In one week, Avengers: Infinity War will finally be here. Packed with a huge cast and an even bigger budget, Marvel Studios is hoping their pet project becomes the most watched movie of the year (maybe even beating out Black Panther). Even with one week remaining until its premiere, many questions and theories have yet to be confirmed or debunked. The cast list is still incomplete (or at least we assume it is), with more than a few big names being left off this major blockbuster.

Between all the theories and speculation, not to mention misdirects coming from the Infinity War camp, it’s difficult to keep up with who’s in and who’s not. Will Loki be the first to perish, and what’s the deal with Captain Marvel? Does Thanos get all the stones before the end of Avengers: Infinity War? And what’s the deal with the Russo brothers comment about Phase 4 being a new book since Phase 1-3 was apparently its own book? So many questions and not enough answers. Leaving every Marvel fan patiently sitting on the edge of their seat, projecting every possible theory with pre-ordered tickets in hand.

In trying to clear up the confusion, we’ve put together a running list of 15 MCU characters who aren’t allegedly going to be in Infinity War and 15 who shouldn’t show up. Even if various fans want to see them on the big screen. Not all MCU characters fit into the Infinity War timeline that Marvel Studios has created thus far. And then there are those who aren't in yet but would fit perfectly into the timeline.

30 Not In, But Should Be: Nick Fury

Via Screenrant.com
Nick Fury MCU Infinity War

There has been a bunch of rumors and speculation concerning Nick Fury’s return in Infinity War. Samuel L. Jackson has stated several times in the past that he is not in the movie. But his most prevalent comment was this:

“I wasn’t in the ‘superhero argument’ movie [Captain America: Civil War], I’m not in Avengers 3 and 4. They’re shooting them now, and they haven’t called me yet. They wouldn’t let me go to Black Panther-ville, so it’s kinda like how you gonna make a black Marvel movie and not let Nick Fury show up in it?!”

The IMDB page, however, has two entries associated with Fury’s character. Jake Garber as his makeup artist and Qualen Bradley as a stand-in. Considering IMDB isn’t factual all the time while assuming Jackson isn’t lying, it seems Nick Fury won’t be in the film. For now, anyway.

29 Shouldn’t Be: The Punisher

Via Comic Book
The Punisher MCU

The Punisher debuted on Netflix late last year, and overall the series was well received by audiences and critics alike. But adding him into Avengers: Infinity War would likely tarnish his image rather than boost it. Not to mention, there’s already a gun-toting, hard-knocking, and partly bearded bad-boy on the cast (the mysterious White Wolf, also known as Bucky Barnes).

It would be neat to see Castle shooting off a round of Tony Stark’s new toys, or even sliding on Shuri’s arm blaster contraption. Even if it did mess up the Punisher timeline while Frank brings a whole truckload of Stark toys home with him after the war (if he survived it). Some things are just worth the experience. Alas, common sense seems to be prevailing on this one over the wants of fanboys like me.

28 Not In: Wasp

Via Screenrant.com
Wasp MCU in Avengers 4

It makes sense for Hope van Dyne to be in Infinity War, but she isn’t. ScreenRant provided two theories as to why this is possible. Either she is in San Francisco during the first attacks and doesn’t get to Wakanda in time (what I like to call the convenient theory). Or she is stuck in the Quantum Realm, which makes for much better storytelling.

Having Hope stuck in the Quantum Realm could be a lead into the next Avengers movie.

While not spoiling her character too much for the coming film Ant-Man and The Wasp. Evangeline Lilly and Marvel have confirmed she will not appear in only the first Infinity War. The Wasp will, however, be appearing (hopefully) in the second Infinity War movie in Phase 4.

27 Shouldn’t Be: Agent Coulson

Via thefangirlinitiative.com
Agent Coulson MCU

Clark Gregg is an amazing actor, who has nailed the part required to play Agent Coulson. He’s irreplaceable, much like Chris Evans is with Captain America. But there’s a slight problem with bringing Agent Coulson back to the big screen in Avengers: Infinity War.

Everyone watched him be eliminated by Loki.

