Marvel Replaces Scarlett Johansson in New Series, Benedict Cumberbatch Will Return - Inside the Magic

Per recent reports about Marvel’s upcoming series What If…?, which is set to debut on the Disney+ streaming platform on August 11, Doctor Strange actor Benedict Cumberbatch had been recast by an unknown new cast member.

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However, it appears that Cumberbatch will be reprising his role in the new animated series. Per CBS-owned ComicBook.com:

…it was confirmed today that Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow [Natasha Romanoff]) is also not involved with the series and that Tom Holland won’t be voicing zombie hunter Spider-Man. However, there are plenty of names to be excited about, including Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange) and Don Cheadle (War Machine [James Rhodes/Rhodey]).

Fans will be especially excited to see Cumberbatch on the line-up considering it was already revealed that Marvel’s What If… would feature an episode about “dark” Doctor Strange.

Related: Florence Pugh Not Following Scarlett Johansson, Confirms Immediate MCU Return

It is also worth noting that Robert Downey, Jr. (Tony Stark/Iron Man), Elizabeth Olsen (Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch), and Tom Holland (Peter Parker/Spider-Man) are not included in the What If…? line-up. The full cast list has been revealed on IMDb.

It is unsurprising that Downey, Jr. and Johansson are not returning to voice their Marvel Cinematic Universe characters in this animated endeavor. RDJ previously confirmed his MCU exit, saying he had “done all I could” with Iron Man.

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Johansson, for her part, recently filed a $50 million lawsuit against The Walt Disney Company, citing breach of contract for the release of her standalone film Black Widow (2021), which simultaneously hit theaters and Disney+ Premier Access on July 9, 2021.

The return of Cumberbatch as Dr. Stephen Strange, though — who will appear in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) with Olsen next year — is, as ComicBook noted, thrilling for fans. Rachel McAdams, who played Dr. Christine Palmer in Doctor Strange (2016),  is also on the cast list, so she is likely to appear in the Doctor Strange-centric episode as well.

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The Marvel series will also feature the voice talents of many other live-action MCU Avengers franchise stars, including Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner/the Hulk), Josh Brolin (Thanos), Hayley Atwell (Peggy Carter), Paul Rudd (Scott Lang/Ant-Man), Natalie Portman (Jane Foster), Michael Douglas (Dr. Hank Pym), Michael B. Jordan (Erik “Killmonger” Stevens), Jeremy Renner (Clint Barton/Hawkeye), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier), and late actor Chadwick Boseman (T’Challa/Black Panther).

Related: Marvel Pres. Kevin Feige Reportedly Livid, “Embarrassed” About ‘Black Widow’

The official description of Marvel’s What If…? reads:

What If…? flips the script on the MCU, reimagining famous events from the films in unexpected ways. Coming to Disney+ in Summer 2021, Marvel Studios’ first animated series focuses on different heroes from the MCU, featuring a voice cast that includes a host of stars who reprise their roles. The series is directed by Bryan Andrews; Ashley Bradley is head writer.

What do you think about this new information that Benedict Cumberbatch actually will reprise his role as Doctor Strange in What If…??