Marvel Studios has maintained a remarkable track record in keeping information under wraps; however, a recent cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday suggests that the fate of one character may already be determined. As the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) approaches the conclusion of the Multiverse Saga, excitement builds for upcoming releases like Thunderbolts and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which are scheduled to debut prior to Avengers: Doomsday. With the last Avengers installment released in 2019, the anticipation is palpable, driving fans to speculate about the future of the franchise.
In a unique live-stream reveal announcing the cast for Avengers: Doomsday, a significant character’s absence raised eyebrows. Many have theorized that this character is likely to meet an unfortunate end in the forthcoming Thunderbolts movie. Although the cast includes several familiar faces expected to play pivotal roles, the implications for this particular character appear grim as fans await the next installment.
Avengers: Doomsday’s Cast Features Thunderbolts Stars, But One Notable Exclusion
The Thunderbolts Are Positioned to Make a Significant Impact in Avengers: Doomsday
The Thunderbolts film is enveloped in intrigue, particularly given the mysterious asterisk featured in its title, which has spurred speculation about its final name. Trailers have begun to unravel details such as who acquired Avengers Tower following Tony Stark’s demise. They’ve also ignited fan theories regarding key characters, including the fate of Taskmaster, a rumored member of the team.
| Actor | Character | Franchise | Last Seen |
| Sebastian Stan | Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier | Captain America, Thunderbolts* | Captain America: Brave New World (2025) |
| Wyatt Russell | John Walker/US Agent | Captain America, Thunderbolts* | The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) |
| Florence Pugh | Yelena Belova/Black Widow | Black Widow, Thunderbolts* | Hawkeye (2021) |
| Lewis Pullman | Bob (rumored to be Sentry) | Thunderbolts* | Thunderbolts* (2025) (First Appearance) |
| David Harbour | Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian | Thunderbolts* | Black Widow (2021) |
| Hannah John-Kamen | Ava Starr/Ghost | Ant-Man, Thunderbolts* | Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) |
While the cast announcement for Avengers: Doomsday included all prominent members of the Thunderbolts*, with the notable exclusion of Olga Kurylenko’s character, anticipation grows that this character may not survive the film. Fans speculate this could be corroborated by the limited appearances of Taskmaster in trailers, hinting at a tragic narrative arc.
Doomsday’s Cast Hints at Taskmaster’s Possible Demise in Thunderbolts*
Positive Prospects for Taskmaster Appear Bleak Following Marvel’s Announcement
Should Taskmaster remain a part of the Thunderbolts* team and live through the narrative, one would expect to see significant showings from the character in promotional materials. Nevertheless, trailers indicate Taskmaster appears only in minor sequences, while others take center stage. This absence raises speculation about her fate within the storyline.
While Marvel could be keeping Taskmaster’s role under wraps to prevent spoilers, alarming signs suggest the character will play a lesser role, potentially leading to a significant event that could culminate in her absence during crucial plot developments. It’s worth noting that even Pullman’s character is anticipated to have an opposing stance within the same narrative.
Reasons for Optimism: Taskmaster’s Potential Survival in Doomsday
Could Marvel Be Strategically Misdirecting Audiences Regarding Taskmaster?
Despite the grim outlook for Taskmaster, there remains a thread of hope for Olga Kurylenko’s return in upcoming projects. As previously suggested, Marvel may deliberately obscure major details to maintain suspense and intrigue. This could involve the character receiving a new suit, a possible identity change, or even broader plans for her storyline outside of Thunderbolts*.
Additionally, Marvel Studios has indicated that the casting announcements are not yet complete, with hints circulating on social media platforms, notably involving exchanges with Robert Downey Jr. This suggests that Kurylenko could still be featured in forthcoming announcements following the release of Thunderbolts*. Regardless of the outcome, Marvel is clearly setting the stage for a grand spectacle in Avengers: Doomsday, leaving fans eager yet anxious about how the plot will unfold.