Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe can expect tons of actors who were previously in Marvel movies (Fox, Sony, or other) to appear in the upcoming Avengers movies (Doomsday and Secret Wars). We’re closing in on a year before the project is released in December 2026, but that still leaves plenty of time for new characters to be added to the script, especially with this being the most important MCU project since Avengers: Endgame.
We know that 25+ Marvel stars will appear in Avengers: Doomsday thanks to the confirmed cast list announced during that famous five-hour livestream back in March, but there are also expected to be major surprises - perhaps even from characters we were initially expecting to appear in the film.
Among the people who are rumored to return is the strongest Avenger, and I don’t mean the Hulk. I’m talking about Carol Danvers herself, Captain Marvel, played by the great Brie Larson.
Captain Marvel rumored to return to the MCU despite sequel cancellation
During their most recent Q&A (via The Cosmic Circus), insider Alex Perez was asked: “Will Captain Marvel have a major role in the upcoming Avengers films?” Perez simply replied, “To my understanding, yes.”He was then asked if Carol Danvers would be recast after The Marvels’ unfortunate flop. They responded, “That’s not something I see happening to Carol.” Both are good things to hear.
First, it should be noted that nothing is set in stone. Everything said by Alex Perez could change or be wrong. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t be an Avengers movie without Captain Marvel. Sure, Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, and Thor are the core of the team, but Carol Danvers is the character they need more than anyone. She isn’t just the most intimidating, she’s the best leader they have now that Steve Rogers has retired. That being said, bringing her back could be for more than just her being a hero. She could be used as a way to show Doctor Doom’s power.
In wrestling and in comics, a strong character is defeated to make the other look good. When it happens properly, you get unforgettable moments like Andre the Giant being body-slammed (WrestleMania 3), or Doctor Doom ripping Thanos’ skeleton from his body (2015's Secret Wars No. 8). Now, we won’t get something as brutal as the latter, but Captain Marvel could be used as a means of showcasing just how unstoppable Doctor Doom is.
Let me be clear, I’m not saying Carol will get dominated like Thanos dominated the Hulk in Avengers: Infinity War. However, there should be a moment when Captain Marvel and Doom fight. Even if Carol is winning, Victor holding his own and winning in the end is a major victory. Carol restarted a dying star on her own in The Marvels. Anything Victor does to survive a battle with her is a victory, even if it’s just containment or banishment.
Irrespective of how Captain Marvel's return might go down, the fact that she's expected to play a major role in both films would be a huge vote of confidence in the character after previous rumors suggested that Marvel Studios might move away from the character.
A major aspect of the MCU leading up to and after Endgame, Carol Danvers returned for a sequel to her billion-dollar phenomenon Captain Marvel in 2023's The Marvels, which notoriously flopped at the box office. Multiple reports claimed that a planned third Captain Marvel movie had been cancelled by Marvel, with the MCU character's fate somewhat uncertain after that. This would suggest otherwise - and that's a good thing!
For now, all of this is just speculation, but Brie Larson returning for this seems right. If this is the start of an MCU reboot, she must be involved to close the chapter. Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow to find out how this goes.
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