The line-up for Avengers 5 has gotten its first returning Marvel Cinematic Universe hero as a Marvel Studios veteran actor reveals when the upcoming movie will film. As the Multiverse Saga continues forward, the MCU is getting closer to its first Avengers movie since Avengers: Endgame. While reportedly temporarily titled Avengers 5, the Phase 6 installment will finally mark the beginning of the end for Marvel’s multiverse storyline.

During a recent edition of Still Watching Netflix, Doctor Strange actor Benedict Cumberbatch looked back on playing the powerful sorcerer. The British actor dropped an exciting update about Avengers 5 in the middle of his answer as he brought up how he will be shooting the Phase 6 movie in 2025, sharing the following:

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, 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.

How Doctor Strange Can Fit Into Avengers 5

While time will tell who else will be part of the Avengers 5 cast, it makes perfect sense for Doctor Strange to be involved. Even though Stephen Strange hasn’t been seen since the end of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the Phase 4 film was crucial for not just Doctor Strange in the MCU but the Multiverse Saga as a whole. Cumberbatch’s last MCU movie gave the Marvel sorcerer to get a proper taste of the multiverse concept, allowing the Avenger to get a better understanding of alternative realities.

Since Avengers 5 will likely address the new status quo for the team, Doctor Strange will be a major resource as the heroes begin to tackle the safety of the multiverse. Whether or not the storyline is progressing forward with Kang remains to be seen, but if he ends up being back (played by whoever takes over after Jonathan Majors was fired), Doctor Strange has a chance to finally engage with the Multiverse Saga’s big bad. It’s possible that between Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Avengers 5, Doctor Strange has explored the multiverse even further.

The Avengers 5 filming in 2025 makes a lot of sense, especially as Deadpool & Wolverinedirector Shawn Levy is being eyed to helm the Phase 6 film. If Levy ends up signing on for Avengers 5, it is more than likely that more actors will start sharing updates on whether they are involved with the movie. While it has taken quite some time, it appears Avengers 5 is finally on the right track to becoming a reality.