Robert Downey Jr. to Hugh Jackman 5 actors who returned to Marvel.
After their emotional farewells in Marvel superhero films, fans believed they had seen the last of Chris Evans and Hugh Jackman in their iconic roles. However, it appears that these beloved actors are making a return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The unexpected comeback of both stars has generated significant excitement and speculation among fans. Chris Evans, who last appeared as Captain America, and Hugh Jackman, renowned for his portrayal of Wolverine, are set to reprise their roles, promising to bring new dimensions to their characters and reigniting enthusiasm for Marvel’s expansive universe.
In a thrilling development that’s creating waves of excitement within the Marvel fandom, actor Robert Downey Jr. is poised to make a spectacular return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This unexpected comeback has fans buzzing about new projects and the revival of beloved characters. Downey Jr.’s return is particularly intriguing as it marks a significant shift from his iconic role as Iron Man. Instead, he will be stepping into the shoes of Dr. Victor Von Doom, a classic villain from the Marvel comics. This character switch is set to bring a fresh dynamic to the MCU, which is gearing up for an exciting phase of storytelling.
Downey Jr.’s reappearance as Dr. Doom will be a central feature in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for release in May 2026. This film is expected to be a major event in the MCU, setting the stage for the subsequent installment titled Avengers: Secret Wars, due to follow a year later. The announcement of Downey Jr.’s return was made during the Comic-Con event in San Diego, where it was met with enthusiastic reactions from fans and industry insiders alike.
Hugh Jackman, another beloved Marvel star, is also making headlines with his return. Jackman’s emotional farewell as Wolverine in the 2017 film Logan seemed like a definitive end to his tenure as the iconic X-Men character. Jackman had repeatedly stated that he would not reprise his role, making his return in Deadpool & Wolverine a surprising and exciting development. In an interview with Fandango, Jackman reflected on his decision, acknowledging that while he initially believed he was finished with the role, the idea of Wolverine teaming up with Deadpool had always intrigued him. “For Deadpool and Wolverine to come back together,” Jackman shared, “I swear to you, when I said I was done, I really thought I was done.
Adding to the roster of returning Marvel stars, Chris Evans is rumored to be making a comeback in the MCU. Following his character’s poignant departure in Avengers: Endgame, where Steve Rogers aka Captain America rides off into the sunset as an old man, Evans’ return is anticipated with much speculation. Reports suggest that Evans will appear in Avengers: Secret Wars, but not as Captain America. Instead, he might make a brief cameo as an older version of Steve Rogers. This potential appearance has fans eager to see how the beloved character will be integrated into the new storyline.
Wesley Snipes, who originally portrayed the vampire hunter Blade in the late 1990s and early 2000s, is also set to return. Snipes first played Blade in Blade (1998), followed by Blade II (2002) and Blade: Trinity (2004). His involvement in Deadpool & Wolverine came as a pleasant surprise. Snipes revealed that he was initially uncertain about the revival, particularly with Mahershala Ali cast as the new Blade in upcoming Marvel projects. However, when Ryan Reynolds, the star of Deadpool, reached out to him, Snipes felt compelled to reconsider. He told me the idea… They said ‘yes’ and ‘it’s a go.’ ‘If you’re in, we’re in.’ Here we are,” Snipes told Entertainment Weekly.
Scarlett Johansson, known for her role as Black Widow, is also involved in a top-secret Marvel project. Details about this project remain under wraps, with speculation about whether it will be a live-action movie, TV series, or animated series. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige confirmed the project in an interview with ET, saying, “We’re doing a project with Scarlett.” Johansson also addressed the project in an interview with ComicBook back in 2023, stating, “It is still happening.” There is even speculation that the project could be a standalone series focusing on Black Widow, further fueling fan anticipation.
The return of these actors to the Marvel Cinematic Universe signifies a remarkable chapter in the franchise’s evolution. Each of these stars is bringing something unique to their roles, contributing to a broader narrative that promises to reshape the MCU landscape. The excitement surrounding their comebacks reflects the ongoing passion and engagement of Marvel fans, who eagerly await how these beloved characters will re-enter the spotlight and interact with new storylines and characters.
As the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand and evolve, the return of familiar faces like Robert Downey Jr., Hugh Jackman, Chris Evans, Wesley Snipes, and Scarlett Johansson is a testament to the franchise’s enduring appeal and its ability to captivate audiences with both nostalgia and innovation. With these iconic actors back in the fold, the future of the MCU looks bright, filled with potential for new adventures and epic storytelling that will undoubtedly thrill fans around the world.