A huge MCU star will reportedly return in Deadpool and Wolverine

It's been an interesting year for cinema. We've had unexpected phenomenons with Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, predictable underperformers like Madame Web, and triumphant returns for the Dune and Inside Out franchises. Even so, it feels like the cinematic centerpiece of the year will be this summer's Deadpool and Wolverine.

It's been over six months since Marvel Studios' previous movie and with both the quiet period for the MCU franchise and the quiet year in general for superhero movies, it's safe to say that there is excitement for the Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman-led flick. But even without those aforementioned circumstances, this is shaping up to be the one to beat this year, with returns, cameos and laughs all expected to see this one sail off into the $1 billion territory.

Speaking of cameos, there are countless rumored for the Marvel Cinematic Universe film, including some familiar faces from the MCU. One rumored return, however, has caught some fans off-guard.

Doctor Strange rumored to appear in Deadpool and Wolverine

According to a new rumor, Benedict Cumberbatch will reprise his role as Doctor Strange in Deadpool and Wolverine. There is no information as to why or how he could appear in the film, but the report (which comes from Marvel scooper ScoopsRus) suggests we should prepare to see the former Sorcerer Supreme on our screens again this summer, and it has already picked up quite a bit of momentum as a result.

The rumor itself might raise some eyebrows but it's also not that surprising when you think about it. Not only is Doctor Strange more familiar with the multiverse than any other hero in the MCU (he literally appeared in the two most pivotal multiversal movies in the Multiverse Saga), the trailer for Deadpool 3 showcased the titular pair jumping into one of Stephen Strange's signature portals (which fans theorizing that they might enter the iconic battle scene in Avengers: Endgame).

Cumberbatch is one of the MCU's most familiar faces, as Doctor Strange has become one of the franchise's biggest heroes. He made his first appearance as the character in 2016's Doctor Strange, before going on to appear in Thor: Ragnarok, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (as well as animated series What If...?).

We last saw Strange in Multiverse of Madness when he developed a third eye after battling his alternate self on another earth. It was a shocking moment that also included the arrival of Clea (played by Charlize Theron), who revealed that he was needed to fix an incursion that he seemingly caused. That will undoubtedly influence the events of Doctor Strange 3, but will that be the next time we see him?

The truth is that there is a solid possibility that the rumors of a Doctor Strange appearance in Deadpool and Wolverine could be true. Like we said, there are few characters with more knowledge of the multiverse than him, and with his dimension-hopping portals making an appearance in the movie, it wouldn't be outside the realm of possibility for him to be on the other end of it, especially if the film ends up revisiting a number of major MCU moments like the rumors suggest it will.

If Strange does appear, he won't be the only Avenger to do so, as it has been confirmed that Chris Hemsworth's Thor will make a cameo appearance (albeit via archive footage from Thor: The Dark World). And the simple fact is that anything can happen in the Multiverse Saga as the possibilities are quite literally endless.

Remember, it's important to take Marvel rumors with a grain of salt (especially when it comes to this movie), so best to keep your expectations low. That said, maybe just keep the idea of a Doctor Strange cameo in the back of your head, because you never know who could end up making their presence felt in Deadpool and Wolverine.