Every MCU Actor who Denied They Will Be Back for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Secret Wars’

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is gearing up for its next big chapters with ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ (2026) and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ (2027). These films promise a massive crossover, bringing together heroes from across the MCU and even some from Fox’s X-Men universe. But not every familiar face will be back, as several actors have publicly stated they’re sitting these projects out.

We’ve dug into the latest news to find out which MCU stars have confirmed they won’t appear in these upcoming Avengers films. Below, we break down each actor, their iconic roles, and why they’re stepping away, although, knowing the MCU, these decisions could be overturned. But now, let’s dive into the names who’ve said no to the multiversal battle.

Chris Evans

Role: Steve Rogers / Captain America, Johnny Storm / Human Torch
Chris Evans, best known as Steve Rogers in films like ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ (2011) and ‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019), also reprised his Fox-era Johnny Storm in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ (2024). Despite rumors of him returning for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, Evans told Esquire through Anthony Mackie that he’s ‘happily retired’ from the MCU, shutting down speculation about playing Captain America or another role.

His retirement makes sense after Steve’s arc wrapped up in ‘Avengers: Endgame’, where he passed the shield to Sam Wilson. Evans has also hinted at being content with his MCU journey, though he kept his ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ cameo under wraps, so I wouldn’t be shocked if Marvel pulls him back for a surprise.

Elizabeth Olsen

Role: Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch
Elizabeth Olsen brought Wanda Maximoff to life in ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ (2015) and ‘WandaVision’ (2021), with her last appearance in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ (2022). She told The Hollywood Reporter she’s not involved in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ or ‘Secret Wars’, focusing instead on new projects like an FX pilot called ‘Seven Sisters’.

Wanda’s apparent death in ‘Multiverse of Madness’ left fans hoping for a multiversal return, given her power as the Scarlet Witch. Olsen’s firm denial suggests Marvel might be saving her for a later project or a new arc, but for now, she’s out of the Avengers lineup.

Evangeline Lilly

Role: Hope van Dyne / The Wasp
Evangeline Lilly played Hope van Dyne in ‘Ant-Man’ (2015) and ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’ (2018), last seen in ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ (2023). After announcing her acting retirement, Lilly sparked speculation with a winking emoji response to a fan on Instagram, hinting at a possible ‘Secret Wars’ return, but reports from MCU_Direct confirm she’s not in either film.

Her retirement aligns with Hope’s story taking a backseat after the Ant-Man trilogy. While the multiverse could allow a variant Wasp to appear, Lilly’s focus on stepping away from acting makes her return unlikely for these projects.

Tom Holland

Role: Peter Parker / Spider-Man
Tom Holland’s Peter Parker swung into the MCU in ‘Captain America: Civil War’ (2016) and starred in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ (2021). Despite his major role in the multiverse narrative, posts on X from Austin_Medzz and MCU_Direct state Holland won’t appear in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, with no confirmation for ‘Secret Wars’.

Holland’s absence is surprising, given Spider-Man’s prominence, but his next film, ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ (2026), might tie into the Avengers storyline later. For now, it seems Marvel is focusing on other heroes to face Doctor Doom.

Paul Bettany

Role: Vision
Paul Bettany voiced JARVIS in ‘Iron Man’ (2008) before becoming Vision in ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ (2015) and ‘WandaVision’ (2021). X posts from Austin_Medzz note he’s not returning for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, despite Vision’s resurrection in ‘WandaVision’ and the upcoming ‘Vision Quest’ (2026).

Vision’s complex arc, involving multiple versions of the character, could still play a role in the multiverse, but Bettany’s absence from the cast list suggests Marvel is prioritizing other characters. His next series might set up a later return instead.

Charlie Cox

Role: Matt Murdock / Daredevil
Charlie Cox returned as Daredevil in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ (2021) and ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ (2025-2026). Despite rumors of a big-screen comeback, Black Girl Nerds reported Cox denying involvement in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, focusing instead on his Disney+ series.

Cox’s Daredevil is thriving on the small screen, and with ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2 filming, his schedule might not align with the Avengers films. Still, a multiversal cameo could happen, given his popularity and ties to street-level heroes.

Halle Berry

Role: Ororo Munroe / Storm
Halle Berry played Storm in Fox’s ‘X-Men’ (2000) and other films up to ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’ (2014). At CinemaCon 2025, she responded to Black Girl Nerds’ hope for her in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ with, ‘Keep waiting. Not gonna be there,’ ruling out a return.

Storm’s absence is a letdown, especially with other X-Men like Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen confirmed. Berry’s focus on new projects and her firm denial suggest Marvel is sticking with select mutants for this crossover.

Ioan Gruffudd

Role: Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic
Ioan Gruffudd portrayed Reed Richards in Fox’s ‘Fantastic Four’ (2005) and ‘Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer’ (2007). He told kylo_hd659 on TikTok, as shared by MCUFilmNews, that he hasn’t been invited back for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, despite the Fantastic Four’s confirmed role.

With Pedro Pascal taking over as Reed in ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ (2025), Gruffudd’s exclusion makes sense. Marvel seems focused on its new Fantastic Four cast, leaving the Fox-era versions behind for now.

Oscar Isaac

Role: Marc Spector / Moon Knight
Oscar Isaac debuted as Moon Knight in the Disney+ series ‘Moon Knight’ (2022). Posts from Austin_Medzz on X claim he’s not part of ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, despite fan hopes for his multiversal inclusion.

Moon Knight’s standalone story hasn’t connected directly to the Avengers yet, and Isaac’s busy schedule with other films might explain his absence. Still, the multiverse could open the door for a surprise appearance in ‘Secret Wars’.

May Calamawy

Role: Layla El-Faouly / Scarlet Scarab
May Calamawy played Layla El-Faouly, the Scarlet Scarab, in ‘Moon Knight’ (2022). Like Isaac, she’s reportedly not in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, according to Austin_Medzz on X, despite her character’s potential as a new hero.

Scarlet Scarab’s limited MCU presence might keep her out of this massive crossover. Calamawy’s rising career elsewhere could also mean Marvel is saving her for a future project rather than these films.

Jon Bernthal

Role: Frank Castle / The Punisher
Jon Bernthal returned as The Punisher in ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ (2025-2026) after starring in ‘The Punisher’ (2017-2019). X posts from Austin_Medzz suggest he’s not in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, focusing instead on his Disney+ role.

The Punisher’s gritty, street-level story doesn’t align easily with the cosmic scope of ‘Doomsday’ and ‘Secret Wars’. Bernthal’s commitment to ‘Daredevil’ likely keeps him out, though a multiversal variant could still emerge.

Which MCU star’s absence from ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ or ‘Secret Wars’ surprises you most, or is there another actor you hope joins the fight? Drop your thoughts in the comments!