Benedict Cumberbatch fans are currently gearing up for his Marvel debut Doctor Strange, which arrives next month in the UK. Ahead of that, the actor himself has confirmed what had already been heavily rumoured – that his character, Sorcerer Supreme Stephen Strange, would appear in the next Avengers movie.

When asked by Empire Magazine (via Express) what can we expect in the future for the magical doctor, Cumberbatch replied that his next battle would be the “logistical challenge of aligning his schedule with those of Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany”.

The only film on Marvel’s slate that include those actors – who play Iron Man, Thor, Scarlet Witch and Vision, respectively – is the next Avengers movie, Avengers: Infinity War. 

“To get us all together will be quite something,” continued Cumberbatch. “That’s why this character is being introduced, to open up the next chapter. So watch this space to see how that unfolds.”

Sherlock Holmes fans, in particular, should get a thrill from this team-up – as it will mean that two incarnations of the Great Detective get to meet. Meanwhile, it shouldn’t be forgotten that Benedict’s Sherlock co-star Martin Freeman is also floating around somewhere in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and so could well pop up in Infinity War, as well.

Doctor Strange arrives October 25th in the UK and November 4th in the US. Avengers: Infinity War is scheduled to land in cinemas on April 25th 2018.