The excitement surrounding the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday has intensified with the confirmed returns of Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans. These two iconic actors, who defined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) during the Infinity Saga, are set to reprise their roles nearly five years after their characters’ exits in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame. Their return opens doors for a multitude of other beloved MCU stars to potentially make a comeback, reviving cherished characters from the franchise’s extensive history.
Interestingly, instead of slipping back into the armor of Iron Man, Downey Jr. is set to portray the villain Doctor Doom. This twist raises the possibility that Chris Evans may also take on a new character rather than returning as Captain America. The Multiverse Saga’s flexibility provides a unique platform for veterans of the MCU to either reclaim their past roles or embody fresh characters in Phase 6. This evolution could effectively breathe new life into characters who were underutilized in previous phases.
10 Cobie Smulders
Last Seen In Secret Invasion (2023)
Cobie Smulders first graced the MCU as Maria Hill in 2012’s The Avengers, yet her character has not been fully explored. Despite her appearances in several key films, Maria Hill met an untimely fate in the first episode of 2023’s Secret Invasion. This shocking turn sparked controversy, and many fans are eager for a reversal of her fate. A return as a variant of Maria Hill in either Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars could provide an opportunity for a more comic-accurate representation of her character, perhaps even as the director of her universe’s SHIELD.
9 Idris Elba
Last Seen In Thor: Love & Thunder (2022)
Idris Elba’s portrayal of Heimdall has evolved into a signature role within the MCU, despite initial criticisms of his casting. After meeting his demise in Avengers: Infinity War, Heimdall made a brief return in a post-credits scene in Thor: Love and Thunder, reuniting with fans. Given the stakes in Avengers: Doomsday, Thor could venture into Valhalla to gather fallen Asgardian heroes, providing a perfect reason for Elba’s Heimdall to return.
8 Gwyneth Paltrow
Last Seen In Avengers: Endgame (2019)
With Downey Jr. back as a version of Tony Stark, the return of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Pepper Potts seems not only logical but desirable. Since her last appearance as Rescue in Avengers: Endgame, fans have speculated on her possible involvement with an antagonist resembling her late partner. Given the deep connections between Doctor Doom and Valeria, a significant love interest from the comics, Paltrow might step into a new role alongside the villain.
7 Clark Gregg
Last Seen In Captain Marvel (2019)
As a beloved figure in the MCU, Clark Gregg’s portrayal of Phil Coulson has resonated with fans since the inception of the franchise. His tragic death in The Avengers marked a high-stakes moment, yet he was later resurrected in the Agents of SHIELD series. Though he returned for a cameo in Captain Marvel, there’s a strong desire to see him back in the main MCU continuity. With the possibility of exploring alternate variants of Coulson, Avengers: Doomsday seems like an excellent opportunity for his return.
6 Natalie Portman
Last Seen In Thor: Love & Thunder (2022)
Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster has long been intertwined with Thor’s journey across the MCU, culminating in her own transformation as the Mighty Thor. Though she embraced her superhero persona briefly, her death in Thor: Love and Thunder was a shocking twist. With the potential for characters to be revived from Valhalla, it’s plausible for Jane Foster to return, particularly since she has expressed interest in reprising her role in future projects.
5 Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Last Seen In Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015)
Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s portrayal of Quicksilver was brief yet impactful, with his character’s early death in Avengers: Age of Ultron leaving fans wanting more. Quicksilver’s significance in Marvel Comics is undeniable, and many view his death as a lost opportunity for character development. As Marvel Studios regains control over the mutant narrative, Taylor-Johnson’s return as Quicksilver could pave the way for exploring the deeper connections with his twin sister, Wanda Maximoff.
4 Josh Brolin
Last Seen In Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Recently, Josh Brolin hinted at the potential return of Thanos, the formidable villain who dominated the Infinity Saga. His powerful presence reshaped the MCU, and many fans are eager for a possible comeback, especially with the Secret Wars event promising to reintroduce familiar faces from Marvel’s cinematic landscape.
You know, I hear kind of like through the grapevine, that they’re gonna bring him back. And there’s the What If…? series and that’s a different kind of Thanos and all that. But I don’t know in the Marvel world whether they’re going to bring him back, but I didn’t know that he was the most killed-off Marvel villain… You learn something new every day.
3 Ty Simpkins
Last Seen In Avengers: Endgame (2019)
In the MCU, Ty Simpkins first appeared as Harley Keener in Iron Man 3, establishing a bond with Tony Stark that left fans curious about his future. However, he has only reprised this role once since then, appearing at Stark’s funeral in Avengers: Endgame. Now aged 23, a return could see him step up as a hero in the form of Iron Lad or members of the upcoming Young Avengers team. With Downey Jr. returning, this could mark the perfect moment for Harley Keener’s comeback.
2 Elizabeth Olsen
Last Seen In Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness (2022)
While Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s return as Quicksilver is highly anticipated, Elizabeth Olsen’s role as Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch, also remains pivotal. Following her sacrifice to eradicate the Darkhold, rumors suggest a potential revival is on the horizon. Given that her character has strong ties to Doctor Doom, there is significant potential for her involvement in Avengers: Doomsday and beyond.
1 Scarlett Johansson
Last Seen In Black Widow (2021)
Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff has played an integral role since her introduction in Iron Man 2. Despite a powerful arc, her character’s journey concluded with a sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame. However, considering her behind-the-scenes involvement as an executive producer in the upcoming Thunderbolts, speculation surrounding her return remains strong. Given the magnetism she brought to the role, it would be fulfilling for fans to see her back alongside fellow Avengers in a new context.
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