A new villain in the MCU means bidding farewell to a few favorite characters. But rumor is, Marvel’s next multi-superhero venture is set to be the backdrop of a number of superhero deaths.
Doctor Doom, the new big bad of the MCU, is set to end a few heroes permanently in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. While it will no doubt be kept a secret until the film’s release, we can speculate and theorize on who might be on the chopping block this time around.
5. Thor
One of the few remaining OG Avengers from the first phase, Chris Hemsworth will have been playing the character of Thor for more than 15 years by the time Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters. While his fellow Avengers mostly all bowed out in Endgame, Thor has stuck around, but it hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing for him.
After six years of the MCU being stuck in a downward spiral and the fourth Thor film being one of the worst entries ever, you have to wonder if Hemsworth regrets not jumping ship with the rest of the cast back in 2019. Well, now is the chance for his character to go out in a blaze of glory and a great way to show how fierce and frightening the new villain is going to be.
4. Ant-Man
Speaking of characters who have managed to stick around a little too long, remember when we all thought Ant-Man was going to die in his third film? Make no mistake, I love Ant-Man as much as the next guy and it would be sad to see him go, but it does feel like this character has been on his last life for a long time now. His death has even been foreshadowed in other movies.
Could this finally be the movie that brings the Scott Lang story to a close? It’s hard to imagine the MCU doing anything more with the character so this could be goodbye for real this time.
3. Red Guardian
Honestly it could be anyone from the Thunderbolts cast (aside from Yelena of course). From a marketing perspective none of these characters will likely carry a franchise and from a narrative perspective most of these guys have already had their arcs and they don’t really have a whole lot more to add to the MCU.
While I could cop out and say anyone from the Thunderbolts could die I’m going to place my bet on it being the Red Guardian that kicks the bucket in the upcoming film. Partly for the reasons stated above, but also as it could serve to further Yelena’s character development which puts David Harbour’s beloved character at more risk than the rest.
2. Bucky Barnes
Like many in this list, Bucky doesn’t really have a whole lot left to do in the MCU. His narrative arc is over and without Steve Rogers it’s kind of felt like the character is a bit aimless. His most recent appearance in Thunderbolts felt a little underwhelming, he had one good scene but really the film wouldn’t have changed much without him. Sebastian Stan has been a part of the MCU for a long time but all good things must come to an end.
1. Loki
One of the longest serving and most beloved characters in the MCU. Loki has died many times but he’s always found a way to come back. If Tom Hiddleston’s character were to die it would have to be for real this time.
Once again, it feels like Loki has reached a natural conclusion to his story arc, he’s now the protector of the multiverse. His position would likely make him a target for Doctor Doom and it could even lead into the creation of the Battleworld.
