20 Major MCU Actors Missing From the ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Cast

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is gearing up for its next big chapter with ‘Avengers: Doomsday,’ set to hit theaters in 2026. With a stacked cast that includes heavyweights like Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, and Robert Downey Jr., the film promises an epic clash featuring both new and returning heroes.

Still, I can’t help but notice some big names missing from the confirmed lineup. With such a massive roster of talent across the MCU’s history, it’s surprising to see certain actors absent from this pivotal project. Here’s a look at 20 prominent MCU stars who, at least for now, won’t be suiting up for ‘Avengers: Doomsday,’ along with why their absence stings.

Scarlett Johansson – Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow

Scarlett Johansson brought Natasha Romanoff to life across nine MCU films, from ‘Iron Man 2’ to ‘Black Widow’. Her fierce performance as the spy-turned-Avenger made her a fan favorite.

Her absence from ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ feels like a gap, especially after Natasha’s sacrifice in ‘Avengers: Endgame’. While her story arc concluded, the multiverse angle could’ve opened the door for a variant. I’m disappointed we won’t see her sharp wit and combat skills in this one.

Chris Evans – Steve Rogers / Captain America

Chris Evans defined Steve Rogers across ten MCU films, starting with ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ and ending with ‘Avengers: Endgame’. His portrayal of the noble hero set a high bar.

With Steve passing the shield to Sam Wilson, Evans’ absence makes sense narratively, but it’s tough to imagine an Avengers film without him. The multiverse could’ve brought back a variant Steve, and I’m bummed we won’t get that chance to see him lead again.

Mark Ruffalo – Bruce Banner / Hulk

Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner has been a steady presence since ‘The Avengers’, appearing in eleven MCU projects, including ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’. His blend of brains and brawn is iconic.

Not seeing Ruffalo in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ is a letdown, especially with the multiverse in play. A Smart Hulk variant or a new Hulk storyline could’ve added depth, and I’ll miss his quirky charm in the lineup.

Jeremy Renner – Clint Barton / Hawkeye

Jeremy Renner’s Clint Barton anchored the Avengers’ human side across five films, from ‘The Avengers’ to ‘Avengers: Endgame’, plus ‘Hawkeye’ TV show. His grit and heart shone through.

Clint’s retirement arc in ‘Hawkeye’ wrapped his story neatly, but his absence in ‘Doomsday’ stings. A multiverse Hawkeye could’ve brought back his sharpshooting skills, and I’m sad to miss out on that.

Elizabeth Olsen – Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch

Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda Maximoff stole the show in ‘WandaVision’ and ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’. Her complex journey from hero to tragic figure was gripping.

Wanda’s apparent death in ‘Multiverse of Madness’ makes her absence understandable, but the multiverse offers endless possibilities. I was hoping for a Scarlet Witch comeback, and it’s tough knowing she won’t appear.

Paul Bettany – Vision

Paul Bettany’s Vision, seen in four MCU projects like ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ and ‘WandaVision’, brought a unique blend of logic and emotion. His White Vision arc left fans curious.

With Vision’s story unresolved, his absence from ‘Doomsday’ is a missed opportunity. A multiverse variant or White Vision’s return could’ve been fascinating, and I’m disappointed we won’t explore that.

Don Cheadle – James Rhodes / War Machine

Don Cheadle’s James Rhodes has been a loyal ally since ‘Iron Man 2’, appearing in eight MCU movies, including ‘Secret Invasion’. His grounded heroism is a standout.

Rhodes’ absence in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ feels like a loss, especially with his armor-up moments in past team-ups. I was hoping for a War Machine multiverse twist, and it’s a shame he’s not in the mix.

Benedict Cumberbatch – Stephen Strange / Doctor Strange

Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange, seen in six MCU films like ‘Doctor Strange’ and ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’, is a multiverse master. His mystic flair drives major storylines.

With the multiverse central to ‘Doomsday,’ Strange’s absence is shocking. I expected him to guide the team through cosmic chaos, and not having Cumberbatch’s sharp delivery hurts.

Tom Holland – Peter Parker / Spider-Man

Tom Holland’s Peter Parker swung through seven MCU films, from ‘Captain America: Civil War’ to ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’. His youthful energy redefined the web-slinger.

