Brace yourselves, MCU fans, because some of your favorite heroes might be sitting out the 2026 lineup! While the Marvel Cinematic Universe is gearing up for an epic year with shows like Wonder Man, Daredevil: Born Again, and the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday, a few key players are looking unlikely to return. Let's dive into the reasons why, shall we?
It's a mix of behind-the-scenes drama, less-than-stellar performances, and, of course, the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood. Some actors aren't keen on returning, while certain characters' futures are hanging in the balance. This means some of the most exciting and powerful characters introduced recently might not grace our screens in 2026. What a bummer!
5) Moon Knight (Marc Spector)
Oscar Isaac's portrayal of Marc Spector and his multiple personalities, including Steven Grant and Jake Lockley, was a highlight of 2022. But Isaac's recent comments about his reluctance to work with Disney, following the suspension of talk-show host Jimmy Kimmel, cast a shadow over his potential return. Isaac has been vocal about the need for changes in the industry, particularly regarding political oversight. While his comments were related to his role in the Star Wars franchise, it unfortunately makes a return as Moon Knight unlikely.
4) She-Hulk (Jennifer Walters)
Tatiana Maslany, who brought Jennifer Walters' She-Hulk to life, has also been critical of Disney and its CEO, Bob Iger. Despite being a compelling addition to the MCU, She-Hulk's future is uncertain, given Maslany's public calls to boycott Disney+ and other platforms. She cites concerns about political influence, worker treatment, and Iger's management style. But here's where it gets controversial... Could these criticisms influence Disney's decision-making regarding her character?
3) Kang the Conqueror
Introduced in 2021 as the Multiverse Saga's primary antagonist, Kang, played by Jonathan Majors, was poised to be a major force. However, Majors' arrest and conviction on assault and harassment charges in 2023 led to his swift dismissal from Marvel Studios. While the role could theoretically be recast, Robert Downey Jr.'s casting as Doctor Doom seems to have sidelined Kang as the MCU's big bad. It's highly unlikely we'll see Kang in 2026.
2) Nick Fury
Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury has been a cornerstone of the MCU since Iron Man. He brought the Avengers together and has been a key figure in many solo adventures. However, after disappointments in Secret Invasion and The Marvels, Fury's future is uncertain. And this is the part most people miss... The lack of a clear plan for Fury raises questions about his potential return in Avengers: Doomsday.
1) The Eternals
Eternals received a mixed reception upon its release, leading Marvel Studios to seemingly shelve plans for sequels. Despite recent retrospective praise, the lack of a sequel is a shame. We'd love to see the Eternals' story continue, especially Sersi, Phastos, and Kingo's mysterious travels with Arishem, and get closure for Eros’ debut alongside Druig, Thena, and Makkari. Unfortunately, a 2026 appearance seems unlikely.
So, there you have it! A few major characters who might be sitting out the MCU's 2026 festivities. What do you think about these potential absences? Do you agree with the reasons given, or do you have a different perspective? Let's discuss in the comments! Are you disappointed about any of these characters not returning? Let us know in the ComicBook Forum!**
