7 Massive MCU Stars Whose Marvel Futures We Still Don’t Know (#2 Makes Me So Mad)

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It’s still unclear if some of Marvel‘s most popular actors will return to play their superhero characters. During the first eleven years of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008-2019), actors had plenty of chances to develop their roles. Recently, it’s become less common to see quick returns, although actors like Mark Ruffalo, Charlie Cox, and Vincent D’Onofrio have been exceptions. Surprisingly, the future of some major stars within the MCU remains unconfirmed.

Marvel Studios has announced that many of its most popular actors will reprise their roles in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars films, scheduled for release in 2026 and 2027. The initial cast announcement in March 2025 included 27 stars, and while more actors may be added to Doomsday, fans are eager for official confirmation that these well-known performers—including some long-time favorites from the Marvel Cinematic Universe—will indeed be back. There’s hope that these seven actors will continue their journey in the MCU, particularly since some have been with the franchise since its beginning.

7) Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton’s Hawkeye

Jeremy Renner hasn’t appeared in a Marvel Cinematic Universe project since his 2021 show, Hawkeye, and while his return hasn’t been officially announced, he’s hinted that he might reprise the role. After a serious snowplow accident in 2023, Renner took time to recover, but he’s now suggesting that Hawkeye season 2 could be happening. As one of the original Avengers, fans would love to see Clint Barton team up with his old teammates again in upcoming films like Doomsday and Secret Wars. However, it’s still uncertain what the future holds for the character.

6) Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury

Even though his recent appearance in Secret Invasion wasn’t well-received, Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury remains a hugely important character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He recently assisted Captain Marvel, Monica Rambeau, and Ms. Marvel from the SABER Space Station, and this experience exposed him to strange events from across the multiverse, potentially setting him up for a return in Avengers: Doomsday. Jackson has said he enjoys playing Nick Fury and is open to returning, but it’s uncertain if Marvel Studios has further plans for the character after the mixed reaction to his latest storyline.

5) Brie Larson as Carol Danvers’ Captain Marvel

The future of Captain Marvel is uncertain, but many fans would love to see the character return. Brie Larson, who plays Carol Danvers, has faced unfair criticism, potentially leading Marvel Studios to limit her appearances. Though she hasn’t been officially confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, a recent sighting of Larson with a blonde wig has sparked rumors of a comeback. Given that Doomsday is expected to deal with the alternate universe introduced in The Marvels, bringing Captain Marvel back would be a natural fit and a welcome sight for fans.

4) Oscar Isaac as Marc Spector’s Moon Knight

Oscar Isaac became a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2022 after previously appearing as Apocalypse in the X-Men films and voicing Spider-Man 2099 in Sony’s Spider-Verse animated movies. In Moon Knight, he played the main character, who is connected to the Egyptian god Khonshu, and quickly became a fan favorite known for his strength and range. However, Isaac recently hinted he doesn’t plan to work with Disney again unless things improve internally. Hopefully, they can find a solution so he can reprise his role as Moon Knight.

3) Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange

Since first appearing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2016 as Doctor Strange, Benedict Cumberbatch has become a vital part of the franchise. With the upcoming films Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars exploring the multiverse, Doctor Strange’s unique understanding of these concepts makes his return crucial – and fans would be disappointed if he and Charlize Theron’s character, Clea, were left out. Cumberbatch has hinted at appearing in both Doomsday and a third Doctor Strange movie, but Marvel Studios hasn’t officially confirmed anything yet. After the exciting cliffhanger at the end of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, fans are eager to see what happens next with Strange’s story.

2) Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff’s Scarlet Witch

Elizabeth Olsen’s first solo show, WandaVision, was a huge hit for Marvel in 2021. However, her character’s story became controversial with the 2022 film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which turned her character, the Scarlet Witch, into a villain before ultimately having her die. While officially confirmed as deceased, many fans are hoping she returns, especially since her sons, Billy and Tommy Maximoff, were shown to be reincarnated. Fans are eager to see her return in future projects like VisionQuest or Avengers: Doomsday, planned for 2026.

1) The Entire Eternals Cast

It’s a bit unfair to give this ten stars, but it’s frustrating that none of the actors from the Eternals movie have been confirmed to return for future Marvel Cinematic Universe projects. While the film received mixed reactions when it came out in 2021, it’s gained more appreciation since then. Stars like Salma Hayek, Richard Madden, Gemma Chan, and the rest of the team could be really valuable to the MCU, and Marvel shouldn’t ignore them.

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2025-11-16 20:44