Let’s call it like it is. The announcement for the cast and characters in Avengers: Doomsday was the biggest comic book news of the year. Marvel Studios spent five-plus hours showing us set chairs and millions of peope tuned in on the internet - that's something else. Thankfully, it was worth it because 27 incredible actors were announced for the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe film, including some major surprises (tap here for the entire list). However, a lot of people were left off the list.
Among the surprising omissions were the likes of Death (played by Aubrey Plaza), Norman Osborn (Willem Dafoe), or anyone from the TVA other than Loki. The good news is that this list of 27 names is probably the first of the many casting announcements to be released. We also have to remember that some names will be redacted to add a surprise for viewers when they see Avengers: Doomsday. And if this is like Avengers: Infinity War, this could only be part one, leaving more to be revealed later.
With all of that in mind, let's take a look at some of the most surprising omissions from that announcement that will still likely be in the next Avengers movie or the one after (2027's Avengers: Secret Wars).
Writer's note: The characters in this list aren't ranked or put in any specific order.
27. Okoye (Danai Gurira)
Okoye is one of the greatest fighters on the planet, and one of the most badass in the enture MCU. She’s also part of the reason the Black Panther franchise was so good. She’s hilarious, and Danai Gurira is phenomenal in the role. If she isn’t in Avengers: Doomsday, it will be a tragedy. She’s simply too good to be left out.
The character's once-planned Disney Plus spinoff series is no longer happening, so it's more important than ever that we see her again in the near-future. These Avengers movies need to be that place.
26. Spider-Man (Tom Holland, Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield)
There’s no way we won’t see at least one Spider-Man in Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars. Tom Holland is too beloved, and he shouldn’t miss an opportunity to see his former mentor as an evil despot. The Russo Brothers know that Peter Parker seeing an evil “Mr. Stark” would become a classic and emotional moment. With that in mind, not seeing Tom Holland's name on the list of actors confirmed for Doomsday was surprising to say the least.
As for Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, if we’re going to see 20th Century Fox's X-Men characters, there’s no reason for Sony's Spider-Men not to appear - especially since they already did in Spider-Man: No Way Home.
25. Daredevil (Charlie Cox)
Charlie Cox’s Daredevil is on the list of popular characters that may not make it. Being one of the MCU's most grounded heroes (which you can see him as in Daredevil: Born Again), he doesn't have the same level of power as many of the others on this list. He also hasn't interacted with The Avengers before, so that might make a sudden crossover difficult.
Nevertheless, a brief appearance of The Devil of Hell's Kitchen saving people in New York would be well worth it - a full circle moment in officially welcoming the former Netflix hero into the MCU.
24. Wolverine (Hugh Jackman)
Hugh Jackman was perhaps the most shocking omission. How was Hugh Jackman's name not on one of those chairs? After his triumphant return to the role of Wolverine in Deadpool and Wolverine, it wouldn't make sense not to feature him in some capacity.
Regardless of the reasons, Deadpool said it best: He’ll be Logan until he’s 90. Sure, it’s sarcasm, but there was truth in Wade’s jest. We haven't seen the last of him.
23. Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds)
We might as well say this is a given. The moment in Deadpool and Wolverine with Thor should be enough to confirm that Wade Wilson in the plans of Marvel Studios. Look for him to be part of a mid/end-credit scene to announce Avengers: Secret Wars.
We might finally know why Thor was crying!
22. Cable or Thanos (Josh Brolin)
Yes, Thanos is dead, and Josh Brolin’s Cable hasn’t been seen in years. Now, let this writer ask you a question. Does any of that matter more than people’s love for Josh Brolin’s characters? I’ll answer: It doesn’t.
There are dozens of explanations as to why Thanos or Cable pops up, and one of them will likely be used.
21. Colossus (Stefan Kapičić)
Colossus is another mutant that could add something great to Avengers: Doomsday. He’s a recognized face from a popular franchise that can crush Doombots (or will they be Starkbots?). He’s also not someone who needs a big introduction before the movie. People will just be happy to see him.
Given that the Avengers: Doomsday cast was in its X-Men era for a stretch there in the middle, we were hoping to see his name. It still might come in the finished product, and we hope that it does!
20. Quicksilver (Evan Peters)
Even Peters’ Quicksilver is one of the few things people still talk about regarding the final few X-Men movies. His slowed-down scenes added an amazing and sometimes funny look into his powers. Imagine how good it will be if we get one of those in the MCU?
