Benedict Cumberbatch’s name keeps coming up around Avengers: Doomsday, but his Doctor Strange keeps not showing up. Now a piece of concept art has given the rumor mill a fresh clue, and it points to a very different role: Doctor Doom’s loyal right-hand man.
Spoiler and rumor warning: nothing here is officially confirmed. For more Marvel coverage, follow MCU and superhero news on Technosports.
Doctor Strange: Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Film | Avengers: Doomsday |
| Release date | December 18, 2026 |
| Rumored actor | Benedict Cumberbatch |
| Rumored character | Boris Karela |
| Source of the clue | Concept art by Jorge Molinam |
| Origin of the rumor | Scooper MyTimeToShineHello |
| Doom actor | Robert Downey Jr. |
| Status | Unconfirmed |
What Is the New Clue?
Artist Jorge Molinam shared new artwork centred on Robert Downey Jr.’s Victor Von Doom. One piece was made for Magic: The Gathering and shows Doom in his palace beside three masked women, believed to be the Latverian Witches teased at San Diego Comic-Con 2026.
A related image uses a similar design with less detail. This one adds a fourth figure behind Doom: a character in a green top, grey pants and a frightening silver mask. That figure is believed to be Boris Karela, a character who has been Doom’s servant, guardian and best friend in the comics. For background on the villain, see Doctor Doom on Wikipedia.
Where Does Cumberbatch Come In?
According to a popular rumor from scooper MyTimeToShineHello, Cumberbatch will play Boris instead of Doctor Strange. That would be a surprising twist for an actor who has played Stephen Strange across the Multiverse and Infinity sagas.
His own comments have been inconsistent:
| Stage | What happened |
|---|---|
| Initial cast announcement | He wasn’t included in the directors’ chair reveal |
| First comments | He denied being in Doomsday but hinted at Secret Wars |
| Later | He softened and teased a role in Doomsday as well |
| Key detail | He has never said which character he’d play |
That last point leaves the door open for a different part, though it doesn’t confirm one.
Who Is Boris Karela?
In the comics, Boris is a member of the Romani Zefiro clan in Latveria. He was close to Doom’s parents and became the villain’s most trusted companion. Doom was also friends with Boris’s granddaughter Valeria, who is not connected to the Fantastic Four’s Valeria Richards.
If Cumberbatch really plays him, he’d likely have a sizeable role as Doom’s closest confidant. The Direct also notes that if Boris has magical abilities, as some interpretations suggest, it could echo Strange’s skills.
The Latverian Witches Rumor
The same group of rumors says the Latverian Witches may be played by classic MCU actresses, most prominently Elizabeth Olsen and Hayley Atwell. If true, that would add to the multiversal feel of the story. Again, this is only a rumor.
What We Actually Know
- Doomsday has the largest cast in Marvel history, and more names are expected before release.
- The art is a concept piece, not an official character reveal.
- Marvel hasn’t confirmed Cumberbatch’s role.
So treat this as an interesting theory. If you’d rather avoid spoilers entirely, it’s best to stay away from fan art and scoops until the film arrives.
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FAQs
Is Benedict Cumberbatch in Avengers: Doomsday?
He has teased a role, but Marvel hasn’t confirmed which character he plays.
Who is Boris in Marvel Comics?
Boris Karela is Victor Von Doom’s loyal servant, guardian and best friend.
