The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is at a turning point. With Captain America: Brave New World barely breaking even, Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios are banking on a slate of films to revitalize the franchise. Upcoming releases like Thunderbolts in May 2025 and Fantastic Four: First Steps in July 2025 aim to inject fresh energy into the MCU. While Thunderbolts promises a Suicide Squad-style team-up and Fantastic Four brings Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing, the real buzz surrounds Avengers: Doomsday. Set to feature a massive ensemble cast, this film is poised to be Marvel’s next big spectacle. However, several iconic Avengers are conspicuously absent from the lineup. Here’s why some fan-favorite heroes won’t be joining the fight.

The Avengers: Doomsday Lineup: A Packed Roster

Disney is pulling out all the stops for Avengers: Doomsday, assembling a cast that includes heavy hitters like Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, and newcomers like Lewis Pullman as The Sentry. The list also features Anthony Mackie (Captain America), Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova), and X-Men alumni such as Patrick Stewart (Professor X) and Ian McKellen (Magneto). With over 20 confirmed characters, the film promises a colossal clash. Yet, amidst this star-studded lineup, fans have noticed some glaring omissions. Where are Deadpool, Wolverine, Spider-Man, and others? Let’s break it down.

Deadpool and Wolverine: Too Big for the Team

After their blockbuster team-up in 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine, Ryan Reynolds’ Merc with a Mouth and Hugh Jackman’s clawed mutant are sitting this one out. Deadpool’s larger-than-life persona thrives in solo outings or smaller ensembles—his chaotic energy would likely overshadow Doomsday’s narrative. Reynolds has even hinted at taking a break to focus on family, suggesting Deadpool’s return will come when the MCU needs another box-office boost. As for Wolverine, he’s earned a breather after surviving Deadpool’s antics. Their absence makes sense: they’re better suited for standalone adventures than a crowded Avengers epic.

Taskmaster: A Missed Opportunity Fades Away

Taskmaster’s debut in Black Widow (2021) disappointed fans expecting the comics’ mimicry-master villain. Reimagined as Antonia Dreykov (Olga Kurylenko), the character failed to resonate, and rumors suggest Thunderbolts might write her off entirely. With no emotional connection from audiences and a lackluster adaptation, Taskmaster’s exclusion from Doomsday isn’t surprising. Marvel seems ready to move on from this misstep rather than force her into the spotlight again.

Spider-Man: Swinging Solo

Tom Holland’s Peter Parker remains a fan favorite, but he’s tied up with Spider-Man: Brand New Day, now slated for July 2026 after delays. The timing clash, combined with Sony’s partnership with Marvel, likely means Holland’s web-slinger won’t join Doomsday. After No Way Home’s universe-altering ending, Peter’s solo journey feels like a priority—both for his character arc and for Sony’s cinematic plans. Expect Spidey to return later, perhaps in Avengers: Secret Wars.

Doctor Strange, Scarlet Witch, and Captain Marvel: On Hold

Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange could still appear in Secret Wars, possibly teased in Doomsday’s post-credits. For now, though, he’s absent from the roster. Elizabeth Olsen has confirmed Wanda Maximoff won’t feature in the next few Avengers films, leaving Scarlet Witch’s fate uncertain post-WandaVision. Meanwhile, Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel may be sidelined after The Marvels underperformed, with Carol Danvers presumably off saving other worlds. These absences suggest Marvel is pacing its biggest players for future payoffs.

Retired Heroes: Steve Rogers and Natasha Romanoff

Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers hung up the shield in Avengers: Endgame, and despite online speculation, he’s staying retired. Similarly, Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff sacrificed herself in Endgame, and the actress has moved on—teasing her next role in Jurassic World. Both characters’ stories feel complete, and Marvel isn’t keen on undoing their emotional exits.

Why It Matters

Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be a bold, overcrowded event, but the absence of these heroes reflects Marvel’s strategy: focus on new blood while preserving key players for later. With Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four setting the stage, Doomsday aims to balance spectacle with coherence—no easy feat with such a sprawling cast. Fans may miss Deadpool’s quips or Spider-Man’s webs, but their exclusions could pave the way for a tighter, more impactful story. As the MCU evolves, Avengers: Doomsday—set to redefine the franchise—proves some heroes are better saved for another day.