The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has taken us on a decade-long journey filled with iconic heroes, villains, and everything in between. As the multiverse opens up countless possibilities, not all beloved (or feared) characters will make a return. With Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars on the horizon, many fans are hoping to see familiar faces return to the big screen. However, there are some actors who have either moved on or have storylines that have reached their natural conclusion. Here are ten Marvel actors least likely to return for Avengers 5 and 6, and the reasons why they won't be making a comeback.

10. Dave Bautista as Drax

Last appeared in: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

Dave Bautista has been vocal about his exit from the MCU, stating after the release of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 that his role as Drax has come to an end. Bautista, who embodied the charming yet often clueless warrior, has expressed gratitude for the character but made it clear that he's ready to move on from the physically demanding role.

In interviews, Bautista has also noted that while he'd be open to future roles within Marvel, he wouldn't want to return as Drax. With the multiverse now in play, anything is possible, but Bautista's enthusiasm for reprising Drax is nonexistent. It seems his journey has ended where it needed to—with a heartfelt farewell in Vol. 3.

9. Hugo Weaving as Red Skull

Last appeared in: Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Hugo Weaving’s turn as the sinister Red Skull in Captain America: The First Avenger left a memorable impact. However, the actor did not return for the character's subsequent appearances in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, with Ross Marquand stepping in to play the spectral guardian of the Soul Stone. The recasting suggests that Weaving has little interest in reprising his role.

In interviews, Weaving has spoken about difficulties in negotiating his return with Marvel, and it's clear that the lack of an agreement drove his absence. Marquand has since made the role his own, and it seems unlikely that Weaving will return as Red Skull in any future Avengers projects.

8. Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow

Last appeared in: Black Widow (2021)

Scarlett Johansson's Natasha Romanoff sacrificed herself in Avengers: Endgame in one of the most emotional scenes in the MCU. While her character received a proper send-off in her solo film, Black Widow, Johansson has repeatedly stated that her time in the MCU is over.

Johansson is still involved in the MCU, but now as a producer. Her work behind the scenes for Thunderbolts indicates her continued passion for Marvel projects, but not as Natasha on-screen. Given Black Widow’s poignant ending and the weight it carries, a return would likely undermine her sacrifice, making her unlikely to reappear in future Avengers installments.

7. Terrence Howard as War Machine

Last appeared in: Iron Man (2008)

Terrence Howard originated the role of Colonel James "Rhodey" Rhodes in Iron Man, but was replaced by Don Cheadle in subsequent films. Howard's departure was marred by behind-the-scenes disputes, which have since made his return highly unlikely. Although he’s expressed that he holds no ill will, Howard has moved on to other projects and seems uninterested in revisiting his Marvel days.

The character of Rhodey has been successfully carried forward by Cheadle, who has made the role his own. With Armor Wars on the horizon, it’s clear that the MCU is sticking with Cheadle, leaving no reason to revisit Howard’s brief tenure as War Machine.

6. Clark Gregg as Phil Coulson

Last appeared in: Captain Marvel (2019)

Phil Coulson, played by Clark Gregg, was a vital figure in the MCU’s early years, and his death in The Avengers served as a pivotal moment that brought Earth’s mightiest heroes together. Though his character was revived for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the question of whether that show is MCU canon has always been hazy.

While Gregg has expressed willingness to return, the complications around Coulson's death and resurrection make it difficult to reintegrate him seamlessly into the films. It seems Marvel is content leaving Coulson’s legacy intact, making a return in Avengers 5 or 6 improbable.

5. Zachary Levi as Fandral

Last appeared in: Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Zachary Levi took over the role of Fandral, one of the Warriors Three, in Thor: The Dark World and returned briefly in Thor: Ragnarok, only for his character to be swiftly killed by Hela. Levi has since spoken about his dissatisfaction with the role, feeling that Fandral and the Warriors Three were underutilized.

Given his quick and unceremonious death, a multiversal resurrection seems unlikely for a character as minor as Fandral. Levi’s move to the DC Universe as Shazam also indicates that he’s not looking to revisit his role in the MCU.

4. Mickey Rourke as Whiplash

Last appeared in: Iron Man 2 (2010)

Mickey Rourke portrayed Ivan Vanko, aka Whiplash, in Iron Man 2, but his experience in the MCU wasn’t exactly a positive one. Rourke has been outspoken about his displeasure with the final cut of the film, noting that much of his character development was edited out, which left Whiplash feeling one-dimensional.

