Benedict Cumberbatch in front of the Doctor Strange inspired 3D Art at a fan screening, to celebrate the release of Marvel Studio's Doctor Strange at the Odeon Leicester Square, on Oct. 24, 2016. (Photo : Getty Images/ Jeff Spicer)
Last year's "Doctor Strange" featured Thor (Chris Hemsworth) in a short cameo during the end credits scene and it now appears that Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) will return the favor. Disney has now revealed that the eponymous doctor will be making an appearance in "Thor: Ragnarok."
Doctor Strange will aid both Thor and the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) in their fight against enemies both new and old in the upcoming film, reads a post from the official D23 website. Hulk has already been confirmed and the movie will feature elements from the "Planet Hulk" comic books but the inclusion of Doctor Strange is entirely new.
Strange's appearance was widely speculated to be nothing more than a short cameo but the post now indicates he will have a more significant role. Strange has the ability to manipulate reality and use magic, abilities which may become useful in the fight against Thor's enemies.
The film will see Thor assembling his own Avengers-like team which will include Hulk, Skurge (Karl Urban), Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) and possibly the villain Loki (Tom Hiddleston). It is now possible that Strange will be a part of this lineup.
Adding Strange to the main conflict in "Thor: Ragnarok" would also explain how he would fit in with the rest of the Avengers in 2018's "The Avengers: The Infinity War," Screen Rant reported. He has yet to be introduced to the other characters such as Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) but Thor may be the one to properly bring him into the fold.
Set photos of the film in production also reportedly suggested Thor coming down to New York to find Strange and recruit him in his battle in Asgard. Director Taika Waititi has reportedly been dodging the question and has neither confirmed nor denied if Strange will have a large role to play in the film.
"Thor: Ragnarok" releases in theaters on Nov. 3. The official trailer for "Doctor Strange," where the titular hero was first introduced, can be viewed below:
