Avengers 4: Doctor Strange return CONFIRMED by Benedict Cumberbatch after Infinity War?

WARNING: Major spoilers ahead for Avengers Infinity War.

Infinity War ended with many Marvel favourites turning to ash when Thanos collected all of the Infinity Stones and was able to wipe out 50% of humanity.

Doctor Strange was among the fatalities, but – in what will be a surprise to very few – Cumberbatch has strongly implied that he will live again.

Many of the heroes who ‘died’ are already known to have more movies in the pipeline; not least Spider-Man (Tom Holland) and the Guardians of the Galaxy.

A Dr Strange sequel has also been thought to be in the works, and it may still be possible after all.

Cumberbatch told Deadline his return in next year’s Avengers 4 is essentially “lined up”.

“Just try to stop me. That’s all kind of lined up as far as I’m aware,” he said. “But who knows?

“I mean, you know, the problem is, how does he get out of where he’s at.

“But that’s the only thing. I’m bits of dust at the moment as far as I understand.

“So you really have to ask [Marvel Studios president] Kevin Feige.”

He added: “But as far as wanting to do it, yeah, I would love to go back into that role.”

Of course Avengers 4 has already been filmed, and reshoots are allegedly set to take place in October.

Also set to appear in the as-yet-untitled sequel are Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye and Brie Larson as Captain Marvel, neither of whom were in Infinity War.

Avengers: Infinity War is out now.