Marvel stunned superhero fans with the initial cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday, but the real surprise came from the big names left off the list. Spider-Man, portrayed by Tom Holland, and Captain Marvel, played by Brie Larson, were notably absent from the announcement, sparking widespread speculation among followers of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Slated for release on May 1, 2026, the film is poised to be a defining moment for the Avengers franchise, yet these omissions have left audiences questioning the fate of some of their favorite heroes.
To soften the blow, the studio confirmed the return of the original X-Men cast, tapping into fans’ nostalgia for the mutant saga. However, iconic mutants like Wolverine, brought to life by Hugh Jackman, Storm, famously portrayed by Halle Berry, and Jean Grey, embodied by Famke Janssen, didn’t make the cut for the reveal. With production already underway, Avengers: Doomsday seems to blend familiar faces with fresh talent, but the exclusion of these beloved mutants has left a noticeable gap in the lineup, fueling curiosity about Marvel’s plans.
Veteran Avengers also took a hit in the announcement. Hulk, played by Mark Ruffalo, and Hawkeye, portrayed by Jeremy Renner, were missing from the disclosed cast, raising eyebrows among longtime MCU viewers. These foundational characters, integral to the franchise’s early success, might signal a shift in storytelling or a deliberate choice to keep major reveals under wraps. As the team prepares to face Victor Von Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr., the absence of such heavy hitters adds an extra layer of intrigue to the project.
Young heroes sidelined
The lack of younger heroes stood out sharply in the reveal. Kate Bishop, the skilled archer played by Hailee Steinfeld from the Hawkeye series, wasn’t mentioned for Avengers: Doomsday. Her mentor, She-Hulk, portrayed by Tatiana Maslany, also failed to appear on the list, alongside other rising stars. Ms. Marvel, brought to life by Iman Vellani, America Chavez, played by Xochitl Gomez, and Ironheart, portrayed by Dominique Thorne, represent a new wave of heroes whose absence has fans wondering about their role in this massive crossover.
This generational gap hints at a possible creative pivot. Following their introductions in recent projects like WandaVision and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, many expected these younger characters to shine in a film of this scale. Wiccan, played by Joe Locke and featured in Agatha All Along, also didn’t make the announcement, deepening the sense that Marvel might be holding back key details for a later surprise.

Powerhouses left unconfirmed
Some of the MCU’s most formidable heroes were also conspicuously absent. Doctor Strange, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch, and Scarlet Witch, played by Elizabeth Olsen, didn’t appear in the cast list, a surprising move after their pivotal roles in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Captain Marvel, one of the franchise’s strongest characters, joined them on the sidelines, leaving fans puzzled about how the Avengers will tackle a threat as daunting as Victor Von Doom without these powerhouses.
Moon Knight, played by Oscar Isaac, and Star-Lord, portrayed by Chris Pratt, round out the notable exclusions. The former brought a fresh dynamic to the MCU with his solo series, while the Guardians of the Galaxy leader has been a cosmic cornerstone. Their absence from the Avengers: Doomsday announcement has sparked theories about potential cameos or a calculated buildup to future reveals at events like San Diego Comic-Con or D23.
What the absences might mean
Marvel’s track record suggests this silence could be strategic. The studio has a history of concealing key players until the last moment, as seen with Valkyrie, played by Tessa Thompson, in Avengers: Endgame. The current absence of Spider-Man and Hulk might simply be a tactic to heighten suspense leading up to 2026. With Robert Downey Jr.’s casting as Victor Von Doom already shaking up expectations, additional surprises in the roster could keep anticipation soaring.
Another angle points to the film’s narrative focus. Victor Von Doom’s introduction ties closely to the Fantastic Four, set to debut in their own MCU film in July 2025, which might explain the sidelining of characters like Captain Marvel and Doctor Strange, whose recent arcs explored other corners of the multiverse. Still, their exclusion doesn’t rule out smaller roles or unexpected tie-ins as the multiverse saga unfolds.
- Possible reasons for the absences:
- Keeping surprises for later announcements.
- Emphasis on Fantastic Four and X-Men connections.
- A streamlined Avengers roster for a new era.
Timeline of Marvel’s reveals
Production for Avengers: Doomsday has officially kicked off, with the cast reveal tied to a broader update on upcoming MCU projects. Positioned as a major crossover following Avengers: Endgame and Avengers: Age of Ultron, the film is scheduled to hit theaters on May 1, 2026. Before that, Fantastic Four arrives in July 2025, potentially setting the stage for Von Doom’s clash with the Avengers.
Recent years have seen Marvel tweak its slate due to writers’ and actors’ strikes, alongside creative reshuffles. Films like Thunderbolts, due in May 2025, and Blade, still without a firm release date, highlight the studio’s expanding scope, but Avengers: Doomsday stands as the centerpiece of this phase. The missing heroes might reflect a deliberate buildup across these releases, weaving a larger tapestry leading to 2026.
