5 Marvel stars who we want to return alongside Robert Downey Jr. in the MCU

Many Marvel fans expected Doctor Doom's arrival at the MCU after the fallout with Jonathan Majors who played Kang the Conqueror. What probably no one was expecting was Robert Downey Jr.'s return, as Doctor Doom.

The announcement during 2024's San Diego Comic-Con definitely turned heads and shook the very core of the MCU. Many are ecstatic whereas others are confused as Downey Jr.'s MCU role had been Iron Man and last we checked, he died a most heroic death.

Regardless, this news had us thinking, about which other Marvel stars would we like to see return to the MCU. We compiled a short list of 5 actors and actresses we think should make a return.

1. Oscar Isaac - Moon Knight

There has been debate over if and when audiences will see the likes of Marc Spector, Steven Grant, or Jake Lockley again. In Moon Knight, the Disney Plus Marvel show released in 2022, Oscar Isaac managed to juggle several, vastly different personalities while also battling the likes of ancient Egyptian forces in an anti-hero tale that does take place in the MCU, although we're not sure when or how.

It was rather refreshing to enjoy an MCU show without the name-dropping and references to other MCU characters or films. Moon Knight was action-packed with a lot of twists and heartfelt moments.

We'd love to see Oscar Isaac return as the avatar of Khonshu to not only bring new action and life into the MCU but so that we can get a proper introduction to Marc's third personality: Jake Lockley.

2. Jaimie Alexander - Lady Sif

At some point in the Thor franchise, we wondered if Lady Sif was going to be assigned to be a love triangle plot device, as it was apparent she was attracted to Thor, even when his heart belonged to Jane Foster. But Lady Sif was more than just a potential love interest for the God of Thunder.

She was equally strong and loyal and stood out amongst Thor's friends, the Warriors Three. Although we have seen her in several Thor films and the Disney Plus Loki series as an eternal punishment for the God of Mischief, we'd really love to see Jaimie Alexander return.

We believe she brought such a strength and charm to the character, capable of so much potential that we'd hate to see wasted. We want to see her return and show just how much of an unstoppable force she is.

3. Paul Bettany - White Vision

An issue we've been seeing far too often with the MCU is the fact that its positives are also its negatives, case in point: White Vision. The MCU is so expansive that it's difficult to give proper attention to most (unfortunately not all) characters, which also means timelines get muddled.

Paul Bettany, however, has mastered bringing humanity to the being once known as Vision since his arrival in the film Avengers: Age of Ultron. Audiences were able to watch him take on a somewhat human form and develop a romantic relationship with Wanda Maximoff The Scarlet Witch, which ends in devastation and heartbreak.

But even after the chaotic and comedic events of the Disney Plus Marvel show WandaVision, there may yet be hope that Bettany will return to the MCU as White Vision. A television series remains in the works; however, we aren't convinced until we see or hear something more substantial.

A lot was left unknown about Bettany's character and we can only hope the new series will answer some burning questions. Who knows, maybe White Vision can bring Wanda back and the two can try to rekindle a long-lost love.

4. Hailee Steinfeld - Kate Bishop

Yes, Kate Bishop is approached by Ms. Marvel at the end of The Marvels but her involvement in the MCU remains unknown. Will she and Ms. Marvel begin a new wave of Avengers, the Young Avengers, or will this be tossed to the side and forgotten as the MCU changes tactics from Kang the Conqueror to Doctor Doom?

With The Marvels performing less than hoped, we're worried we won't be seeing the likes of the spunky and talented Hawkeye fan for a while. This is a shame as Hailee Steinfeld's natural talent for the screen is palpable.

She knew when to be funny and serious, taking on a role that allowed Ms. Marvel's Iman Vellani to run. If Clint Barton decides to retire the bow, we're hoping Kate will be there to continue the Hawkeye name in some form.

5. Jon Bernthal - The Punisher

We may have cheated a little bit with Jon Bernthal's role as The Punisher as his two-season television show aired on Netflix. Even though his return and technical arrival to the MCU will assumably be in the upcoming Daredevil: Born Again, we'd love to see Bernthal return regardless.

How can we not? By the series finale, Frank is fully invested in his role as The Punisher, a decision that will ultimately change his life. We want to know how his role will mesh with the growing MCU and how his story will progress.