Everything in the MCU has been building towards Avengers: Infinity War. For over a decade Kevin Feige has been pumping out MCU movies in a way that no one has accomplished before him. With Avengers: Infinity War being the 19th film in the MCU, it’s clear that Marvel and Disney have gone “all in” for the upcoming two-part superhero crossover of a lifetime.
Leading up to its release in late April 2018, there have been hundreds of rumors regarding who’s in the movie and who’s not. To date, there are well over a dozen rumors that have yet to be confirmed or debunked. Rumors like LL Cool J playing a role in the film have yet to be squashed. There’s also been talk that Peter Dinklage will play Eitri, or that William Hurt will appear as Thaddeus Ross. On the opposite side of the spectrum, there’s a bunch of rumors which have clearly been debunked. Many were secretly wishing Hope van Dyne (Wasp) would appear, but that rumor has been shut down for good. Adam Warlock appearing in Avengers: Infinity War was also the talk of the town until debunked too.
And yet, can audiences fully trust Marvel and Disney to give them a straight answer regarding these rumors? It’s not like they haven’t played the misdirect game before. Which is why we’ve gathered together all the characters still on the table for Avengers: Infinity War and even a few who have supposedly been debunked. And to make things interesting, we’ve also included characters who aren’t yet cast for the superhero showdown, and should never come near an Avengers movie, even if they’ve previously been in one.
20 Rumored: Sky-Rider Of The Spaceways
Thanks to an unproven casting listing on Metacritic and IMDB, the Silver Surfer may be joining up with the Avengers sooner than later. According to the entry, actor Curt Clendenin is listed as Silver Surfer. Head over to Clendenin’s Twitter, and he’s either confirming the entry or he’s having fun with fans — nothing has yet been confirmed.
It wasn’t long after Disney's acquisition of much of 20th Century Fox that it was announced there would be a Silver Surfer standalone film coming sometime in 2020. The Silver Surfer is one of the most powerful Marvel superheroes in existence and has yet to be portrayed positively on the big screen.
Adding Silver Surfer to the Avengers: Infinity War lineup would also allow Marvel and Disney to test the waters regarding the casting decision of Curt Clendenin. Either way, we want Silver Surfer.
19 Never Again: A Human Hack
Avengers: Infinity War is made up of humans, gods, and celestial beings. None of which, the Mandarin could defeat on his own. As the leader of the Ten Rings, he can stir up trouble on Earth but not against the entirety of the Avengers. Even in future films, it’s best if the Mandarin remained a behind-the-scenes villain as opposed to becoming the main bad guy.
The Mandarin caused a ton of fandom divisiveness in Iron Man 3.
Marvel has enough to worry about without having to put out fires regarding certain characters. And the Mandarin brings fires wherever he goes. Most don’t remember, but the fandom split over his character in Iron Man 3 was almost on the same level as The Last Jedi.
18 Rumored: Son Of Thanos
Marvel knows how to play the long game regarding a slow introduction of a character into the MCU. Recently an Avengers: Infinity War poster was released featuring Thanos, along with members of the Black Order. The Black Order consists of Thanos' adoptive children which include Corvus Glaive, Ebony Maw, Proxima Midnight, and Cull Obsidian.
But it's not just the Black Order that has Marvel fans freaking out. If Thanos’ adoptive children are in Avengers: Infinity War, then what about his real son, Thane? The movie is largely based off Hickman's Infinity comic series, in which Thane plays a major role.
Thane could turn the tide of Avengers: Infinity War either way, as he doesn’t have full control of his powers. His left hand can wipe out everyone within a certain radius around him while his right-hand leaves individuals trapped and incapacitated. Including Thane would also explain the Collector’s role in the film.
17 Never Again: The Crimson Cowl
The Ultron who premiered on the big screen and the one featured in the comics are not alike. In Avengers: Age of Ultron he’s just another disposable villain. Plus, audiences were left to assume that he is forever gone, which also doesn’t line up well with the comics.
Having Ultron return, if done properly, might be cool to see. But not for Avengers: Infinity War.
