Top 10 Marvel Characters We Might Never See Again in the MCU

[Administrator]

Here are 10 Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) characters we might never see again—either due to actor departures, character deaths, or changes in narrative focus. This list is based on current trends, actor contracts, and recent Marvel announcements as of 2025.

1. Iron Man / Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.)
Last seen: Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Status: Deceased

Why gone? Tony's arc concluded with a heroic sacrifice. Downey Jr. has indicated he's done with the role, and Marvel seems intent on honoring that finale.

2. Steve Rogers / Captain America (Chris Evans)
Last seen: Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Status: Retired, aged

Why gone? Passed the shield to Sam Wilson. Chris Evans has repeatedly said he's not returning, barring an exceptional story.

3. Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson)
Last seen: Black Widow (2021) (set before her death), Endgame (death)

Status: Deceased

Why gone? Her death was a major plot point. Johansson also settled legal issues with Disney and seems to be moving on from Marvel.

4. Quicksilver / Pietro Maximoff (Aaron Taylor-Johnson)
Last seen: Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Status: Deceased

Why gone? Died early in the MCU. His brief fake return in WandaVision was a meta joke. No signs of revival.

5. Yondu Udonta (Michael Rooker)
Last seen: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Status: Deceased

Why gone? Died in a major emotional moment. Director James Gunn (now at DC) has said Yondu's death won't be undone.

6. Odin (Anthony Hopkins)
Last seen: Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Status: Deceased

Why gone? His arc completed, and Hopkins is likely not returning for more MCU content.

7. Killmonger / Erik Stevens (Michael B. Jordan)
Last seen: Black Panther (2018), cameo in Wakanda Forever (2022)

Status: Deceased (alternate dimension cameo)

Why gone? Killmonger's death was meaningful. Though fans love him, Marvel seems committed to Shuri and other new characters.

8. Heimdall (Idris Elba)
Last seen: Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) (post-credits scene)

Status: Deceased (in Valhalla)

Why gone? Brief cameos suggest closure. Elba has multiple other franchise commitments.

9. Ancient One (Tilda Swinton)
Last seen: Doctor Strange (2016) and Endgame (2019)

Status: Deceased

Why gone? Her death was important for Strange's development. Swinton's return is unlikely except in brief flashbacks or alternate universes.

10. Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson)
Last seen: Secret Invasion (2023), The Marvels (2023)

Status: Alive, but fading from central role

Why gone? Jackson has had a long run, and recent projects suggest Marvel is wrapping up his arc. He may not be a key player moving forward.