Every Original Avenger, Ranked by How Much We Want Them To Return in Doomsday & Secret Wars

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The Marvel Cinematic Universe is heading towards a huge, universe-altering conflict that will conclude the current storyline. Everything is at risk as the very structure of reality begins to fall apart. While the current Avengers prepare to battle Victor von Doom in the upcoming films *Avengers: Doomsday* and *Avengers: Secret War*, many viewers are wondering if the original Avengers team – the heroes who first fought alongside each other against Loki in 2012 – will also play a role. These six heroes were essential to building the MCU and left a lasting impact on the franchise.

With the Multiverse constantly growing and offering endless options, we’re left wondering: which of the classic heroes would be best to stop Doctor Doom from destroying everything?

6. The Hulk

Both the Hulk and Bruce Banner are beloved characters, but his story seems to have reached a natural stopping point. The development of Professor Hulk, where Bruce Banner learned to integrate with the Hulk, feels like the culmination of his arc. While Banner has shown up in a few Disney+ shows, these appearances haven’t really added anything new to his overall story. Currently, there aren’t any unresolved plot points that would require his return in future movies.

Although he could always reappear, his character arc feels finished. He’s evolved from a scientist desperately trying to suppress his Hulk side to fully accepting it as part of himself. Given the scale of events in *Doomsday* and *Secret War*, other heroes simply have more direct reasons to get involved.

5. Tony Stark

Tony Stark’s death in *Avengers: Endgame* was the powerful culmination of ten years of stories. It was a perfect, brave ending for the character who launched the entire saga, completing his journey from a self-centered wealthy man to a hero who gave his life for others. Bringing him back in the next Avengers movie would diminish the impact of his sacrifice to defeat Thanos.

With Robert Downey Jr. already set to play Doctor Doom in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, bringing back Tony Stark isn’t needed. His impact is still felt through characters like Spider-Man and his daughter, and his story has a satisfying conclusion as it is.

4. Thor

Since Thor is already set to appear in both *Doomsday* and *Secret War*, the excitement around seeing him isn’t as strong as it is for other characters. We’ve followed his complete arc – from a confident young prince to a battle-worn king and a thoughtful god – and we expect his story will keep developing.

Seeing him back is great, especially considering how much the character has grown and become popular with fans. However, his return wasn’t a surprise – it was expected. We know he’ll be involved in the upcoming fight for the Multiverse, and his appearance was a given, not something we were hoping for.

3. Clint Barton

The Disney+ series *Hawkeye* finally gave Clint Barton, a key member of the Avengers, the character development he’d earned. The show explored Clint’s identity as a relatable hero, especially as he mentored Kate Bishop. By taking inspiration from the popular *Hawkeye* comic book series by Matt Fraction and David Aja, the show cemented Clint Barton’s place as a beloved hero.

It would be really interesting to see this more developed version of Clint interact with the original team, or even team up with heroes he’s worked with before – or even new ones, like the Fantastic Four. Because Clint is a normal person without superpowers, he provides a welcome contrast to the larger, more fantastical events happening. Bringing him back would add a human element and finally give him the recognition he deserves.

2. Steve Rogers

Steve Rogers has more potential ways to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe than almost any other hero. This could happen through a version of him from another reality, like the Hydra Supreme Captain America seen in the comics. Or, since the original Steve Rogers lived out his life in the past with Peggy Carter after giving back the Infinity Stones, that action should have created changes to the timeline, opening up possibilities for his return.

Steve Rogers coming back could be the key to the whole story. He might be a villain, a hero, or even someone who accidentally created problems that allowed Doom to gain power – either way, his return would drastically change things. There’s a lot more to explore with Captain America’s story using the idea of the Multiverse, and it would be a waste not to use that opportunity.

1. Natasha Romanoff

As a huge fan, Natasha Romanoff’s death always felt wrong to me. It felt especially unfair considering how much of her story we *didn’t* get to see – and she was the only original female Avenger! She had such a complicated history, and while her solo movie touched on it, it just didn’t fully do her character justice. Her sacrifice was brave, absolutely, but it robbed us of seeing what she could have become. It felt like her potential was cut short, and that’s what really bothered me.

Bringing Natasha Romanoff back would be a huge moment for the team. Imagine if she didn’t actually die on Vormir – perhaps she was somehow saved by a mystical force. Her return could be incredibly inspiring when the heroes face their toughest battle against Doom, giving them the boost they desperately need. It would be a shocking twist that could change everything, and finally allow Natasha to continue her story and fully develop her character.

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2025-09-18 02:41