Marvel has unveiled the complete 27-member cast for Avengers: Doomsday, but several well-known heroes appear to be missing from the lineup.

Marvel Studios has officially revealed the full 27-member cast for Avengers: Doomsday, its highly anticipated upcoming installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The announcement, which was streamed live, generated excitement among fans but also sparked debate as several beloved heroes appeared to be missing from the lineup.

A Star-Studded Roster

The cast announcement confirmed the return of several familiar faces, including Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange, and Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel. Additionally, Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi, and Anthony Mackie’s Captain America are set to play major roles in the film.

Surprising additions to the lineup include Giancarlo Esposito, rumored to be portraying a new villain, and Dafne Keen, best known for playing X-23 in Logan. Marvel fans were also thrilled to see the inclusion of Oscar Isaac’s Moon Knight and Hailee Steinfeld’s Kate Bishop, both of whom gained popularity through their respective Disney+ series.

Notable Absences Raise Questions

Despite the excitement, many fans were quick to notice that several key MCU characters were missing from the cast list. Most notably, Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk were absent, leading to speculation about their roles—or lack thereof—in the film. Additionally, fan-favorite characters such as Benedict Wong’s Wong and Letitia Wright’s Shuri were also not listed.

The lack of Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man and Chris Evans’ Captain America did not come as a shock, as both characters had their storylines concluded in Avengers: Endgame. However, rumors had circulated that one or both actors might make cameo appearances, something Marvel has neither confirmed nor denied.

Fan Reactions and Controversy

Following the announcement, social media erupted with mixed reactions. While many were excited about the new and returning heroes, others were disappointed by the missing characters. Some fans expressed concern that the film might struggle to maintain the same level of emotional impact as its predecessors, especially without some of the original Avengers.

Marvel’s decision to reveal the cast without providing much plot information also left audiences speculating about the film’s direction. Some believe the omissions could hint at surprise cameos or unannounced twists, while others worry that certain characters have been sidelined altogether.

What’s Next for Avengers: Doomsday?

Marvel Studios has promised more updates in the coming months, including a first-look trailer and additional plot details. With Avengers: Doomsday set for release in 2026, fans will have to wait and see how the final lineup plays into the overall MCU storyline.

Regardless of the controversy, the film remains one of the most anticipated MCU projects, promising epic battles and new alliances. As always, Marvel is keeping some secrets up its sleeve, leaving fans eager for more reveals.



Sources:

• https://www.techradar.com/streaming/entertainment/marvel-is-about-to-make-a-major-announcement-about-the-mcu-and-nobodys-sure-what-itll-be 
• https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2025/03/26/marvel-announcement-stream-avengers-doomsday-cast-list/82673015007/ 
• https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/movies/upcoming-movies/marvel-studios-triggers-outcry-with-avengers-doomsday-cast-announcement/news-story/45cddaa4f615dff10e5d83bba00ec28f