The Marvel Cinematic Universe is heading toward one of its most dangerous turning points yet. Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled to release on December 18, 2026, is shaping up to be the franchise’s next massive crossover event—one that could permanently alter Marvel’s future. Arriving nearly six years after Avengers: Endgame, the film is expected to raise the emotional and narrative stakes far beyond anything fans have seen before.
While Endgame delivered heartbreaking sacrifices with Iron Man and Black Widow, Doomsday threatens something even bigger: not just the survival of one universe, but the fate of the entire multiverse. With Marvel Studios reportedly planning major reboots, recasts, and generational shifts, the film may also serve as a farewell to several beloved heroes.
Below are five MCU heroes who are most likely to meet their end in Avengers: Doomsday, based on narrative logic, rumors, and Marvel’s long-term storytelling strategy.
1. Captain America (Steve Rogers – Variant or Original)
One of the most shocking rumors surrounding Avengers: Doomsday is the return of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers. However, reports suggest this may not be the same Captain America audiences said goodbye to in Endgame, but rather a variant from another universe.
Killing any version of Captain America would be emotionally devastating. Steve Rogers has always represented hope, leadership, and moral clarity within the Avengers. His presence alone boosts the team’s morale, and losing him again—especially under tragic circumstances—would instantly raise the film’s emotional weight.
However, there’s a bigger question at play. If Marvel chooses to keep the original Steve Rogers alive while eliminating a variant, it could signal that the studio is relying too heavily on nostalgia instead of pushing forward with its next generation of heroes. A heroic death, on the other hand, would close Steve’s arc with finality and reinforce the danger of the multiversal war.
2. Ant-Man (Scott Lang)
Marvel has a long tradition of using humor as emotional armor, which is exactly why comedic characters often make the most effective sacrifices. Scott Lang, portrayed by Paul Rudd, fits this role perfectly.
Scott is the heart of the Avengers—a lovable everyman who brings humor even in the darkest moments. His bond with his daughter Cassie makes him especially vulnerable in a high-stakes narrative like Doomsday. If Marvel wants audiences to truly hate the villain, sacrificing Ant-Man would be a devastating move.
His death wouldn’t just impact the Avengers—it would shatter the audience. Scott Lang has survived quantum chaos, time travel, and cosmic threats. Losing him now would underline one harsh truth: no one is safe anymore.
3. Red Guardian (Alexei Shostakov)
The Red Guardian has been walking a clear path toward redemption ever since his introduction in Black Widow (2021). His relationship with Yelena Belova, his guilt over past failures, and his desperate need to prove himself as a true hero all point toward one inevitable conclusion: a heroic sacrifice.
That journey was further explored in Thunderbolts (2025), where Alexei continued to struggle between ego and responsibility. Avengers: Doomsday would be the perfect stage for him to complete his arc by giving his life to protect Yelena—or the world.
His death would also solidify Yelena’s emotional growth and strengthen her position as a central figure in the MCU moving forward. Sometimes, the most meaningful hero deaths aren’t flashy—they’re personal.
4. Original X-Men Members (Multiverse Versions)
With Marvel preparing to reboot the X-Men franchise using a younger cast, Avengers: Doomsday could serve as a respectful farewell to many of the original versions fans grew up with.
Multiverse storytelling allows Marvel to honor legacy characters while clearing the path for the future. This makes the deaths of older X-Men variants not just possible, but likely. Their sacrifices could play a crucial role in saving the multiverse while symbolically passing the torch.
One notable exception appears to be Wolverine, played by Hugh Jackman. Rumors strongly suggest that his version of the character will have a major role in Avengers: Secret Wars, making him one of the few legacy characters expected to survive Doomsday.
5. Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire’s Version)
One of the most emotional possibilities surrounding Avengers: Doomsday involves Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man. Rumors indicate that instead of Tom Holland’s Peter Parker, Maguire’s version may return for one final appearance.
If true, this could lead to one of the most heartbreaking moments in MCU history. Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man represents an entire era of superhero cinema. Giving him a heroic, tear-filled send-off would honor that legacy while reinforcing the theme of sacrifice.
A final stand where he saves the multiverse—or inspires a new generation of heroes—would be a powerful way to close his story. For longtime fans, it would be emotional, nostalgic, and unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
Avengers: Doomsday isn’t just another Marvel movie—it’s a crossroads. With the multiverse collapsing and the future of the MCU on the line, the film is expected to deliver real consequences, permanent losses, and emotional gut punches.
Whether it’s a beloved Avenger, a legacy X-Men hero, or a Spider-Man from another universe, deaths in Doomsday will shape Marvel’s next decade. One thing is certain: this time, survival isn’t guaranteed—and that’s what makes it exciting.