User blog comment:MrBlonde267/Doctor Strange Movie Begins Production/@comment-1895174-20151125232503

Smart to introduce the new characters now so the audience doesn't treat the Infinity War movies and the retiring of certain characters as an endpoint for the megafranchise that is the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Weaving the beginning of one generation of heroes into the end of another.

Although not mentioned in the press release, don't forget that Amy Landecker and Scott Adkins (the infamous Barakapool), both in unannounced roles. Interesting that the press release didn't reveal any of the actors' roles.