Movies

Marvel Veterans Confirm They Won’t Return for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’

Marvel Veterans Confirm They Won’t Return for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
Image credit: Legion-Media

Despite a star-studded cast for 'Avengers: Doomsday,' several familiar Marvel faces, including Idris Elba, Wunmi Mosaku, and Martin Freeman, have revealed they will not be reprising their iconic roles in the highly anticipated film.

As anticipation builds for the upcoming blockbuster 'Avengers: Doomsday,' fans are buzzing about which familiar faces will make a comeback. While the film boasts an impressive lineup of returning heroes and new additions, not every Marvel favorite is set to appear. Idris Elba, Wunmi Mosaku, and Martin Freeman have each confirmed they will not be stepping back into their well-known roles for this next chapter.

The movie ’s massive cast, revealed in a headline-grabbing announcement last spring, includes big names like Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Vanessa Kirby, Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Florence Pugh, Letitia Wright, David Harbour, Patrick Stewart, Alan Cumming, James Marsden, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Paul Rudd, Rebecca Romijn, and Pedro Pascal. While some characters are rumored to have secret cameos, Elba, Mosaku, and Freeman have made it clear they’re sitting this one out.

Marvel Stars Speak Out on Their Absence

During a recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show, the trio addressed the swirling rumors about their involvement. When the host asked, “Are any of you in the new fancy one, that everyone’s in?” Martin Freeman responded with a laugh,

“Apparently not, not everyone…”

Norton quickly corrected himself, joking, “That most people are in!” Mosaku, who last played her Time Variance Authority leader in 'Deadpool & Wolverine, ' quipped, “Rude!” Meanwhile, Elba pointed out that his character, Heimdall, met his end at the hands of Thanos in 'Avengers: Infinity War' back in 2018.

Given the multiverse setting of 'Doomsday,' there’s always a chance for unexpected returns—after all, Tom Hiddleston’s Loki found his way back after a similar fate. Still, Elba, Mosaku, and Freeman seem content to watch the action from the sidelines this time around. For Mosaku’s Hunter B-15 and Freeman’s Everett K. Ross, last seen in the Disney+ miniseries 'Secret Invasion,' the door appears closed for now.

Martin Freeman’s Take on His Marvel Journey

Freeman, who first appeared as Deputy Task Force Commander Ross in 'Captain America: Civil War' and later in both 'Black Panther ' films, has always kept his expectations in check regarding his Marvel future. While promoting 'Secret Invasion,' he shared his perspective on his place in the sprawling superhero universe:

“I never think I’ve got a future in the MCU. I always assume I haven’t, which is the safest M.O. I think it’s the safest thing, given that I’m not one of the A-team in the MCU. I’m definitely on the subs bench. I’m a good little substitute. I can come on when needed, for about five minutes at the end of the game. I’m not assuming anything, that I have a future in the MCU. But whenever it happens, it’s a lovely bonus.”

Freeman’s candid approach reflects the unpredictable nature of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where even beloved characters can find themselves on the bench as the storylines evolve and new heroes take center stage.