The Multiverse Saga started with a tease of the Fox Quicksilver in WandaVision. Now it's time to give us the real thing!
19. The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo)
You can’t have an Avengers movie without the Hulk. It just seems wrong. People may have issues with Smart Hulk, but that’s an easy fix. Get Bruce Angry enough, the Rage Hulk will come out. This would be a scene that would make fans jump for joy.
It's time for the MCU to redeem the Hulk and showcase him in his greenest, angriest glory. A battle to save the Multiverse might be the perfect opportunity.
18. She-Hulk (Tatiana Maslany)
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law was a good show, and Tatiana Maslany was incredible in the role. Those are two hills I’m willing to die on. She added something new to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (what fans asked for, then complained about). Putting her in an Avengers movie alongside the various characters would be great, especially when she and Deadpool battle over the superior fourth-wall break.
Recent rumors suggest Maslany will be filming scenes for the movie, so here's hoping that she's one of the surprise additions to the film.
17. Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Stephen Strange)
The former Sorcerer Supreme was last seen leaving his universe with Clea (played by Charlize Theron, who should also appear in the future) at the end of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. We don’t know what he was doing, but it’s an easy guess that it has something to do with Robert Downey Jr.’s Doom. If Doctor Strange isn't in Avengers: Doomsday, he's probably going to be part of the setup.
What's most confusing about Benedict Cumberbatch's apparent omission is that he actually confirmed he would be in the film (after accidentally saying that he wouldn't be as he's set to play a big role in Avengers: Secret Wars). Does this mean he'll be saved for the post-credits scenes?
16. Elizabeth Olson (Scarlet Witch)
Marvel Comics seemingly brought the MCU’s Scarlet Witch back in the TVA comic book (written by Loki writer, Katharyn Blair). Add that to Elizabeth Olsen’s recent denial about appearing in the two Avengers movies sounding more like confirmation, and we can assume she’ll return at some point through the MCU double-header.
If that isn’t reason enough, we need to see Wanda vs. Doom in a battle of magic. The Scarlet Witch is ready to redeem herself and helping save the MCU from a threat the scale of Doom is the perfect opportunity.
15. Hunter B-15 (Wunmi Mosaku)
If the multiverse is involved then the Time Variance Authority likely won't be far behind. Since B-15 is running things at the TVA, she will send people to stop whatever’s going on. It’ll be interesting to see if the TVA is aware of how powerful Doctor Doom is and if they have a plan in place to stop him.
Unfortunately, Doctor Doom isn't someone who can be planned for.
14. The Eternals
Other than the Celestial on Earth, there hasn’t been much mention of anything regarding the Eternals. Until Captain America: Brave New World that wasn't even really addressed. Given the 2021 movie’s criticism, that isn’t shocking.
However, there’s room for the Eternals to appear in some capacity, or get some type of reference at the very least. That said, it wouldn’t be surprising if they remained gone.
13. Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper)
The cursing, adorable, and aggressive Rocket Raccoon upped his popularity after people saw his origin story in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. With his team still guarding the galaxy and the universe in trouble, the heroes on Earth could call to him for help. He’s one of the few people whose genius rivals Doctor Doom's. But what if he’s working with Doom? They share a love for science and bonded during an issue of Marvel Comics. Could that bond extend to the silver screen?
The idea of none of the Guardians appearing in Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars would be saddening. Here's hoping that is not the case.
12. Laura (Dafne Keen)
I’ve repeatedly said this, but the MCU’s Wolverine going forward should be Dafne Keen’s Laura Kinney. She has proven to be popular and plays the role well. Plus, she’s in her early twenties, meaning she could be Wolverine for decades.
Dafne Keen reprised the role from 2017's Logan in Deadpool and Wolverine, meanign that there is now a version of her in the MCU's Multiverse. Now is the time to bring her back.
11. Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner)
Jeremy Renner is one of the MCU's longest-standing actors. The Hawkeye star made his MCU debut in 2011's Thor and he has been one of the most pivotal parts of the franchise since, becoming one of the six original Avengers. Although he seemingly retired at the end of Disney Plus' Hawkeye, there's nothing like a multiversal disaster to bring him out of retirement.
If Renner isn't in Avengers: Doomsday, it wouldn't be the first Avengers movie he misses (he was absent in Avengers: Infinity War) but it wouldn't feel right to have an Avengers film without one of the original six when there are already so few of them left.
10. Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld)
There’s no doubt that Hailee Steinfeld is a star. She was one long before she joined the MCU. Her popularity alone is enough to bring her into Avengers: Doomsday. But, when Clint Barton dies (or retires for good this time), she will become the only Hawkeye. It's a smart way to bring her into the universe as one of the main characters.
