The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s next major ensemble, Avengers: Doomsday (2026), is coming together as one of the most ambitious projects in the studio’s history. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, the film marks a narrative shift for the Avengers saga—moving away from the Kang storyline to center on Doctor Doom, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. in his long-awaited return to Marvel.
When Marvel unveiled the film’s lineup in May 2025 via a “chair reveal” livestream, the scope immediately caught fans’ attention. The roster included franchise regulars Sebastian Stan, Paul Rudd, Simu Liu, Florence Pugh, Tom Hiddleston, Chris Hemsworth, Kelsey Grammer, and James Marsden, alongside returning X-Men legends Ian McKellen, Rebecca Romijn, Patrick Stewart, and Alan Cumming.
In the months since, Marvel watchers have noted the absence of several familiar faces—including Mark Ruffalo, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Brie Larson. Ruffalo jokingly addressed his status on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, quipping, “They decided that it was better to get rid of me than for me to tell the end of the next movie,” in reference to his history of accidental spoilers.
Larson has now commented on the speculation surrounding her own absence. Appearing on The View, the Oscar-winning actress was asked directly if Captain Marvel would return for Avengers: Doomsday. Larson responded, “Thank you for asking, and you know I can’t answer.”
Her careful phrasing mirrors her earlier remarks from February 2024, when she said, “I don’t have anything to say about that.” The ambiguity has only fueled fan theories that Marvel is intentionally keeping Captain Marvel’s appearance under wraps until closer to release.
Brie Larson further fueled speculation in June 2025 after posting an image of herself alongside the words “AVENGE” and “DANVERS” on social media. The cryptic post immediately drew attention from fans eager to see Carol Danvers return to the MCU after her last appearance in The Marvels (2023). That film ended with Monica Rambeau stranded in another dimension—a plotline many expect to continue in Doomsday, given reports of Rambeau’s expanded role.
Meanwhile, Avengers: Doomsday continues production as stars Pedro Pascal and Alan Cumming reportedly complete their respective filming schedules. With the X-Men now integrated into the MCU and Doctor Doom set to take over as the franchise’s central villain, the project is designed to usher in a new creative phase for Marvel Studios.
The studio has faced challenges maintaining momentum following The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025), which opened strong but saw a steep drop in its second weekend. Even so, president Kevin Feige and the Russo brothers have promised that Doomsday and its sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), will serve as a narrative reset—one that redefines the franchise and positions the X-Men as key figures in its next era.
Whether Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel plays a role in that transformation remains one of Marvel’s best-kept secrets. For now, her silence may say more than any official confirmation could.