In the source comics, Ultron always returns. And stronger than he was before being defeated. This always leaves his character in question as to if he was terminated, or just buying his time until he strikes again. The only problem with this type of villain is that they often become boring to watch. But let’s be honest, Marvel has yet to introduce audiences to a real supervillain (Loki doesn’t count). Will Thanos buck the trend?
16 Rumored: Cap’s Ostensible Love Interest
Sharon Carter is the great-niece of legendary S.H.I.E.L.D. founder Peggy Carter. Known also as Agent 13, Carter isn’t shy about her feelings for Captain America. Sharon Carter has stepped out on a limb for Cap before (Bucky) and it would only seem likely that she’d pass through Avengers: Infinity War at some point, especially if the rumors are true about Captain America biting the Thanos induced bullet.
“Listen, it’s hard to fit Sharon into that,” VanCamp said in a 2017 interview. “She’s really in Cap’s world. I mean, I can’t say anything about anything, but I will say that. She sort of fits into the Captain America movies; that’s where her sort of story lies. But I can tell you it’s going to be like an epic two-parter. From everything that I hear, it’s going to be amazing.”
15 Never Again: The MCU Meme King
While most fail to acknowledge Quicksilver in the MCU, or they despise him — all the blame can rest on Marvel’s shoulders. His one moment of shining glory in Avengers: Age of Ultron in the kitchen was a classic — wait, wrong franchise. Nevermind, there were no shining moments in Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Once he stepped in to save Hawkeye (which we all know should have been the other way around) the memes started flooding the internet. Having Quicksilver return at some point might be a good idea. Yet, given the backlash his character has taken, it’s probably a better idea to find another hero, or create one.
He might have been comparable to the Flash, but in the end, he was nothing more than disposable filler. At least he’s still popular through memes.
14 Rumored: Feared Asgardian Warrior
The last time fans saw Lady Sif, she was being banished to Earth. All because Loki didn’t want her to expose him as the false Odin he was. Although, having Thor expose Loki in Thor: Ragnarok was cool. So, if Lady Sif is stuck on Earth and Thanos is coming to Earth — then common-sense dictates that a reunion is likely to occur in Avengers: Infinity War.
Bringing Sif into the film, however, would also mean that Phil Coulson might make an appearance too. The two have worked closely in the past, plus who doesn’t want to see a Coulson and Loki reunion?
It’s already been confirmed that Coulson will appear in the new Captain Marvel film, although the timeline for her movie takes place in the 90s. Having Sif and Coulson randomly showing up for a battle might seem over-the-top, but there would definitely be some interesting dialog taking place.
13 Never Again: A Godly Daddy
Don’t get me wrong. Guardians of the Galaxy II is a great film (I almost liked it more than the first installment). And Ego (Kurt Russell) was an excellent addition, even if the whole daddy son playing catch with celestial balls was a tad over-the-top.
Ego just doesn’t fit within Avengers: Infinity War
Having Ego return in a later Marvel film would be fine but seeing him in the upcoming Avengers movies has the potential to throw things off course. His character worked within the confines of Guardians of the Galaxy II, and that’s exactly where he should remain. James Gunn even hinted that Ego would not be in Avengers: Infinity War when he stated in multiple interviews that “GOTG II has no setup leading up to the Avengers event film.”
12 Rumored: Banner’s Love Interest
Thanks to The Daily Record, a newspaper in Scotland (where filming was done for Avengers: Infinity War), there is at least one source which states that Betty Ross will be coming back.
The last time MCU fans saw Betty Ross was in 2008 where she played Bruce Banner’s love interest. While Edward Norton is no longer the Hulk, Liv Tyler will likely still be carrying on the role for Betty Ross.
Officially Betty Ross is Doctor Elizabeth Ross, a scientist, and professor at Culver University. It was here that she fell head over heels for Banner. Adding tension into Natasha and Banners already weird relationship would be a sure-fire treat and possibly eliminate that stupid song once and for all. Nothing has been confirmed regarding Betty Ross, but our money is banking on her return.