Given Rourke’s critical comments about his time working with Marvel, it’s unlikely he’d be interested in reprising his role. Plus, with so many new villains to explore, the MCU probably has little reason to revisit Whiplash.

3. India Hemsworth as Love

Last appeared in: Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

India Hemsworth, daughter of Chris Hemsworth, made her acting debut in Thor: Love and Thunder as Love, the daughter of Gorr the God Butcher. Despite the promising ending for Love’s character, Chris Hemsworth has made it clear that his daughter’s appearance was more of a one-time family affair.

India is still very young, and her father has emphasized the importance of her having a normal childhood. As such, it’s unlikely that India will return as Love for Avengers 5 or 6, though the character may still play a role in future storylines with a different actor.

2. Michael Douglas as Hank Pym

Last appeared in: Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

Michael Douglas brought gravitas to the role of Hank Pym, but the actor has suggested that his time in the MCU is coming to an end. Douglas has stated that the only way he’d return to the franchise would be if his character was killed off, indicating a desire to wrap up Hank Pym’s story.

Considering the new directions Marvel is exploring and Douglas’ comments, it’s likely that Pym’s story will not extend into Avengers 5 or 6. Douglas’ desire for closure means fans may have already seen the last of the original Ant-Man.

1. Chris Evans as Steve Rogers

Last appeared in: Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Chris Evans’ portrayal of Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, was a defining role in the MCU’s Infinity Saga. Endgame gave Steve a beautiful send-off, allowing him to live out his life in peace with Peggy Carter. Evans has often expressed satisfaction with how Steve’s story ended, making a return unlikely.

Though rumors have swirled about Evans reprising his role through the multiverse, his recent appearance as Johnny Storm in Deadpool & Wolverine makes it less probable that he’ll return as Captain America anytime soon. The narrative arc of Steve Rogers was complete, and bringing him back could risk undermining the emotional weight of his departure.

Conclusion

The MCU is moving into new territory with its upcoming Avengers films, exploring the multiverse and introducing fresh faces to the franchise. While many fans may hope for the return of these ten actors, it seems unlikely that they will reprise their roles. Whether due to narrative closure, behind-the-scenes conflicts, or simply a desire to move on, these actors have most likely closed the book on their MCU journeys. And while the MCU has taught us to "never say never," for now, it appears these beloved characters will remain part of Marvel's storied past, paving the way for new heroes to take the spotlight.

FAQ Section

1. Why is Dave Bautista unlikely to return as Drax?

   • Dave Bautista has stated that he is ready to move on from the physically demanding role of Drax and has no interest in reprising the character.

2. Why didn't Hugo Weaving return as Red Skull?

   • Hugo Weaving had difficulties negotiating his return with Marvel, and Ross Marquand has since taken over the role.

3. Will Scarlett Johansson ever return as Black Widow?

   • Scarlett Johansson has indicated that her time in front of the camera as Black Widow is over, though she is still involved with Marvel projects as a producer.

4. Why did Terrence Howard leave the role of War Machine?

   • Terrence Howard left due to behind-the-scenes disputes and was replaced by Don Cheadle, who has continued the role ever since.

5. Is Clark Gregg’s Agent Coulson coming back to the MCU?

   • While Clark Gregg is open to returning, the complications surrounding Coulson's death and resurrection make a comeback unlikely.

6. Why won't Zachary Levi return as Fandral?

   • Zachary Levi was dissatisfied with the underutilization of Fandral, and his character's swift death in Thor: Ragnarok makes a return unlikely.

7. Did Mickey Rourke enjoy his role as Whiplash?

   • Mickey Rourke was unhappy with how his character was portrayed, noting that much of his performance was cut, making it unlikely he’d return.

8. Will India Hemsworth return as Love?

   • Chris Hemsworth has emphasized the importance of his daughter having a normal childhood, making her return as Love unlikely in the near future.

9. Is Michael Douglas done with the MCU?

   • Michael Douglas has expressed interest in wrapping up Hank Pym’s story and would only return if his character was killed off.

10. Could Chris Evans return as Captain America?

    • Chris Evans has stated he’s satisfied with Steve Rogers’ ending, and his recent Marvel role as Johnny Storm makes a return as Captain America unlikely.

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These resources complement the insights from That Love Podcast, allowing you to delve even deeper into the complex world of antiheroes. Happy exploring!

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