The announcement of the cast for Avengers: Doomsday certainly stirred excitement among fans, but it also left many feeling frustrated due to the absence of several pivotal Marvel characters. As the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) progresses towards this monumental event, the exclusion of certain key figures has raised eyebrows. Notably, several heroes with strong ties to previous Avengers teams or crucial relationships, especially with Iron Man and the X-Men, were expected to appear. While the film aims to deliver an epic confrontation, the lack of these beloved characters casts a shadow over its potential.
Marvel Studios recently unveiled the full cast for Avengers: Doomsday during a detailed live stream on their official social media platforms. The reveal showcased the return of iconic heroes like Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Captain America (Anthony Mackie), alongside Robert Downey Jr. portraying Doctor Doom. Yet, the absence of some anticipated characters has left fans scratching their heads.
10. Shira Haas’s Black Widow
Introduced in Captain America: Brave New World
Shira Haas made her entrance as Ruth Bat-Seraph in Captain America: Brave New World, a character distinct from her comic book counterpart, who is a mutant known as Sabra. Instead, this version represents a former Black Widow trained in the Red Room. Given the ongoing legacy of Natasha Romanoff within the MCU, it was anticipated that a new Black Widow would emerge in Avengers: Doomsday. However, Haas’s absence from the confirmed lineup is particularly unsettling, especially since her character was poised to become a significant ally to Sam Wilson as he assembles a new Avengers team.
9. Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye
One of the Few Original Avengers
Clint Barton, played by Jeremy Renner, has been an indispensable part of the MCU since its inception in Phase One. His profound history with the team, alongside the emotional experiences shared in Avengers: Endgame and the Hawkeye series, makes his absence in Avengers: Doomsday feel particularly disappointing. Although Clint has retired before, he typically rises to the occasion when the stakes are high. The omission of Kate Bishop, who potentially symbolizes the next generation of Hawkeye, further complicates things, as it would have made narrative sense for one of them to be involved in this monumental outcome.
8. Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange
Strange Has Been Central to the Multiverse Saga
Doctor Strange, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch, should be an essential player in Avengers: Doomsday. As the Sorcerer Supreme and a pivotal figure in navigating multiversal challenges, his absence is puzzling, especially with multiverse chaos expected to be a core theme in the upcoming film. Previously, Strange played a vital role in uniting heroes during Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, and without his expertise, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes face a significant hurdle in understanding the challenges ahead.
7. Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool
Introduced in the MCU in Deadpool & Wolverine
The absence of Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool is one of the most surprising omissions from the Avengers: Doomsday cast. With the recent introduction of Deadpool in the MCU, enthusiasts expected his unique style and humor to engage with the Avengers’ storyline. The introduction of classic X-Men characters in the film makes his exclusion feel like a missed opportunity, especially considering the potential for comedic and chaotic chemistry during the franchise’s largest conflict to date. As fans await his appearance in future projects, the lack of Deadpool in this film is definitely felt.
6. Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel
Joined the Avengers During the Blip
Being a formidable force during critical moments like the Blip, Carol Danvers, also known as Captain Marvel, has been central to the MCU’s cosmic narrative. Her exclusion from Avengers: Doomsday raises questions, especially given her significant involvement in past conflicts against powerful foes like Thanos. Without her leadership and immense power in the face of emerging threats like Doctor Doom, it creates a noticeable void, suggesting a significant power imbalance within the Avengers’ roster.
5. Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine
Many Original X-Men Are Appearing
With a plethora of original X-Men characters returning in Avengers: Doomsday, one glaring absence is Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. His ongoing legacy in the franchise is expected to continue post-Deadpool & Wolverine, yet he is notably excluded from this crossover. Even a cameo appearance could have offered fans a sense of continuity between the Fox X-Men universe and the MCU, infusing Doomsday with the weight of Wolverine’s storied character.
4. Teyonah Parris’s Monica Rambeau
Was Transported to The X-Men’s Universe in The Marvels
Monica Rambeau’s fate at the conclusion of The Marvels left her amid the universe of the X-Men, a narrative thread that warrants exploration in Avengers: Doomsday. Her formidable abilities and the connections she shares with notable Avengers characters, especially her mother’s legacy, establish her as an important figure in the ongoing Marvel storyline. Excluding her from a plot involving multiversal elements appears to overlook a significant narrative opportunity.
3. Tom Holland’s Spider-Man
One of Iron Man’s Closest Allies
The lack of Spider-Man in Avengers: Doomsday is acutely felt, particularly due to his strong emotional connection with Tony Stark and the potential conflict with Doctor Doom, who is portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. The film could have provided a compelling arc for Peter Parker to grapple with the shadow of his mentor. Moreover, as one of the MCU’s most cherished characters, Spider-Man’s absence diminishes the film’s emotional stakes, leaving fans in eager anticipation for the next installment dedicated to him.
2. Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk
Hulk Has Been Repeatedly Sidelined in the MCU
Hulk’s absence from Avengers: Doomsday reflects an unfortunate trend of sidelining Bruce Banner within the MCU. Since Thor: Ragnarok, the character has been relegated to comedic roles rather than being spotlighted as an unstoppable force. The upcoming film presents a colossal threat that requires the intellect and strength of the Hulk, making his exclusion feel like a significant oversight. With the introduction of new characters in She-Hulk, fans hoped for Bruce to reclaim his position among the Avengers.
1. Don Cheadle’s War Machine
War Machine Was Iron Man’s Best Friend
The absence of Don Cheadle as War Machine from Avengers: Doomsday is particularly puzzling, especially with Robert Downey Jr. returning as Doctor Doom. As Iron Man’s closest ally, War Machine could bring a deeply personal element to the impending conflict. Given his long-standing role in the MCU, missing this opportunity feels like a disservice to his character, especially since he has rarely taken the center stage despite his significance over the years. Fans were hoping to see him return in a substantial way within this monumental narrative.