Having Agent Coulson return would require a bunch of explaining (hey Lucy), adding to the already long run-time of the film. I would love to see Gregg get his shot on the big screen again. He deserves it. But the MCU hasn’t done anything to build towards that goal, sadly. And having him return to Infinity War would cause unnecessary confusion. Although, him not being in it seems out of place and odd.

26 Not In: Adam Warlock

Via Comic Book
Adam Warlock MCU

Marvel fans (especially those of the comics) want to see Adam Warlock take down Thanos, but according to the Russo brothers and James Gunn, it’s not happening. Gunn teased the creation of Adam Warlock in the post-credits scene of Guardians of the Galaxy II, with Ayesha creating him.

James Gunn has been saying since 2017, “Adam Warlock will not be in Infinity War … he will have a future in the MCU. But will it be in Infinity War? It will not.” After all, we must remember that Gunn had to fight Marvel Studios just to include the Adam Warlock post-credit scene. Making the likelihood of him being in Infinity War slight to none. This isn’t Warlock’s story, it belongs to the Avengers. He will have his own tale to tell in Phase 4.

25 Shouldn’t Be: Hawkeye

Via Marvel Studios
Hawkeye MCU

I like Hawkeye, and Jeremy Renner is a great actor. I also understand why most find him cute and are sad that he hasn’t been in any of the Avengers: Infinity War trailers (or most promotional material). But let’s be real here for a moment.

What can Hawkeye truly contribute towards a fight with Thanos?

He can provide some side-kick moments, and maybe an explosion here and there. But that’s about it. Plus, he’s retired and living with his family out in the boonies. Unless he has a red phone with a direct line to the Avengers facility, I doubt he’ll receive the news fast enough to respond. And if he does (and Hope isn’t stuck in the Quantum Realm) we got major plot-hole problems, if she doesn’t show up too.

24 Not In: Silver Surfer

Via thomasgilner
The Silver Surfer Marvel

I know the Silver Surfer isn’t considered an official MCU character, yet. Or is he? Who knows the way Feige and the Russo brothers dodge questions with riddles. Just listen to this response from Joe Russo:

“I don’t think we own Silver Surfer, but it’s fan-wish fulfillment and, you know, if this Disney-Fox deal goes through there’s going to be a lot more characters coming into the Marvel universe, so some of those crazy fan theories might come true.”

How could he not know! Russo then went on to say that the last ten years of Marvel have been like a book, and a new book is coming. What does this mean?! No one knows. There’s still a small chance Silver Surfer will show up in a post-credit, or at least by the next untitled Infinity War film. But for now, consider this rumor debunked.

23 Shouldn’t Be: Dormammu

Via Marvel Cinematic Universe Wiki - Fandom
Dormammu MCU

Dormammu made a huge debut in Dr. Strange, showing off only a fraction of his overall powers. And while a bargain had been struck, it is possible that the ruler of the dark dimension could break his deal and join forces with Thanos. But would this move benefit Dormammu or just Thanos? There’s also the issue concerning Dormammu’s strength. Infinity War is Thanos’ movie, meaning Dormammu would overshadow the main villain.

The smart move is to bring Dormammu back in another Dr. Strange movie.

And this is likely what the MCU will do. Although, from a fanservice perspective, it would have been super cool to see Dormammu team up with Thanos. Possibly even forming a villain team called the Anti-Avengers. Maybe at the end of Phase 4?

22 Not In, But Maybe: Captain Marvel

Via Screenrant.com
Captain Marvel MCU Infinity War

The Brie Larson road to Captain Marvel has been a roller-coaster concerning her character's appearance in Avengers: Infinity War. The Russo brothers started this whole mess by accidentally saying Captain Marvel (might) be in Infinity War. Then Larson showed up on a leaked cast list for the film.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight in 2017, it was said by Joe Russo, “We have some great female characters in this [Avengers movie]: Captain Marvel is in it, Black Widow, and Scarlet Witch.” Shortly after, though, the Russo brothers announced that Captain Marvel would not be in Infinity War.

Are Marvel fans being played and lied to?

On April 18, ScreenRant dropped an article stating Captain Marvel is back in. Josh Brolin slipped in an interview with Total Film Magazine, stating he liked working on set with Brie Larson. Is he talking about Avengers 4?

