Marvel doesn’t just announce a cast list to the world—they turn it into an event. The live stream reveal of the Avengers: Doomsday roster was definitely one of those events. However, amidst all the excitement, people couldn’t stop themselves from noticing the absences—that is, some of the greatest stars of the MCU were not there at all. The main discussion has shifted from the inclusion of the characters to the exclusion of the characters. Hence, we may as well look at the top 10 biggest no-shows and speculate on what their absence at the party might mean for the next monumental Marvel multiverse shake-up.
10. The Young Avengers & Disney+ Heroes
Marvel has been establishing a new breed of heroes throughout its Disney+ series—Ms. Marvel, Kate Bishop, America Chavez, Cassie Lang, Riri Williams, and even Hulk’s son, Skaar. They’ve all had their time in the spotlight, so their lack of appearance in the Doomsday cast is. Unusual. Ms. Marvel’s whereabouts? California. The rest? MIA. Perhaps Marvel’s holding them back as a surprise for later, or reserving them for another team-up in the future.
9. Monica Rambeau & Nick Fury
Monica was stranded in another universe after The Marvels—a universe with X-Men, no less. Nick Fury, the guy who created the Avengers program, is otherwise out of sight, however. Kelsey Grammer’s Beast is appearing, so there seems to be some expectation that Fury must be a part of it somehow. Perhaps they’re setting up a crossover rescue mission? For now, both are sidelined.
8. The Guardians of the Galaxy
Nowhere to be found when once they were crucial to the destiny of the galaxy, the Guardians. Rocket, Groot, Nebula, Star-Lord, Gamora, and Adam Warlock—none are shown as appearing for Doomsday. Last we knew, Star-Lord was living it up back on Earth with his granddad. With a hint that “The Legendary Star-Lord Will Return,” it looks as if they’re taking a break… until then.
7. Scarlet Witch (Wanda Maximoff)
Wanda’s future was left uncertain after Multiverse of Madness, with fans still arguing whether she’s deceased or not. Elizabeth Olsen has confirmed she’s not appearing in Doomsday or Secret Wars, but this is Marvel—death is more of a recommendation. With her twin children appearing in the multiverse, her return seems all but certain. Just… not yet.
6. Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers)
After leading the charge in The Marvels, you’d expect Carol Danvers to be front and center in the next Avengers threat. But she’s nowhere to be found. She’s supposedly lying low on Earth with Goose, but her absence is puzzling—especially since she missed most of the action during the Thanos saga, too. It could be she’s being held back for a bigger role later.
5. Doctor Strange
A multiverse plot without Doctor Strange? That’s a strange decision. Benedict Cumberbatch previously claimed he wasn’t involved in Doomsday because the narrative “doesn’t align” with his character, although he’s since toned that down a little. Perhaps he’s still away with Clea, fighting incursions. Either way, not having the Sorcerer Supreme present feels like a huge piece of the puzzle is missing.
4. Deadpool & Wolverine
Following the enormous hype surrounding Deadpool & Wolverine, it’s a wonder neither Ryan Reynolds nor Hugh Jackman is included on the Doomsday cast list—particularly with other X-Men already on board. Perhaps Marvel is keeping them in reserve for a jaw-dropping debut… perhaps they’re holding out on bringing their chaos to Secret Wars. Either way, though, fans aren’t buying it that they’ll remain benchwarmers for too long.
3. Hulk & Hawkeye
The two surviving original Avengers are also nowhere to be found. Hulk was last seen making his son Skaar’s introduction in She-Hulk, and Hawkeye formally passed the bow on to Kate Bishop. Both actors have mentioned they’re willing to come back, but perhaps they’re simply sitting on the bench awaiting the perfect dramatic moment to rejoin.
2. Steve Rogers & Peggy Carter
Chris Evans’ return has been debated for months in fan circles—perhaps as a different Cap, perhaps even as his original Fantastic Four character. And Peggy Carter, who’s appearing throughout the timelines, is nowhere to be seen. Their absence is noted, particularly with Robert Downey Jr.’s return as a bad guy. Is Marvel holding an enormous secret?
1. Spider-Man (Tom Holland)
The biggest surprise omission? Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. He’s arguably Marvel’s largest hero these days—and his relationship with Tony Stark would introduce some intense conflict with the return of RDJ, this time as Doctor Doom. But with a brand-new Spider-Man movie coming out only two months after Doomsday, perhaps Marvel is holding out Peter Parker’s grand multiverse entrance for another time. But rumors have fans abuzz, and Marvel delights in keeping folks on their toes.
Whether they’re being held back for dramatic entrances, multiverse reveals, or future chapters of the Avengers, their missing status is driving speculation and fan theories across the web. One thing’s certain: Marvel knows how to keep us watching—and talking.