Seen only in the first act of Avengers: Infinity War, during the attack on the Sanctum Sanctorum, Stephen Strange's friend and ally Wong was left out of the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe film's action following the kidnapping of Doctor Strange by the Black Order. While Wong's sudden departure from Infinity War's proceedings in the face of universe-threatening danger has spawned its own wave of memes, it does set up the MCU character to play a much more pivotal role in Avengers: Endgame.

Though Wong's status following Thanos' use of the Infinity Gauntlet to wipe out half of all life in the universe is unknown, actor Benedict Wong has confirmed the character will return in some capacity for Endgame, suggesting he didn't meet his untimely end due to Thanos' Decimation snap. The Sorcerer is one of the foremost magic users on Earth, especially with Strange and the Ancient One now both dead.

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It was Wong that oversaw the mystical library in Kamar-Taj and educated Strange on the nature of the Time Stone housed within the Eye of Agamotto, a lesson that was expanded upon off-screen in the tie-in comic book Avengers: Infinity War Prelude by Will Corona Pilgrim and Jorge Fornes. The comic, taking place between the events of 2016's Doctor Strange and Infinity War, saw Wong teach Strange, who was then still adjusting to his new role as the Sorcerer Supreme, filling in the new hero about the Infinity Stones and the destructive potential they carry. This revealed Wong to be the most knowledgable person about the Stones on Earth, an important designation as the Avengers regroup following their defeat at Thanos' hands.

As the surviving heroes are sure to attempt to use the Infinity Stones to undo the effects of the Mad Titan's snap, they will need to someone to teach them about each of the Stones, and Wong is the leading candidate. More than a bookworm, Wong has also proven himself a formidable warrior in his own right, helping Iron Man and Spider-Man subdue Cull Obsidian during their initial fight in New York City. With Doctor Strange perhaps putting up the strongest fight against Thanos with his extensive magical knowledge on Titan, Wong will need to step up to take his place.

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With Strange evidently dead and gone, Wong's responsibility to defend the Sanctum Sanctorum was not an unreasonable one, especially with Baron Mordo somewhere out in the MCU, plotting his own scheme to eradicate the world of sorcerers. However, a greater responsibility has arisen following the Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy's defeat, and the surviving heroes need someone to help them change history.

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More than just the keeper of the Eye of Agamotto and the Time Stone, Wong has demonstrated an extensive knowledge of the mysterious Soul Stone, exhibiting more knowledge of the gem's abilities than any other character except, perhaps, the Red Skull. With the true nature of the Soul Stone still a mystery to audiences, thanks to Wong's previous hint that it is the most dangerously powerful Stone of them all, it's sure to play a major role in Endgame and may inform Wong's inevitable return.

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What has been jokingly described by some fans as an act of cowardice, Wong's refusal to become involved in the wider events of Infinity War may end up being a blessing in disguise. Earth has suddenly found itself in need of a new Sorcerer Supreme following Stephen Strange's death at Thanos' gauntlet, and there is no one better for the role than Wong -- at least until Strange's inevitable return as the Avengers' last ditch mission to undo the Mad Titan's genocidal actions ultimately prove successful.

Perhaps the most well-trained sorcerer on Earth, and certainly the most knowledgable about the Infinity Stones, Wong will likely help Earth's Mightiest Heroes pick up the pieces and provide them with the necessary background to recover the Infinity Stones for themselves and how to properly use them to bring back their fallen comrades along with half of all life in the universe. Though, as Wong once warned Strange years ago when he began his studies, all magic comes at a steep cost. Altering history with the Infinity Gauntlet will be no different, and if there's anyone able to reframe the stakes for the surviving heroes, it will be Wong himself.

Avengers: Endgame will arrive on April 26. Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, the film stars Robert Downey Jr., Josh Brolin, Mark Ruffalo, Tom Hiddleston, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Olsen, Chadwick Boseman, Sebastian Stan, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Bettany, Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smulders, Benedict Wong, Zoe Saldana, Karen Gillan, Vin Diesel, Dave Bautista, Pom Klementieff, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Holland and Anthony Mackie.