can help create and platform stories and writing. He's a gift in many, many ways in my life," he explained.
Avengers 5 is set to hit cinemas on May 1, 2026, one year on from its initial release date of May 2, 2025.
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Earlier this year, it was reported that Marvel was reworking the movie and that it will no longer be called Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.
Kang actor Jonathan Majors was dropped by the studio in December 2023 after being found guilty of assault and harassment. The reported Avengers 5 name change is a sign that Marvel is downplaying Kang's importance in the film.
The film has faced a number of changes in recent months, with director Destin Daniel Cretton exiting the movie in November 2023. A replacement director has yet to be announced.
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Michael Waldron, who is already writing Avengers: Secret Wars, has since joined the movie as writer, taking over from Jeff Loveness.
Following rumours surrounding which superheroes could feature in the upcoming blockbuster, Marvel boss Kevin Feige recently downplayed any talk of the original Avengers returning.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight last year, he said: "We're doing a project with Scarlett [Johansson] – I love Robert [Downey Jr.], he's a part of the family, but in terms of returning we'll have to see."
Avengers 5 will be released in cinemas on May 1, 2026.
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Sara is an entertainment journalist who specialises in TV and film. After studying journalism at the University of Roehampton, Sara joined Digital Spy in 2023, writing news (and the occasional feature) on all things entertainment. She has also written for the culture desk at The Evening Standard. A lover of all things TV and film, Sara can wax lyrical about everything from Bridgerton to The Witcher. She can also recite entire episodes of New Girl, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Parks and Recreation. In her spare time, Sara loves to knit, crochet and cross-stitch. Also a musical theatre aficionado, Sara counts Samantha Barks as one of her heroes and is a loyal fan of Jodie Comer.
