Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday Faces a Chorus of Denials From Key Stars
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Despite fervent fan speculation and persistent rumors, a growing number of prominent actors associated with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) are publicly denying involvement in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, slated for release on December 18, 2026. The film, which received a cast announcement in spring 2025 featuring over 20 names, continues to be shrouded in mystery due to Marvel Studios’ penchant for surprise cameos – a tactic that fuels ongoing conjecture about unconfirmed appearances in Avengers 5.
Marvel Studios has cultivated a culture of secrecy, with actors routinely undergoing extensive training to avoid discussing future projects. This often results in carefully worded denials or dismissals when questioned about their roles or potential returns to the MCU. As anticipation builds for Avengers: Doomsday, a wave of these denials has emerged, leaving fans to question who will ultimately assemble for the next chapter in the saga.
Chris Evans Remains “Happily Retired” From Captain America
The narrative seemingly concluded for two foundational MCU characters in Avengers: Endgame: Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man and Chris Evans’ Captain America. While Iron Man’s sacrifice marked a definitive end, Captain America’s journey took a different path, with the hero choosing to live out his life with Peggy Carter. However, Downey Jr.’s return as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday has sparked hope among fans that Marvel might not be finished with Evans.
Reports surfaced in 2024 suggesting Evans would reprise his role in the film, though the specifics remained unclear. Evans swiftly refuted these claims, telling Esquire “that’s not true,” and affirming he is “happily retired” from Marvel. Whether this is a strategic maneuver dictated by years of MCU publicity protocols or a genuine statement remains to be seen.
Garfield and Reynolds Push Back Against Rumors
Andrew Garfield, known for expertly navigating spoiler avoidance during the promotion of Spider-Man: No Way Home, is once again dismissing rumors of his participation in Avengers: Doomsday and its follow-up, Avengers: Secret Wars. Despite his Peter Parker being returned to his home universe at the conclusion of No Way Home, the multiverse-spanning nature of the upcoming films has fueled speculation about his potential return. Garfield, however, was unequivocal in his denial, telling GQ “unequivocally f**king no.”
Similarly, Ryan Reynolds, whose Deadpool recently entered the MCU following years under the Fox Studios banner, has denied his involvement. While Deadpool & Wolverine’s box office success has solidified Reynolds’ position as a key character for Marvel Studios, he stated during a recent press tour that he had not “stepped foot on set” for Avengers: Doomsday, despite initial reports from The Hollywood Reporter suggesting otherwise.
Cox, Berry, and Cumberbatch Also Deny Roles
Charlie Cox’s Daredevil, who made a surprise appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home and now stars in the Daredevil: Born Again series, is also reportedly not slated to appear in Avengers: Doomsday. When questioned by Phase Hero’s Brandon Davis, Cox stated, “No. I’m just concentrating on [Daredevil: Born Again] right now.”
Halle Berry, anticipating a potential return as Storm alongside other X-Men cast members, also denied involvement. She told the Associate Press, “Keep waiting, it’s not gonna be there,” when asked about a possible announcement regarding her appearance.
Benedict Cumberbatch, whose Doctor Strange possesses extensive knowledge of the multiverse, has also been adamant about his absence from Avengers: Doomsday. He clarified that his character “[does] not align with this part of the story,” but confirmed his participation in Avengers: Secret Wars. Whether this explanation is a genuine narrative justification or a calculated deflection remains uncertain.
The consistent denials from these prominent actors highlight the challenges of reporting on the MCU, where secrecy is paramount. As Avengers: Doomsday draws closer, the mystery surrounding its cast will undoubtedly continue to intensify, leaving fans to wonder which surprises – and which absences – await them on the big screen.
