Doctor Strange has been one of the MCU’s most important heroes since ‘Avengers: Infinity War’, making his apparent absence from ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ one of the biggest talking points surrounding the upcoming crossover.
But Marvel Studios has kept mum about Benedict Cumberbatch’s involvement. Now, fan theories and reported concept art have sparked speculation that Strange’s disappearance isn’t because he’s missing the battle; it’s because he may already be standing on the other side.
Doctor Strange’s Secret Wars Comic Arc Could Explain His ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Absence
One of the most interesting theories comes from the Secret Wars storyline in the Marvel Comics universe. In that story, Doctor Strange decides to work for Doctor Doom because he believes that Doom is the only one who can save what’s left of the multiverse after it fell apart.
Related: ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ Leak Reveals Doctor Doom’s Cruel Plan For Steve Rogers
Strange doesn’t do it for loyalty or ambition, but because it’s necessary. He believes that only Doom can be strong enough to stop the destruction. He wants to save the worlds even if it means losings his own reputation in the process.
Recent leaked concept art that was apparently part of the ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ projects seems to confirm the same direction. The painting appears to be a scene of Strange and Doom on Battleworld, rather than battling against Doom.
Doctor Strange Might Be Playing The Long Game
It doesn’t necessarily mean that Doctor Strange has given up on the Avengers if he is indeed Doom’s right-hand man. Instead, it might be a sign of the impossible decisions that have always been a part of the Sorcerer Supreme.
In case you missed it: Doctor Strange May Have A Secret Reason For Serving Doctor Doom In ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
Strange has consistently demonstrated his ability to make ethically questionable choices for the greater good. He was willing to give up the Time Stone in ‘Avengers: Infinity War ’ because he believed there was only one way to victory.
If Strange is convinced that Doom offers the best hope of saving reality, then it may be another calculated gamble. None of this has been confirmed by Marvel Studios, of course, and fans should take the rumours with a grain of salt. Still, the theory provides a fascinating explanation for Strange’s reported absence from ‘Avengers: Doomsday’.
You might like to read: New Marvel Reports Teases A Broken Tony Stark In Avengers: Secret Wars