Peter’s memory wipe in ‘No Way Home’ explains his absence, but it’s hard to accept no Spider-Man in ‘Doomsday.’ A multiverse Spidey could’ve been a thrill, and I’ll miss Holland’s charm.

Brie Larson – Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel

Brie Larson’s Carol Danvers soared in ‘Captain Marvel’ and ‘The Marvels’, plus two Avengers films. Her cosmic power makes her a heavy hitter.

Carol’s absence from ‘Doomsday’ is a head-scratcher, given her strength. I was hoping for a multiverse Captain Marvel to shine, and it’s disappointing she won’t light up the screen.

Chadwick Boseman – T’Challa / Black Panther

Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa, seen in four MCU films like ‘Black Panther’, was a cultural icon. His regal performance left a lasting impact.

Boseman’s passing in 2020 makes his absence inevitable, but it’s still painful. A multiverse T’Challa could’ve honored his legacy, and I’m saddened we won’t see that tribute.

Zoe Saldaña – Gamora

Zoe Saldaña’s Gamora was a fierce force in three MCU films, including ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’. Her arc was emotionally rich.

With a variant Gamora out there post-‘Endgame,’ her absence in ‘Doomsday’ is surprising. I hoped for a multiverse reunion, and it’s a bummer Saldaña won’t return.

Chris Pratt – Peter Quill / Star-Lord

Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord led the Guardians in seven films, from ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ to ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’. His humor and heart were perfect.

After ‘Vol. 3’ wrapped the Guardians’ story, Quill’s absence makes sense but stings. A multiverse Star-Lord could’ve been a blast, and I’m bummed Pratt’s not on board.

Dave Bautista – Drax

Dave Bautista’s Drax brought humor and muscle to seven MCU films, including ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Avengers: Infinity War’. His loyalty was unforgettable.

Drax’s story ended in ‘Guardians Vol. 3,’ but his absence in ‘Doomsday’ feels empty. I wanted a multiverse Drax to flex again, and it’s tough knowing he’s out.

Karen Gillan – Nebula

Karen Gillan’s Nebula evolved beautifully across seven MCU films, like ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’. Her redemption arc was powerful.

Nebula’s absence from ‘Doomsday’ is a letdown, especially with her growth. A multiverse Nebula could’ve added grit, and I’m sad Gillan won’t be back.

Pom Klementieff – Mantis

Pom Klementieff’s Mantis charmed fans in five MCU films, from ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ to ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’. Her empathy stood out.

Mantis’ absence in ‘Doomsday’ feels like a missed chance for heart. I hoped for a multiverse Mantis cameo, and it’s disappointing she’s not in the cast.

Vin Diesel – Groot

Vin Diesel’s Groot, voiced in six MCU films like ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’, brought soul to the tree-like hero.

Groot’s absence from ‘Doomsday’ leaves a void. A multiverse Groot could’ve been a fun addition, and I’m bummed Diesel’s iconic ‘I am Groot’ won’t echo.

Bradley Cooper – Rocket Raccoon

Bradley Cooper’s Rocket Raccoon, featured in seven MCU films like ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’, was a snarky standout.

Rocket’s absence in ‘Doomsday’ is a big miss. His wit and leadership could’ve shone in a multiverse story, and I’m disappointed Cooper won’t voice him.

Samuel L. Jackson – Nick Fury

Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury tied the MCU together across 12 projects, from ‘Iron Man’ to ‘Secret Invasion’. His commanding presence is unmatched.

Fury’s absence from ‘Doomsday’ feels off, given his role in uniting heroes. I hoped for a multiverse Fury to strategize, and it’s a shame Jackson’s not involved.

Robert Redford – Alexander Pierce

Robert Redford’s Alexander Pierce was a chilling villain in ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’. His cunning left a mark.

Pierce’s death in ‘Winter Soldier’ explains his absence, but a multiverse variant could’ve been intriguing. I’m disappointed Redford won’t return to stir up trouble.

Which MCU actor are you most bummed to see missing from ‘Avengers: Doomsday’? Drop your thoughts in the comments!