11 Never Again: Boring Suits
Sam Rockwell is an amazing actor, and he nailed the part of Justin Hammer. He first showed up in Iron Man 2, and later in a short titled All Hail to the King. But since then, Hammer has been missing in action within the MCU. Which might not be such a bad thing.
The whole boardroom thing backfired with Iron Fist and bringing Hammer back might have that feel to it. Rockwell, however, would love to return. Especially for Avengers: Infinity War. Sam talked about his feeling regarding Justin Hammer and his return in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
“I have some great buddies in that franchise (MCU). Jeremy Renner is a good friend of mine, and I am pals with Chris Evans and Mark Ruffalo. Robert [Downey Jr.] is always fun. Would love to get me and Clark [Gregg] back in that franchise. That would be a lot of fun.”
10 Rumored: Rebel Asgardian
Brunnhilde’s (Tessa Thompson) role in Thor: Ragnarok was nearly perfect. Valkyrie may not be the strongest, but she’s got mad personality. Having her team up with the Guardians of the Galaxy would be a likely fit, especially since she was last seen with Thor. And we know Thor somehow ends up plastered to Starlord’s windshield (did he get the Milano back) in Avengers: Infinity War.
Fans want to see Valkyrie, and the rumors started flying after Tessa Thompson posed for a selfie in Edinburgh, Scotland, where the Avengers: Infinity War was filming. To leave her out of the film would be a big mistake and a huge missed opportunity for Marvel. Not only does her character jive well with Thor, but she can hold her own on the big screen too.
9 Never Again: Wulf The Wanderer
Odin is a great character and only Anthony Hopkins could really bring him fully to life. But Hopkins is not a spring chicken. Plus, the story arc for Thor makes sense if Odin stays gone.
“I have sacrificed much to achieve peace. So, too, must a new generation sacrifice to maintain that peace. Responsibility, duty, honor. These are not merely virtues to which we must aspire. They are essential to every soldier and to every king.”
Let the past die. Wait, wrong franchise again. Let the past die for the time being and resurrect Odin after Avengers: Infinity War plays out. Odin’s role has been fulfilled and Thor is now the god in charge. To go back on this would throw audiences into a tailspin Marvel likely wouldn’t be able to recover from.
8 Rumored: The Human Rocket
Thanks to the Avengers: Infinity War trailers, we know Thanos has the purple Power Stone. Which means he likely already destroyed Nova Corps, since the last place MCU fans saw it was being placed in their vault in Guardians of the Galaxy.
This means that a new character is on the horizon, one known as Richard Rider (Nova). Add James Gunn’s Facebook statement in 2017 regarding him bringing the real Nova to the big screen and there’s a slight possibility it could occur during Avengers: Infinity War.
“You know, I think Nova is a great character. He may definitely show up at some point in the future,” Gunn stated. “It will not be in Guardians 2, but at some point.” The reality, however, is that Nova will likely show up after the third and fourth installment of the Avengers films. But hey, we can still hope it happens sooner.
7 Never Again: Another Imposter Villain
Yep, it’s a trend that Marvel needs to nip in the bud. Superheroes make for great action movies, but monster franchises are built upon stellar villains.
Given small amounts of dialog in Thor: The Dark World and a personality like a damp board, Malekith never had a chance of becoming a memorable villain. Like most bad guys in Marvel films, his character lacked depth which kept audiences from being able to connect. Loki being the obvious exception.
Malekith had potential, and a lot of it, but the time for that potential has already passed. Even actor Christopher Eccleston stated in an interview with that he didn’t enjoy playing Malekith due to the excessive amount of prosthetics he had to wear. And that most of the character's backstory and motivations were cut out. He actually admitted he accepted the role only for the money.
6 Rumored: An Old Enemy
Marvel fans want Red Skull to make a return even if the original actor (Hugo Weaving) isn’t about revisiting the role. Thanks to an article published on ScreenRant by Thomas Bacon, fans can get excited about a possible return of Johann Shmidt.
