Disney Removes 12 MCU Actors from ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ (2026)

Disney just made a move that instantly caught Marvel fans off guard. Behind the scenes, the studio quietly adjusted its plans for Avengers: Doomsday (2026), cutting 12 MCU actors from what many assumed would be the film’s core ensemble. There was no dramatic press release or headline-grabbing reveal. Instead, the shift surfaced gradually, leaving fans to piece together what changed and why.

Right now, the uncertainty is what’s driving the conversation. Marvel built its reputation on massive crossovers packed with beloved characters, so hearing that a dozen familiar faces may no longer be involved raises fundamental questions. Is this a creative reset? A scheduling issue? Or something larger tied to the future direction of the MCU?

Who Still Anchors the Avengers

Even with the shakeup, Marvel has confirmed several heroes who will help drive the story forward, and fans can point to a handful of names publicly tied to Avengers: Doomsday. Among those currently expected to appear are Sam Wilson / Captain America (Anthony Mackie), Mr. Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), and Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), just to name a few.

That blend speaks to where the MCU is heading next—tying together threads from previous phases while spotlighting characters who have grown in prominence across recent films and Disney+ series. Even so, the absence of 12 names that fans widely expected leaves a noticeable gap. The stakes of Doomsday are supposed to be universe-shaking, and traditionally, that’s meant a sprawling cast. Without those faces, the film’s emotional rhythm could feel very different.

Bruce Banner’s Absence Raises Eyebrows

One of the most noticeable missing names is Bruce Banner. Mark Ruffalo helped define the Avengers’ dynamic over the years, especially in Infinity War (2018), where Banner struggled to reconnect with the Hulk after Thanos defeated him. Watching him adapt by piloting the Hulkbuster armor showed how his intellect remained just as valuable as raw strength.

Banner most recently appeared in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, embracing the Smart Hulk identity. Leaving him out of Doomsday feels unusual, particularly because Doctor Doom blends science and sorcery. Banner’s analytical mind could prove essential against that type of enemy. His absence leaves fans wondering whether Marvel is holding him back for a later reveal or quietly shifting focus away from one of the original Avengers.

Doctor Strange’s Role Remains Unclear

The Sorcerer Supreme—or at least the man currently safeguarding reality—also sits in a strange position. Benedict Cumberbatch last appeared as Doctor Strange in Multiverse of Madness (2022), where the story ended with him entering the Dark Dimension alongside Clea. That ending practically set him up for future multiversal conflicts.

Given that Doomsday reportedly deals with collapsing realities, Strange’s absence would feel especially noticeable. No other hero understands the mechanics of the Multiverse quite like he does. Marvel has not confirmed his involvement yet, leaving fans unsure whether Strange will step back into the spotlight or remain off the board during this next crisis.

Hawkeye’s Grounded Presence Is Missing

Clint Barton has always represented the human side of the Avengers. Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye stepped away during Infinity War but returned powerfully in Endgame (2019). After passing his legacy to Kate Bishop in the Disney+ series, Barton appeared ready for a quieter life.

Still, threats of this scale often draw retired heroes back into action. Renner has shared his openness to returning, which makes Hawkeye’s absence more surprising. Barton’s tactical mindset and calm perspective often serve as the emotional anchor for the team, especially when situations spiral beyond control.

Nick Fury’s Absence Feels Unexpected

Few characters connect the MCU the way Nick Fury does. Samuel L. Jackson has guided the Avengers since the beginning, pulling strings behind the scenes and navigating both global and cosmic conflicts. His recent focus on intergalactic politics placed him in a strong position to address any threat Doctor Doom might pose.

Yet Fury currently does not appear among the confirmed cast. Without him, the Avengers lose one of their most experienced strategists, and the team dynamic inevitably shifts.

Scarlet Witch’s Future Remains a Mystery

Wanda Maximoff nearly dismantled Thanos single-handedly in Endgame (2019), proving just how powerful she had become. Elizabeth Olsen has kept fans guessing ever since Wanda’s apparent demise at Mount Wundagore. Her potential return continues to fuel speculation across the fandom.

Wanda’s ability to manipulate reality could serve as one of the few forces capable of countering Doctor Doom’s combined mastery of magic and technology. Olsen has not confirmed anything about reprising the role, leaving the Avengers’ most formidable weapon hanging in uncertainty.

Spider-Man’s Complicated Situation

Tom Holland’s Peter Parker ended No Way Home (2021) completely erased from the world’s memory, setting up a deeply personal next chapter. Rumors continue to swirl about his involvement in Doomsday, but Marvel has not provided official confirmation.

Peter’s dynamic with Doctor Doom could create powerful emotional tension, especially if Robert Downey Jr. appears connected to the villain in some capacity. For now, Spider-Man remains focused on rebuilding his life, leaving his future with the Avengers uncertain.

The Guardians’ Absence Changes the Tone

Following Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023), the cosmic team entered a new phase. Rocket now leads a reimagined lineup while Peter Quill returned to Earth searching for normalcy. Despite their experience battling universe-level threats, none of the Guardians appear scheduled for Doomsday.

Their absence removes a layer of emotional warmth and humor that helped balance earlier Avengers films. Considering Doom’s ambitions could affect the entire universe, their exclusion feels especially surprising.

Vision and War Machine Are Missing

Vision’s journey since Infinity War (2018) has been complex. Reborn as White Vision after the events in Westview, the synthezoid has remained absent from major global conflicts. Although a solo Vision series is expected this year, he currently does not appear among the confirmed cast for Doomsday. Vision’s blend of logic, empathy, and artificial intelligence often challenges heroes to think beyond brute force, making his absence all the more noticeable.

Meanwhile, Don Cheadle’s Rhodey has served as one of the Avengers’ most dependable allies from the beginning. War Machine provided crucial aerial support in past battles and remained a symbol of loyalty within the team. Leaving Rhodey out of this chapter feels unexpected, especially considering his deep ties to the Avengers’ legacy.

The Future of the MCU

Marvel’s decision to remove 12 MCU actors from Avengers: Doomsday reshapes expectations for what the next Avengers film might become. While some absences could still turn into surprises later, the current direction signals a tighter, possibly more focused story.

Still, fans can’t help but wonder what this means for the MCU’s emotional core. These characters helped define the Infinity Saga, and their absence leaves big shoes to fill. Whether Marvel is clearing space for new heroes or planning a dramatic twist, one thing is sure—Doomsday already feels unpredictable. And sometimes, that uncertainty is precisely what keeps audiences watching.