Spider Man 3: Benedict Cumberbatch to join franchise as Doctor Strange

Sorcerer is set to appear in a mentor capacity to Tom Holland’s Spider-Man

Benedict Cumberbatch will be reprising his role as Doctor Strange for the latest Spider-Man movie.

Marvel’s Sorcerer Supreme will feature in the forthcoming film as a mentor to Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

A similar role was played by Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) in Spider-Man: Homecoming, and by Nick Fury (Samuel L Jackson) before that in Spider-Man: Far From Home.

With plot details under wraps though, it is unclear how large a role Cumberbatch will play – whether it will be substantial or a cameo appearance.

The news comes shortly after the surprise announcement that the franchise is bringing back Jamie Foxx as the villain Electro, a character he last played in 2014’s The Amazing Spider-Man 2, with Andrew Garfield in the title role.

Jamie Foxx as Electro in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2' (Rex Features)

Doctor Strange’s involvement may help explain the return of Electro, given that the sorcerer will be exploring alternate realities in the forthcoming Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness.

Spider-Man 3 is scheduled to begin filming in Atlanta later this month, however, Cumberbatch is also expected to begin shooting his Doctor Strange sequel this month in London.

Jon Watts, who directed Homecoming and last year’s Far From Home, will return to the director’s seat for the third instalment.

It is expected that other franchise regulars including Zendaya, Marisa Tomei, Tony Revolori and Jacob Batalon will likewise reprise their roles for the forthcoming movie.

Spider-Man 3 is scheduled for release on 5 November 2021.