Marvel Veterans Bow Out of 'Avengers: Doomsday' Line-Up
Some familiar faces from the Marvel universe, including Idris Elba, Wunmi Mosaku, and Martin Freeman, have confirmed they won’t be returning for the much-hyped 'Avengers: Doomsday', despite the film’s star-studded roster.
Marvel’s upcoming blockbuster, 'Avengers: Doomsday', is shaping up to be a massive event, with a cast list that reads like a who’s who of superhero cinema. But not every fan favourite will be making a comeback. Despite the buzz around the film’s sprawling ensemble, Idris Elba, Wunmi Mosaku, and Martin Freeman have all made it clear they won’t be stepping back into their Marvel roles this time around.
The trio addressed the speculation during a recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show. When the host cheekily asked if any of them were involved in the new “fancy one that everyone’s in”, Martin Freeman was quick to set the record straight. “Apparently not, not everyone...” he quipped, prompting a round of laughter. Norton corrected himself, “That most people are in!” Wunmi Mosaku, who last appeared as Hunter B-15 in 'Deadpool & Wolverine', jokingly called the situation “rude!” Meanwhile, Idris Elba pointed out that his character, Heimdall, met his end at the hands of Thanos in 'Avengers: Infinity War' back in 2018.
Of course, with the multiverse now a central part of Marvel’s storytelling, there’s always a chance for unexpected returns. Heimdall could, in theory, pop up as a variant, much like Loki has managed since his own demise. But for now, Elba, Mosaku, and Freeman are sitting this one out, leaving fans to wonder who else might be waiting in the wings for a surprise cameo.
Who’s In and Who’s Out?
The official cast announcement for 'Avengers: Doomsday' was nothing short of jaw-dropping, featuring the likes of 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. With so many big names on board, it’s no wonder the film has been making headlines since the promo dropped last spring.
Still, not every character is set for a grand return. While some roles are being kept under wraps—possibly for secret cameos—Elba, Mosaku, and Freeman have all confirmed they’re not part of the action. For Mosaku’s Hunter B-15 and Freeman’s Everett K. Ross, last seen in the Disney+ miniseries 'Secret Invasion', the door seems closed for now. As for Heimdall, unless Marvel pulls a multiverse twist, his story appears to have reached its end.
Martin Freeman’s Take on His Marvel Journey
Freeman, who first joined the Marvel fold as Everett K. Ross in 'Captain America: Civil War', has always kept his expectations in check when it comes to future appearances. He’s popped up in 'Black Panther' and its sequel, 'Wakanda Forever', but hasn’t been seen on the big screen since. Reflecting on his Marvel experience, Freeman shared his pragmatic approach:
“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.”
His comments reflect a down-to-earth attitude, recognising that while he’s played a key supporting role, he’s not expecting a call-up for every major event. For now, Freeman and his fellow Marvel veterans are content to watch the next chapter unfold from the sidelines, leaving the spotlight to the new and returning heroes of 'Avengers: Doomsday'.