Mutants and the MCU’s next steps
The return of the original X-Men cast marks a high point in the Avengers: Doomsday reveal, yet the omission of Wolverine, Storm, and Jean Grey has reignited debates about mutants in the MCU. Since Disney acquired Fox in 2019, fans have eagerly awaited their full integration. Bringing back familiar faces from the 2000s films nods to that legacy, but the absence of these marquee mutants suggests Marvel might be pacing their rollout.
Deadpool, played by Ryan Reynolds, already crossed into the MCU with Deadpool & Wolverine in 2024, proving mutants are gaining ground. Wolverine’s exclusion from Doomsday could mean Hugh Jackman’s next appearance is being saved for a different role or a future event like Avengers: Secret Wars, the announced follow-up to this chapter.
Fan reactions and expectations
The missing names in Avengers: Doomsday have set social media and fan forums abuzz. Spider-Man enthusiasts mourn Tom Holland’s potential absence, especially after Spider-Man: No Way Home raked in over 1.9 billion dollars globally. Captain Marvel and Scarlet Witch fans, meanwhile, argue their power is indispensable against a multiversal threat like Von Doom, amplifying calls for clarity.
Speculation also touches on a leaner cast for narrative depth. Avengers: Endgame juggled dozens of characters, a feat that thrilled audiences but strained some storylines. Skipping Hulk and Hawkeye might aim to sharpen focus, though fans remain hungry for official word on their favorites.
- Most-demanded heroes by fans:
- Spider-Man (Tom Holland).
- Captain Marvel (Brie Larson).
- Wolverine (Hugh Jackman).
- Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen).
Uncertain paths to 2026
With Avengers: Doomsday in production, Marvel has room to refine its lineup and address fan anticipation. Robert Downey Jr.’s return as Victor Von Doom already delivers a seismic hook, but the missing heroes keep the mystery alive. Bringing back the X-Men cast while skipping Wolverine and Storm underscores the studio’s knack for playing with expectations, a hallmark of its success.
The year ahead will offer clues through releases like Fantastic Four and Thunderbolts, potentially shedding light on Doctor Strange or Star-Lord’s whereabouts. For now, the absence of Kate Bishop, Ms. Marvel, and others hints at a reimagined Avengers core, paving the way for a bold new chapter.
The countdown to May 1, 2026, is on, and every Marvel update will be scrutinized. Today’s absences could become tomorrow’s reveals, keeping the MCU as unpredictable and captivating as ever.

Marvel stunned superhero fans with the initial cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday, but the real surprise came from the big names left off the list. Spider-Man, portrayed by Tom Holland, and Captain Marvel, played by Brie Larson, were notably absent from the announcement, sparking widespread speculation among followers of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Slated for release on May 1, 2026, the film is poised to be a defining moment for the Avengers franchise, yet these omissions have left audiences questioning the fate of some of their favorite heroes.
To soften the blow, the studio confirmed the return of the original X-Men cast, tapping into fans’ nostalgia for the mutant saga. However, iconic mutants like Wolverine, brought to life by Hugh Jackman, Storm, famously portrayed by Halle Berry, and Jean Grey, embodied by Famke Janssen, didn’t make the cut for the reveal. With production already underway, Avengers: Doomsday seems to blend familiar faces with fresh talent, but the exclusion of these beloved mutants has left a noticeable gap in the lineup, fueling curiosity about Marvel’s plans.
Veteran Avengers also took a hit in the announcement. Hulk, played by Mark Ruffalo, and Hawkeye, portrayed by Jeremy Renner, were missing from the disclosed cast, raising eyebrows among longtime MCU viewers. These foundational characters, integral to the franchise’s early success, might signal a shift in storytelling or a deliberate choice to keep major reveals under wraps. As the team prepares to face Victor Von Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr., the absence of such heavy hitters adds an extra layer of intrigue to the project.
Young heroes sidelined
The lack of younger heroes stood out sharply in the reveal. Kate Bishop, the skilled archer played by Hailee Steinfeld from the Hawkeye series, wasn’t mentioned for Avengers: Doomsday. Her mentor, She-Hulk, portrayed by Tatiana Maslany, also failed to appear on the list, alongside other rising stars. Ms. Marvel, brought to life by Iman Vellani, America Chavez, played by Xochitl Gomez, and Ironheart, portrayed by Dominique Thorne, represent a new wave of heroes whose absence has fans wondering about their role in this massive crossover.
This generational gap hints at a possible creative pivot. Following their introductions in recent projects like WandaVision and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, many expected these younger characters to shine in a film of this scale. Wiccan, played by Joe Locke and featured in Agatha All Along, also didn’t make the announcement, deepening the sense that Marvel might be holding back key details for a later surprise.