In the comic Avengers: Infinity War Prelude (the official prequel comic book to the next Avengers movie), there is a clip which portrays Red Skull being transported by the Space Stone. Not blown into a million pieces like previous comic art might have suggested. Being that Shmidt is still alive and featured Avengers: Infinity War Prelude makes it very likely he’ll play a role in the upcoming film. Even if there needs to be a recasting.
The last thing Weaving said about Red Skull was, “I think I’ve done my dash with that sort of film. It was good to do it and try it out, but to be honest, it’s not the sort of film I seek out and really am excited by.”
5 Never Again: Just One Last Time
It was wishful thinking, and be honest, everyone was thinking it. Hawkeye hasn’t been the savviest Avenger, perhaps the most picked on, but that just goes without saying. Kevin Smith brought up a sound solution in how to eliminate Hawkeye during his podcast Fatman on Batman with co-host Marc Bernardin.
What if Thanos came to Earth and plopped down on Hawkeye’s house?
It would be like eliminating two birds with one stone. The Russo Brothers have said in recent interviews that supporting Avengers characters will have their moment to shine, which sadly includes Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye. Nothing against Renner or Hawkeye, but there are so many other Marvel characters fans would love to see on the big screen with the Avengers. Preferably one that doesn’t have to rely on restocking arrows.
4 Rumored: A Cosmic Entity
The Cosmic Entity Death has been referenced several times in the MCU, leading to plenty of rumors regarding how she (often portrayed in female form) will either influence Thanos or be part of his demise.
Josh Brolin (Thanos actor) had this to say regarding his character's relationship with the gloomy cosmic entity. “His (Thanos) relationship with the Cosmic Entity Death, who is actually the woman, I love that. You can take Sin City (in which Brolin plays a man obsessed with a dark-hearted woman) and pump it full of steroids, and then you have Thanos. I like that he’s motivated by that — not just motivated by destruction or this or that. He’s motivated by a very identifiable, human trait.”
And yet there’s still no confirmation regarding the cosmic entity’s appearance in Avengers: Infinity War.
3 Never Again: The Accuser
Ronan the Accuser has been confirmed to be returning in the new Captain Marvel movie, and to be honest, I’m on the fence regarding this decision. His character was portrayed in a “blah” manner in Guardians of the Galaxy, and as far as villains go, he’s not exactly rated at the top of the food chain.
But alas, Marvel wants to tie all their stories together.
And in this circumstance, it could prove to be a fatal move. Ronan in the comics has been known to side with the good guys. He’s worked with the Avengers before, although to be fair, he’s battled them an equal amount of times. Having him in Avengers: Infinity War is simply a ludicrous idea. Regarding Captain Marvel, we were hoping for a better villain.
2 Rumored: Marvels Newest Heroine
Directors Joe and Anthony Russo recently teased that more characters will be added to the Avengers: Infinity War already super crowded roster. A recent press release also confirmed that principal photography has begun for Captain Marvel in Los Angeles and that several more characters have been added to the film. These include Lee Pace as Ronan the Accuser, Djimon Hounsou as Korath the Pursuer and Clark Gregg as Agent Coulson.
The Captain Marvel movie is set to take place during the 90s, but this doesn’t mean it’s impossible for Brie Larson to show up in Avengers: Infinity War as Captain Marvel. Marvel recently stated she will not be featured until the release of her standalone film, but being able to see her character on the big screen would be extremely beneficial towards promoting her movie. Despite being debunked, Captain Marvel may make a surprise cameo nobody was expecting.
1 Just Don’t Do It: All 4 Cosmic Entities
No, it hasn’t been done — yet. And I’m honestly hoping it stays that way. Including one cosmic entity is more than enough. Having all four in one movie has the potential to change the overall feel of the entire MCU. Yes, they are super powerful. But remember, we’re talking about live-action movies here.
Exactly how much CGI do fans want? And at what point do we just label it as an animation? The current MCU is succeeding due to characters in which audiences have been able to connect and relate to. Villains being the obvious exception to this rule.
Which is exactly why all four entities need to remain behind-the-scenes and not in Avengers: Infinity War at the same time (or anytime, for that matter).