Kat Dennings Addresses Digital Cameo Rumours for Avengers: Doomsday
Kat Dennings has set the record straight about her involvement in Avengers: Doomsday, revealing she didn’t film scenes but was digitally scanned, sparking fresh debate over AI and digital rights in the film industry.
Kat Dennings, well-known for playing Darcy Lewis in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has cleared up speculation about her role in the much-anticipated Avengers: Doomsday. While fans were keen to spot familiar faces in the latest casting news, Dennings’ name was noticeably absent from the extensive five-hour livestream reveal. Speaking on the set of her sitcom Shifting Gears, she confirmed she hadn’t shot any scenes for the upcoming blockbuster.
However, Dennings didn’t completely rule out an appearance. She explained,
“I’m not physically in the film, but I was scanned digitally, so technically, Marvel could pop me in if they wanted.”
This admission has reignited ongoing discussions about the use of digital scans and AI in the entertainment industry, especially regarding consent and compensation for actors.
Digital Doubles and Industry Concerns
The practice of scanning performers for potential digital use has become more common, particularly among major studios. Disney, for instance, has been scanning background actors for some time, and Dennings’ comments suggest this could now extend to main cast members, provided they give explicit permission. The issue of digital likeness and ownership was a major sticking point during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, with many in the industry worried about the possibility of their image being used without proper approval or payment.
For Dennings, the situation is a bit of a grey area. While she’s not part of the physical shoot, her digital likeness could still make an appearance, blurring the lines between traditional acting and new technology. This has left some in the industry uneasy, as the boundaries of digital rights and creative control continue to shift.
Star-Studded Cast and Notable Absences
The cast list for Avengers: Doomsday is packed with familiar faces and a few surprises. Robert Downey Jr. is set to return, this time as the villainous Doctor Doom. Chris Evans is also back, reprising his role as Steve Rogers, now portrayed as a father. Other confirmed cast members include Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Mackie, Paul Rudd, Sebastian Stan, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, and several stars from The Fantastic Four and X-Men, such as Sir Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen.
Despite the impressive line-up, some big names are missing. Tom Holland, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, and Scarlett Johansson were not mentioned in the initial announcement, leaving fans to wonder if they’ll be revealed later or if plans have changed. The film is scheduled to hit cinemas on 18 December 2026, and with such a large ensemble, there’s always the chance for last-minute additions or digital cameos.
Ongoing Debate Over Digital Ownership
Dennings’ revelation has added fuel to the ongoing debate about digital ownership and AI in Hollywood. As studios increasingly rely on technology to create and enhance performances, questions about consent, compensation, and creative control are becoming more urgent. The industry is still grappling with how to balance innovation with respect for the rights of performers, and Dennings’ situation is just the latest example of how complicated things can get.
With the release of Avengers: Doomsday on the horizon, the conversation around digital doubles and AI is unlikely to die down anytime soon. For now, fans will have to wait and see if Dennings’ digital self makes a surprise appearance on the big screen.