21 Shouldn’t Be: Ego

Via Marvel Cinematic Universe Wiki - Fandom
Ego and Star-Lord GOTG II MCU

Ego is officially listed as deceased on the Fandom Marvel Wiki page. But if he’s a god, is he really gone? A few theories have popped up regarding his return and the possibility of Star-Lord going all god-mode again. I could watch Kurt Russel all day, but maybe not in Infinity War. His character Ego would be out of place, and in direct competition with Thanos.

If Ego did come back (and my money says he will in a future GOTG), his appearance would complicate Thanos’ arc, becoming bad storytelling. The Guardians need to meet the Avengers first, before throwing in any of their old villains into the mix. And as much as I want to see Star-Lord go god-mode, including Ego is not the way to do it.

20 Not In: Lady Sif

Via screenrant.com
Lady Sif and Thor

I was one of the few who thought Lady Sif was sure to show up in Avengers: Infinity War. But as of now, it seems I am wrong. Jaimie Alexander brought her character to life, although it may be awhile before we see her again, if ever.

Her absence from Thor: Ragnarok was due to scheduling conflicts with the show Blindspot on NBC.

While this saved her from being destroyed like the rest of her comrades, it could also mean she’s a plot-hole liability now. Especially if those conflicts still existed when filming for Infinity War was taking place. Alexander has stated she would like to return to the MCU, but she’s also said they don’t give much of a heads-up for scheduling. Either way, we miss you Lady Sif.

19 Shouldn’t Be: Red Skull

Via screenrant
Red Skull MCU

After ScreenRant dropped their article regarding Red Skull being alive, the internet has been buzzing about his return in Avengers: Infinity War. While I loved the character as a villain, this might not be the proper time to re-introduce his character for a couple of reasons. First, the original actor (Hugo Weaving) has stated he’s not interested in reprising the role.

“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.”

There is also the issue of adding another villain to an already overflowing roster. Red Skull would be a nice addition to another MCU film, but not necessarily for Avengers: Infinity War.

18 Not In: Grandmaster

Via Screenrant.com
Grandmaster and Collector Infinity War MCU

Following Jeff Goldblum’s performance in Thor: Ragnarok, who wouldn’t want to see him pop up next to the Collector in Infinity War. During the San Diego Comic-Con (thanks to reports from ScreenRant), it was revealed that the Grandmaster and Collector are brothers. Having Benicio del Toro and Jeff Goldblum together would be a dream come true.

However, at this point, it seems unlikely the match will happen. But that’s just because Marvel Studios is being super quiet and secretive. The truth could be that Grandmaster will make a cameo or even a full-on appearance in Infinity War, and if not — at least the next Guardians of the Galaxy film. But what is the status of the Collector? Will he survive Thanos taking the Reality Stone from him?

17 Shouldn’t Be: Betty Ross

Via Marvel Cinematic Universe Wiki - Fandom
Betty Ross MCU

Poor Betty Ross. The MCU seems to have forgotten all about her as if she never existed in the first place. If Liv Tyler was to return (as suggested by the Daily Record UK) Infinity War makes the most sense but could also provide unnecessary complications. Normally, a love drama scene between Banner, Natasha, and Ross would be top on my list. Yet, with all the events happening in Infinity War, this scenario seems unlikely.

Maybe she has a cameo, suggesting she’ll return in a future film. Or even better, she’s in a post-credit scene fighting with Natasha for Banner’s love. There’s also the possibility she could become She-Hulk. Whatever it is, the fact remains that she’s not confirmed for Infinity War. If she does return, it likely won’t be until Phase 4.

16 Not In, Maybe: Hela

Via Comic Book
Hela Infinity War MCU

This is the one entry where a villain could appear and not steal the thunder from Thanos’ role in Avengers: Infinity War. According to the stories told in the Marvel comics, Thanos is bent on destroying half the universe to please his love Hela.

Known as the goddess of the afterlife, she’s taken a special place in Thanos’ cold heart.

