The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to evolve, as multiple long-serving stars are finally speaking out about being left out of the next Avengers film. A recent image suggests Captain Marvel and Thor have been or will be killed by Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom.Credit: Marvel StudiosSet for release in 2026, Avengers: Doomsday promises to be one of Marvel Studios’ biggest undertakings yet—a high-stakes chapter that’s already seen major creative shifts and unexpected casting reveals.Directed by Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019) filmmakers Anthony and Joe Russo, Doomsday has pivoted from its original Kang-centered storyline to a new focus on Doctor Doom—portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. in his much-anticipated return to the MCU.In early 2025, Marvel rolled out a massive cast reveal through a “chair reveal” livestream, confirming appearances from Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes), Paul Rudd (Ant-Man), Simu Liu (Shang-Chi), Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Kelsey Grammer (Beast), and James Marsden (Cyclops).Credit: Marvel StudiosThe event also marked the official return of several Fox-era X-Men, including Ian McKellen (Magneto), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), Patrick Stewart (Professor X), and Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler).Since then, speculation has swirled about even more familiar faces—Brie Larson (Captain Marvel), Karen Gillan (Nebula), Will Poulter (Adam Warlock), Tessa Thompson (Valkyrie), Dominique Thorne (Ironheart), and Xochitl Gomez (America Chavez)—though Marvel has yet to confirm those additions. The film’s scope already places it among the MCU’s most ambitious crossover events.By late 2025, reports surfaced that Pedro Pascal—who debuted as Reed Richards in The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)—had already finished filming his Doomsday scenes. Not long after, Alan Cumming announced that his work as Nightcrawler was complete, highlighting the film’s ongoing production fluidity as it heads toward release.Credit: Marvel StudiosOne name missing from the growing lineup, however, is Mark Ruffalo. The actor, who has portrayed Hulk since The Avengers (2012), addressed his absence during The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, joking, “They decided that it was better to get rid of me than for me to tell the end of the next movie.”Despite not being announced for Doomsday, Ruffalo’s Hulk isn’t gone for good. He’s already attached to Destin Daniel Cretton’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026), and concept art leaks have shown both Hulk and She-Hulk (Tatiana Maslany) appearing together—though it’s unclear whether those visuals connect to Doomsday or its follow-up, Avengers: Secret Wars (2027).Following in Ruffalo’s footsteps, both Benedict Cumberbatch and Brie Larson have now commented on the swirling speculation around the upcoming Avengers film.Credit: Marvel StudiosDuring an appearance on The View, Larson was asked directly, “Is there any chance that we will see Captain Marvel in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday?” Her response: “Thank you for asking, and you know I can’t answer.”The cryptic reply left fans wondering. Marvel actors often keep quiet under strict secrecy agreements, and Larson’s careful phrasing has fueled talk that Captain Marvel could reappear sooner rather than later.It wasn’t the first time she dodged the topic. In early 2024, she said, “I don’t have anything to say about that,” when asked about her MCU future. Then, in June 2025, she posted a mysterious photo of herself looking at the words “AVENGE” and “DANVERS,” sparking new speculation among fans that the post hinted at her return.Credit: Marvel StudiosAre Captain Marvel and Another Iconic Avenger Already Dead?Recent promo art for Avengers: Doomsday has sparked plenty of speculation among fans, particularly over a pair of mysterious insignias featured on Doctor Doom’s costume. As highlighted by ComicBookMovie, the HD image—which first surfaced online following its reveal at the Walt Disney Studios Marketing Expo in Shanghai—offers a closer look at Doom’s signature green cloak and armored design. Most notably, the fasteners securing his cloak appear to display two distinct emblems, each potentially hinting at a major connection to existing Marvel heroes.According to the report, one of the circular emblems bears a resemblance to Captain Marvel’s starburst logo, while the other appears to echo the shape of Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir. The markings, positioned symmetrically across Doom’s chest, have prompted fans to theorize that they’re more than just decorative details. As the report suggests, the insignias might imply that the ruler of Latveria has already encountered—perhaps even defeated—variants of Captain Marvel and Thor in the Multiverse, collecting trophies or fragments of their power along the way.Credit: Marvel StudiosThe high-definition version of the promo art makes these symbols clearer than earlier releases, and many fans have taken the design choices as potential clues to Doom’s rise as the MCU’s next major adversary. Still, the imagery could just as easily serve as an aesthetic choice or reference to another facet of Doom’s mythos. Regardless, it’s a compelling design decision that feels intentional, especially for a film shrouded in as much secrecy as Avengers: Doomsday.With Avengers: Doomsday slated to release on December 18, 2026, these subtle costume details may be offering fans an early glimpse into just how formidable the MCU’s next big villain could be.Credit: Marvel StudiosLarson last appeared as Carol Danvers in The Marvels (2023), which ended with Monica Rambeau trapped in another dimension as Carol vowed to bring her back. With Monica reportedly playing a key role in Avengers: Doomsday, Carol’s absence from the cast list is particularly surprising—especially given the characters’ deep connection.While Larson hasn’t confirmed her involvement, her social media activity and measured responses suggest there’s more to the story. Whether her comeback happens in Doomsday or another Phase Six entry, Marvel seems intent on keeping Captain Marvel’s next step under wraps.These developments come as Marvel Studios refines its approach in Phase Six. The Fantastic Four: First Steps opened strongly but dropped sharply in its second weekend, signaling the studio’s ongoing challenge of maintaining audience momentum.Credit: Marvel StudiosStill, Marvel president Kevin Feige and the Russo brothers have promised that Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027) will serve as a creative reboot—ushering in a new direction with the X-Men playing a central role.With Doctor Doom stepping up as the MCU’s next major villain and the cast blending heroes from across Marvel’s cinematic eras, Avengers: Doomsday could mark a defining turning point for the franchise.As filming wraps for stars like Pedro Pascal and Alan Cumming—and questions remain about Ruffalo, Larson, and Cumberbatch—the MCU is once again in transition. Fans are left wondering what comes next in this ever-expanding cinematic universe.Do you think these iconic characters will be killed before or in Avengers: Doomsday? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments below!The post Marvel Reveals Devastating Image, Captain Marvel and Thor Likely Killed Before ‘Doomsday’ appeared first on Inside the Magic.