Marvel’s recent cast announcement has set the stage for exciting developments in Phase 6’s upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. While 27 actors from various franchises have been confirmed, including members from the Avengers, the Thunderbolts, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men, speculation remains about additional characters who may still be part of this thrilling narrative.
The announcement featured a wave of nostalgia with the confirmation of several iconic X-Men actors reprising their roles. Notable returns include Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, James Marsden, Kelsey Grammer, Rebecca Romijn, and Alan Cumming, along with a surprise appearance from Channing Tatum as Deadpool. However, many fans hope for even more classic X-Men stars to make an appearance, as this is merely a fraction of the celebrated cast from the 20th Century Fox X-Men series.
1. Hugh Jackman as James “Logan” Howlett’s Wolverine
Hugh Jackman Last Appeared as Wolverine in 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine
Hugh Jackman’s absence from the cast announcement for Avengers: Doomsday was unexpected, especially given his recent revival of the Wolverine character in 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine, where he portrayed a variant from the original franchise. Given that his character survived the previous film’s events, it seems highly plausible for him to return for Doomsday, especially if the narrative takes place in the Earth-10005 universe, where this Wolverine variant was last seen.
| Wolverine’s Live-Action Movie | Year | Actor |
|---|---|---|
| X-Men | 2000 | Hugh Jackman |
| X2: X-Men United | 2003 | Hugh Jackman |
| X-Men: The Last Stand | 2006 | Hugh Jackman |
| X-Men Origins: Wolverine | 2009 | Hugh Jackman & Troye Sivan |
| X-Men: First Class | 2011 | Hugh Jackman |
| The Wolverine | 2013 | Hugh Jackman |
| X-Men: Days of Future Past | 2014 | Hugh Jackman |
| X-Men: Apocalypse | 2016 | Hugh Jackman |
| Logan | 2017 | Hugh Jackman |
| Deadpool & Wolverine | 2024 | Hugh Jackman & Henry Cavill |
Jackman’s portrayal has significantly defined Wolverine’s character in the comic book cinematic universe. His unique ability to give depth to the role makes his potential absence in Avengers: Doomsday a significant oversight. With the character’s popularity, it’s highly likely that additional announcements regarding his return will follow.
2. Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson’s Deadpool
Ryan Reynolds Last Appeared as Deadpool in 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine
Similar to Jackman, Ryan Reynolds was notably absent from the cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday, despite his significant role in revitalizing the X-Men franchise through his successful Deadpool films. His character is expected to make a dynamic return, perhaps engaging with established superheroes from the Marvel Universe.
Deadpool’s narrative style has always been somewhat separate from mainstream X-Men stories, yet if Avengers: Doomsday is indeed about the downfall of Earth-10005, it would create an ideal scenario for Deadpool’s transition to the MCU’s Earth-616. This crossover could yield humorous interactions with other iconic characters, further enriching the film’s potential.
3. Halle Berry as Ororo Munroe’s Storm
Halle Berry Last Appeared as Storm in 2014’s X-Men: Days Of Future Past
Unfortunately, only one female character from the Fox X-Men franchise has been confirmed to return thus far. While Rebecca Romijn’s Mystique will be back, fans are longing for Halle Berry’s Storm to rejoin the team. Berry portrayed the weather-manipulating mutant in four films but her character lacked the depth and ferocity that fans expect from Storm.
In the comics, Storm is depicted as a powerful figure and a leader. Bringing Berry back could allow for a more authentic portrayal of the character, potentially alongside other significant players such as Thor. This not only enhances the MCU’s power hierarchy but also paves the way for new cinematic interpretations of Storm in future projects.
4. Shawn Ashmore as Bobby Drake’s Iceman
Shawn Ashmore Last Appeared as Iceman in 2014’s X-Men: Days of Future Past
Shawn Ashmore’s portrayal of Iceman deserves further exploration, as Fox’s adaptations did not fully capture his complexity as a founding member of the X-Men. It would be a missed opportunity not to bring him back in Avengers: Doomsday, especially given his significance as a representation of the LGBTQ+ community.
Ashmore continues to be active in the superhero genre, which suggests he would be excited to reprise this role and provide fans with the depth they crave from his character. Seeing Iceman back in action would not only be thrilling but also affirm his essential role in the upcoming ensemble.
5. Anna Paquin as Marie D’Ancanto’s Rogue
Anna Paquin Last Appeared as Rogue in 2006’s X-Men: The Last Stand
In the realms of comic book adaptations, Rogue’s character has received limited representation in the Fox series, often veering away from her comic book roots. A return for Anna Paquin in Avengers: Doomsday could finally allow her to portray a more authentic version of this beloved character. Potentially exploring the dynamics with Iceman could offer both nostalgia and closure.
6. Evan Peters as Peter Maximoff’s Quicksilver
Evan Peters Last Appeared as Quicksilver in 2019’s Dark Phoenix
After his memorable appearance in WandaVision, fans are eager for Evan Peters to return as Quicksilver, especially now that Marvel teases a potential crossover of timelines and alternate realities. The chance for Quentin to meet Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s version of Quicksilver could also enrich the narrative and explore unresolved storylines from both franchises.
7. Famke Janssen as Jean Grey
Famke Janssen Last Appeared as Jean Grey in 2014’s X-Men: Days of Future Past
Rumors have surfaced about a new portrayal of Jean Grey slated for the MCU, but Famke Janssen’s return would allow her character a chance at redemption, especially given the mixed reception of her previous story arcs. The opportunity to see her join forces with other heroes would provide fans with the satisfying depth they’ve long desired.
8. Aaron Stanford as John Allerdyce’s Pyro
Aaron Stanford Last Appeared as Pyro in 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine
Originally depicted as part of Magneto’s Brotherhood, Pyro’s evolution in 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine showcased his potential as a capable and significant character within the narrative. His return in Avengers: Doomsday could further explore the complexities of loyalty and heroism among mutants.
9. James McAvoy as Charles Xavier’s Professor X
James McAvoy Last Appeared as Professor X in 2019’s Dark Phoenix
With Patrick Stewart confirmed to return as Professor X, there’s a strong case for James McAvoy to join the fray, potentially forming a powerful dual presence. His compelling portrayal throughout the rebooted series showcased a younger, more nuanced Charles Xavier, and the dynamic between the two could add intriguing layers to the story.
10. Michael Fassbender as Erik Lensherr’s Magneto
Michael Fassbender Last Appeared as Magneto in 2019’s Dark Phoenix
If McAvoy is returning, it stands to reason that Michael Fassbender should also reprise his role as Magneto. While Ian McKellen’s portrayal is iconic, Fassbender has given Magneto a depth that resonates significantly with audiences, highlighting emotional and moral complexities. His return could redefine the conflict and alliances within the next narrative arc.
As Avengers: Doomsday approaches, the buzz surrounding potential cast additions continues to escalate. The blend of legacy characters with fresh narratives could set a new standard in the superhero genre. Each returning powerhouse from Fox’s X-Men franchise brings with them not just notoriety but also the possibility of enhanced storytelling and character development that fans have been eagerly awaiting.