We know Kate is set to have a prominent role as one of the Young Avengers, but is Avengers: Doomsday the time for her to start that journey as one of the main Avengers? The multiverse might need that to happen.
9. Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris)
The last time Monica Rambeau was seen was in The Marvel where she was trapped in an alternate universe being taken care of by Hank McCoy (Beast), who was voiced by Kelsey Grammer. With Grammer being one of the many names announced, it would make sense that it’s the same Beast we saw in The Marvels.
It’s the right way to connect where she's been and Beast's arrival. Maybe this is the Universe of Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom, potentially making it the centerpiece of Avengers: Doomsday.
8. Moon Knight (Oscar Isaac)
Here’s another Disney Plus character that’s been absent since their debut. Weirdly, there’s been no news surrounding him or season 2 of Moon Knight other than some rumors. This writer’s only guess is that it’s connected to Blade.
With that movie being delayed (maybe permanently), Marc Spector/Steven Grant/Jake Lockley could make their return on the big screen.
7. Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani)
The underperformance of The Marvels isn’t going to stop the return of Kamala Khan because Iman Vellani is too good of a performer to be cast to the side. And if she’s putting a team of Young Avengers together, now would be the time to debut them.
If this writer had to guess, the Avengers we love will be defeated leading to a new team of Earth's Mightiest Heroes.
6. Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson)
Every Avengers’ movie has a death, and it could be Nick Fury’s time to go. He’s among the remaining Avengers that people love, which would make his death heartbreaking; maybe even more than Iron Man’s in Avengers: Endgame.
Fury is a staple of the MCU, so if the Multiverse Saga is truly the end of an era, could it be the end of his era, too?
5. Captain Carter (Hayley Atwell)
On the list of beloved characters is Hayley Atwell’s Peggy Carter. Fans were sad when Agent Carter was canceled but ecstatic when the character returned throughout various MCU movies. Atwell would continue to be a part of the Multiverse Saga when a new version, Captain Carter, was introduced in What if…? and again when an alternate version of Cap appeared in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. With Avengers: Doomsday being a multiversal event, she could come back in another form.
Deadline revealed that both Atwell and Chris Evans are expected to reprise their respective roles in Avengers: Doomsday but their names weren't listed among the movie's stars. Are they being saved as one of the film's big surprises?
4. Miles Morales
Miles Morales joined Earth-616 after the Marvel Comics crossover, Secret Wars. If Marvel Studios is still truly adapting this story in Avengers: Secret Wars, Avengers: Doomsday would be the perfect place for him to debut. He could be part of a post-credit scene that would have viewers lose their minds, setting up his inevitable arrival in Secret Wars.
Daredevil: Born Again had a recent reference to Miles' father, while Spider-Man: Homecoming featured his uncle. Is it finally Miles' time to debut?
3. Star-Lord (Chris Pratt)
The post-credit scene for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 said, “The Legendary Star-Lord will return”. Sure, things change, but that statement will likely remain true. Chris Pratt continues to be a box office star, with The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 from being two of the highest-grossing films of 2023. It wouldn't make sense to have him miss these upcoming films.
He may not be the leader of the Guardians anymore, but he could still be a formidable fighter in one of the MCU's biggest battles ever.
2. Carol Danvers (Brie Larson)
If you're amassing a super-sized team to take on a major threat, you can’t leave out one of the strongest people in the universe. She took a head-butt from Thanos and didn’t flinch during Avengers: Endgame. At the end of The Marvels, she restarted a sun. When Doctor Doom debuts, she will be needed.
Captain Marvel is one of the strongest Avengers of them all. She's a necessary part in the fight against Doom. That being said, Carol Danvers' defeat at Dr. Doom’s hands could be used to show how dominant he is.
1. Steve Rogers (Chris Evans)
We will see Chris Evans return in either Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars. Will he be Captain America? It’s doubtful because that ship may have sailed. It’s not that Evans would be against being Cap again, but it would take away from the future of the MCU. I think we’ll see him old and leading a team like he did when he was Old Man Rogers in Marvel Comics. He still fought at times, but he just wasn’t as strong or fast as he used to be.
Evans has been attached to the movie via various reports even though he denies that he will be a part of it. After his surprise appearance as the Human Torch in Deadpool and Wolverine, we know he's open to working with Marvel Studios again. Get ready for a surprise appearance at some point!