Benedict Cumberbatch’s reported role in Avengers: Doomsday is nothing like what fans expected. A new rumor reveals surprising details about the actor’s character in the upcoming Marvel crossover film.
Benedict Cumberbatch rumored to play Doctor Doom’s sidekick
Benedict Cumberbatch will reportedly portray Boris, Doctor Doom’s sidekick, in Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday, according to scooper MyTimeToShineHello on X.
The character will allegedly wield a sling ring and appear as a wizard alongside Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom. This report marks a shift from earlier expectations about Cumberbatch’s involvement in the film.
Marvel previously confirmed Cumberbatch’s participation in Doomsday without specifying his role. The actor himself acknowledged his return in January 2025 after initially suggesting Doctor Strange would not appear. He told Business Insider he was wrong about the character’s absence and added, “Don’t ever believe anything I say.” His comments fueled speculation about the nature of his involvement.
The Boris character holds significance in Marvel Comics as a loyal servant to the Doom family in Latveria. He traditionally serves as a caretaker and advisor to Victor von Doom rather than a superpowered ally. The reported addition of sling ring abilities and wizard elements would represent a notable departure from the source material.
Cumberbatch joins an extensive ensemble cast that Marvel officially announced in March 2025. The film brings together heroes from three different universes to face Doctor Doom. The Avengers, Wakandans, and New Avengers hail from Earth-616, while the Fantastic Four come from Earth-828. The X-Men arrive from a separate, unnamed universe. Directors Anthony and Joe Russo are helming the project alongside writers Michael Waldron and Stephen McFeely.
Avengers: Doomsday completed principal photography in September 2025 at Pinewood Studios in England. Additional filming locations included Bahrain and Windsor Great Park.
The film is scheduled to release in the United States on December 18, 2026, as part of Phase Six of the MCU.