There were rumors about Hela’s appearance in Infinity War due to a comment made by Mark Ruffalo (the Hulk) in how he enjoyed working with her. But it’s likely he was referring to Thor: Ragnarok and not Infinity War. If Hela does show up, however, it won’t bother the fandom community one bit. Especially after Cate Blanchet’s stunning performance in Ragnarok. And maybe, Thanos might give that evil smile?

15 Shouldn’t Be: Maria Hill

Maria Hill in Avengers Age of Ultron
Maria Hill MCU

Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) should return to the big screen, bringing Fury back with her. The last time we saw Hill, she was faking Fury’s passing in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. If anyone is going to be able to contact Fury and bring him back, it’s Maria Hill. But this won’t likely happen until Avengers 4 (the untitled movie).

There is also the rumor that she’ll be in the upcoming Captain Marvel film.

Making her appearance in Avengers: Infinity War all the more unlikely. Although, seeing her and Ross team up would be a great matchup to watch. Hill would take charge while Agent Ross follows along like a good boy. There might even be romantic sparks between the two, making it even more interesting. If, Infinity War wasn’t about the end of the world.

14 Not In: Luke Cage

Via @realmikecolter and ign.com
Luke Cage Infinity War MCU

Luke Cage (Mike Colter) would be a nice addition to the Avengers lineup. It’s awesome to watch him in Harlem, but eventually, his story arc needs to continue moving forward. Not for Infinity War, though. The MCU is allegedly keeping the stars of their television series separate from the films for the time being.

Mike Colter tweeted a photo of him wearing Thanos Gauntlet.

We know Marvel's statement will be proven false come Avengers 4. Yet the Marvel Studio continues to play favorites with which characters they are flexible with. Luke Cage has another season coming on Netflix, yet it would still be nice to see Colter play on the big screen with the other MCU heroes — besides Iron Fist. Who signed off on that over at Marvel, anyway?

13 Shouldn’t Be: Ghost Rider

Via Movie TV Tech Geeks News
Ghost Rider MCU

Revenge makes for a great story but doesn’t tie into Avengers: Infinity War currently. Perhaps Phase 4 might tell another tale, but for now, it is unlikely we’ll see Ghost Rider (Gabriel Luna) working with the Avengers anytime soon. Ghost Rider came back to life on S.H.E.I.L.D. and fans have been speculating where he will show up next.

Good things have been said about Luna’s performance, and in Phase 4 it would be nice to see a movie focused on Ghost Rider (or at least include him). He’ll have some steep competition as Marvel continues its deal with Fox. For now, it’s best to enjoy him on the television series and look forward to one day seeing him back on the big screen.

12 Not In: Agent 13

Via Comic Book
Sharon Carter Agent 13 MCU

Known as Agent 13, Sharron Carter (Emily VanCamp) isn’t going to be in the MCU camp anytime soon. There were rumors about her joining on with S.H.E.I.L.D. but VanCamp’s schedule prevented it from happening. Carter and Cap shared an intimate moment in Captain America: Civil War, which led many to believe (myself included) that she was a shoe-in for Infinity War.

With her being left off the all the promotional material, there seems to be little doubt we’ll get a final goodbye between the two. Vision and Scarlet Witch, along with Hulk and Black Widow, are already bringing enough relationship drama for one film. Adding Agent 13 and Captain America could potentially turn Infinity War from an action-adventure film into a romantic comedy. And as CBR noted, it makes for a better story if she survives, and Cap doesn’t make it.

11 Shouldn’t Be: Ronan

Via SciFi Stack Exchange
Ronan the Accuser MCU

Ronan the Accuser (Lee Pace) was defeated by the Guardians in the first installment of Guardians of the Galaxy. Rumors were spreading about his return to the big screen, leaving many to wonder if it would be for Infinity War. But alas, it will be for Captain Marvel instead.

This doesn’t rule Ronan the Accuser out but makes it extremely unlikely.

Captain America is set to take place during the 90s. With Danvers becoming the first superhero Fury encounters. Putting Ronan (even if you hated his character in GOTG) into a film taking place decades before his defeat makes sense. Rather than trying to explain him back to life. Avengers: Infinity War already has enough going on, and audiences don’t need another backstory taking up precious screen time.