Powerhouses left unconfirmed
Some of the MCU’s most formidable heroes were also conspicuously absent. Doctor Strange, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch, and Scarlet Witch, played by Elizabeth Olsen, didn’t appear in the cast list, a surprising move after their pivotal roles in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Captain Marvel, one of the franchise’s strongest characters, joined them on the sidelines, leaving fans puzzled about how the Avengers will tackle a threat as daunting as Victor Von Doom without these powerhouses.
Moon Knight, played by Oscar Isaac, and Star-Lord, portrayed by Chris Pratt, round out the notable exclusions. The former brought a fresh dynamic to the MCU with his solo series, while the Guardians of the Galaxy leader has been a cosmic cornerstone. Their absence from the Avengers: Doomsday announcement has sparked theories about potential cameos or a calculated buildup to future reveals at events like San Diego Comic-Con or D23.
What the absences might mean
Marvel’s track record suggests this silence could be strategic. The studio has a history of concealing key players until the last moment, as seen with Valkyrie, played by Tessa Thompson, in Avengers: Endgame. The current absence of Spider-Man and Hulk might simply be a tactic to heighten suspense leading up to 2026. With Robert Downey Jr.’s casting as Victor Von Doom already shaking up expectations, additional surprises in the roster could keep anticipation soaring.
Another angle points to the film’s narrative focus. Victor Von Doom’s introduction ties closely to the Fantastic Four, set to debut in their own MCU film in July 2025, which might explain the sidelining of characters like Captain Marvel and Doctor Strange, whose recent arcs explored other corners of the multiverse. Still, their exclusion doesn’t rule out smaller roles or unexpected tie-ins as the multiverse saga unfolds.
- Possible reasons for the absences:
- Keeping surprises for later announcements.
- Emphasis on Fantastic Four and X-Men connections.
- A streamlined Avengers roster for a new era.
Timeline of Marvel’s reveals
Production for Avengers: Doomsday has officially kicked off, with the cast reveal tied to a broader update on upcoming MCU projects. Positioned as a major crossover following Avengers: Endgame and Avengers: Age of Ultron, the film is scheduled to hit theaters on May 1, 2026. Before that, Fantastic Four arrives in July 2025, potentially setting the stage for Von Doom’s clash with the Avengers.
Recent years have seen Marvel tweak its slate due to writers’ and actors’ strikes, alongside creative reshuffles. Films like Thunderbolts, due in May 2025, and Blade, still without a firm release date, highlight the studio’s expanding scope, but Avengers: Doomsday stands as the centerpiece of this phase. The missing heroes might reflect a deliberate buildup across these releases, weaving a larger tapestry leading to 2026.
Mutants and the MCU’s next steps
The return of the original X-Men cast marks a high point in the Avengers: Doomsday reveal, yet the omission of Wolverine, Storm, and Jean Grey has reignited debates about mutants in the MCU. Since Disney acquired Fox in 2019, fans have eagerly awaited their full integration. Bringing back familiar faces from the 2000s films nods to that legacy, but the absence of these marquee mutants suggests Marvel might be pacing their rollout.
Deadpool, played by Ryan Reynolds, already crossed into the MCU with Deadpool & Wolverine in 2024, proving mutants are gaining ground. Wolverine’s exclusion from Doomsday could mean Hugh Jackman’s next appearance is being saved for a different role or a future event like Avengers: Secret Wars, the announced follow-up to this chapter.
Fan reactions and expectations
The missing names in Avengers: Doomsday have set social media and fan forums abuzz. Spider-Man enthusiasts mourn Tom Holland’s potential absence, especially after Spider-Man: No Way Home raked in over 1.9 billion dollars globally. Captain Marvel and Scarlet Witch fans, meanwhile, argue their power is indispensable against a multiversal threat like Von Doom, amplifying calls for clarity.
Speculation also touches on a leaner cast for narrative depth. Avengers: Endgame juggled dozens of characters, a feat that thrilled audiences but strained some storylines. Skipping Hulk and Hawkeye might aim to sharpen focus, though fans remain hungry for official word on their favorites.
- Most-demanded heroes by fans:
- Spider-Man (Tom Holland).
- Captain Marvel (Brie Larson).
- Wolverine (Hugh Jackman).
- Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen).
Uncertain paths to 2026
With Avengers: Doomsday in production, Marvel has room to refine its lineup and address fan anticipation. Robert Downey Jr.’s return as Victor Von Doom already delivers a seismic hook, but the missing heroes keep the mystery alive. Bringing back the X-Men cast while skipping Wolverine and Storm underscores the studio’s knack for playing with expectations, a hallmark of its success.
The year ahead will offer clues through releases like Fantastic Four and Thunderbolts, potentially shedding light on Doctor Strange or Star-Lord’s whereabouts. For now, the absence of Kate Bishop, Ms. Marvel, and others hints at a reimagined Avengers core, paving the way for a bold new chapter.
The countdown to May 1, 2026, is on, and every Marvel update will be scrutinized. Today’s absences could become tomorrow’s reveals, keeping the MCU as unpredictable and captivating as ever.
