The Marvel Cinematic Universe is heading toward another massive turning point with ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ that promises to reshape the Multiverse Saga. With Robert Downey Jr. returning as the all-powerful Doctor Doom, the stakes are higher than ever.
The film is shaping up to be an emotional, universe-spanning event that could spell the end for some of the franchise’s oldest heroes. And if the MCU’s history with high-stakes crossovers tells us anything, it’s that someone from the original Avengers lineup may not make it out alive.
The Original Avengers Will Return In ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
‘Avengers: Doomsday’ is expected to feature a blend of new and legacy heroes. It will unite teams from across the multiverse, including the New Avengers, the Fantastic Four, and even Fox’s original X-Men. However, amid the multiverse chaos, fans are most curious about the fate of the few remaining original Avengers. Chris Hemsworth’s Thor is the only one officially confirmed to appear. However, rumors have swirled that Chris Evans could reprise his role as a Captain America Variant.
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Meanwhile, Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk has reportedly been seen on the set of ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’, suggesting he’s gearing up for a return to the spotlight. Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye remains the biggest question mark. He has expressed interest in doing ‘Hawkeye‘ Season 2, but has been tight-lipped about any involvement in Doomsday. That leaves four original team members who could appear in the film: Thor, Captain America, Hulk, and Hawkeye.
Given the immense power and threat that Doctor Doom represents, it seems inevitable that at least one of them could meet their end, symbolically closing the chapter that began with 2012’s ‘The Avengers’. Marvel has followed this emotional blueprint before. The Infinity Saga ended with two heartbreaking deaths: Iron Man’s ultimate sacrifice and Black Widow’s fall on Vormir. ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, as the next “finale” of sorts for the Multiverse Saga, could echo that emotional resonance. However, this time, the story’s weight might fall on the shoulders of the God of Thunder himself.
Thor’s Death In ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Makes The Most Emotional Sense
Chris Hemsworth’s Thor has had one of the longest and most transformative journeys in the MCU. At the end of ‘Love and Thunder’, Thor found peace, becoming a father figure to Love, Gorr’s daughter. It was the first time in years that Thor’s story felt complete. Yet, in true Marvel fashion, peace rarely lasts long. Reports suggest that ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ will reunite Thor with Tom Hiddleston’s Loki, now a multiversal guardian after the events of ‘Loki’ Season 2.
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This sets the stage for a deeply emotional reunion between brothers who have died, betrayed, and forgiven each other countless times. Given Loki’s newfound cosmic purpose and Doctor Doom’s rise as the multiverse’s ultimate threat, Thor sacrificing himself to save his brother feels like both a poetic and inevitable conclusion. It would also send a powerful message about heroism in the MCU’s next phase. Doom killing Thor, one of the strongest Avengers, would instantly establish him as a threat greater than Thanos.
It would also mark the emotional passing of the torch from the old guard to the new. Killing Steve Rogers, on the other hand, feels unlikely. After the character’s perfect send-off in ‘Avengers: Endgame’, bringing him back only to die again would cheapen that moment. The Hulk’s storyline with his son, Skaar, also suggests Marvel has more in store for Bruce Banner before any final farewell. As for Hawkeye, Renner’s continued involvement in Disney+ projects hints that his exit, if it happens, will come on a smaller, more personal scale, not in the middle of a multiversal war.
