Marvel Studios might be thinking about bringing Jonathan Majors back to the Marvel movies. The actor was fired from his role as Kang the Conqueror in December 2023 after he was found guilty of hitting his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari. He was charged with two crimes related to domestic violence.

Marvel had big plans for Majors. He was supposed to be the next big bad guy in Marvel movies, just like Thanos was before. His character Kang was going to be the main villain in many movies, including Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars. The studio spent a lot of money setting up his character in shows like Loki and the movie Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

When Majors got in legal trouble, Marvel had to change all their plans. They turned Avengers: The Kang Dynasty into Avengers: Doomsday instead. They brought back Robert Downey Jr., but this time he will play the bad guy Doctor Doom instead of Iron Man. This big change cost Marvel a lot of time and money because they had to rewrite their whole story.

Fan reactions suggest divided opinions on the potential return

Many fans on social media want Majors to come back. Some people said Marvel should pay him more money and that bringing him back would be good for the studio. These fans think his legal problems were not bad enough to get him fired from Marvel. They believe he should get another chance.

But there are big problems with bringing Majors back. Many people did not like his acting as Kang. Critics and fans thought he was not scary or interesting enough to be a main villain. The movie Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, where he had his biggest role, did not do well with audiences. Many people thought it was one of the worst Marvel movies.

Majors still has to deal with his legal problems. In April 2024, he was told he had to go to classes about domestic violence for 52 weeks. He lost other movie jobs because of what happened. If Marvel brings him back, it might make people angry who think hitting women is very wrong. This could hurt Marvel’s good name with fans.

Marvel has not said if these reports are true. Some news sources say different things about whether Marvel is really talking to Majors. The studio has to make a hard choice. They need to think about what fans want, but also about whether this decision could hurt their business. Marvel has always been successful because fans trust them and like their characters. Bringing back Majors could change that trust, no matter what they decide to do.

Marvel Studios officially kicked off principal photography on Avengers: Doomsday at England’s Pinewood Studios in April 2025. The Russo brothers—Anthony and Joe—return to direct, with Michael Waldron and Stephen McFeely credited as screenwriters.

Meanwhile, location shoots are also underway in Bahrain. The film is slated for a December 18, 2026, release in the U.S., concluding Phase Six of the MCU. Marvel unveiled the Avengers: Doomsday cast through a globe-spanning live stream and official announcements. Here are the principal cast announced to date:

An epic ensemble cast: Every actor confirmed so far

Robert Downey Jr. has been confirmed to play Victor von Doom, also known as Doctor Doom, in Avengers: Doomsday. ing him are Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America, Sebastian Stan as the Winter Soldier, and Letitia Wright reprising her role as Shuri. Paul Rudd returns as Ant‑Man, with Vanessa Kirby stepping into the role of Sue Storm, Wyatt Russell as U.S. Agent, and Tenoch Huerta Mejía as Namor.

The cast also includes Ebon Moss‑Bachrach as The Thing, Simu Liu as Shang‑Chi, Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, and Kelsey Grammer reprising his iconic portrayal of Beast. Lewis Pullman has been cast as Sentry, with Danny Ramirez as the new Falcon, Joseph Quinn as the Human Torch, and David Harbour returning as Red Guardian.

Additional major characters include Winston Duke as M’Baku, Hannah John‑Kamen as Ghost, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, and Patrick Stewart making yet another appearance as Professor X. Legendary X‑Men actors are also returning, with Ian McKellen as Magneto, Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler, Rebecca Romijn as Mystique, James Marsden as Cyclops, and Channing Tatum finally making his long-awaited debut as Gambit. Rounding out the ensemble is Pedro Pascal, who has been cast as Mr. Fantastic.

This star-studded lineup is being hailed as one of the largest ensemble casts ever assembled in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Meanwhile, a more expansive roster of over 60 heroes—including familiar faces like Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner), Brie Larson (Captain Marvel), Don Cheadle (War Machine), Tatiana Maslany (She‑Hulk), and even Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye)—has surfaced in recent leaks.

What “Avengers: Doomsday” is all about

Set roughly 14 months after Thunderbolts (2025), Avengers: Doomsday brings together the Avengers, Wakandans, Fantastic Four, New Avengers, and X‑Men to face off against Doctor Doom. Marvel’s multiversal narrative arc from Loki to Multiverse of Madness builds toward this epic showdown with cross‑franchise alliances. This places it just before its sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars, scheduled for December 17, 2027

This marks the first time Robert Downey Jr. returns to the MCU—this time as Doctor Doom—igniting both excitement and debate. It also reunites legacy X‑Men actors (Stewart, McKellen, Romijn, Marsden) alongside newer MCU stars, signaling the most ambitious Avengers ensemble yet.

Marvel fans should keep an eye out for trailers in late 2025 or early 2026, as production wraps and marketing gears up for the holiday‑season blockbuster.

Thunderbolts was a pleasant surprise for the scant few who actually saw it. The film, which in many ways acts as a sequel to 2021’s Black Widow and saw Marvel star Scarlett Johansson take a role behind the scenes as an executive producer.

But a recent interview with Johansson and Thunderbolts star David Harbour saw the actress reveal that she actually requested Marvel to remove her credit as executive producer. Speaking to InterviewMagazine.com over a Zoom call, the two A-listers discussed Harbour’s recent role in Thunderbolts, when the Red Guardian actor pointed out that Johansson had been an executive on the film, she revealed that she had had her name scrubbed from the credits.

“I asked to have my credit removed because I wasn’t involved,” the actress stated, to which Harbour joked, “You hated the movie that much?” Johansson denied the fact that she disliked the movie, but her choice to have her name scrubbed left fans with questions.

On X many speculated as to why she took her name off the film. One person “Of course because the film flopped.” Another asked “Why was her name there in the first place?”

Why was Scarlett Johansson involved in Thunderbolts?

After Black Widow’s release in 2021, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige confirmed that Johansson would be producing an unnamed project. That project was Thunderbolts, of course. Although she wouldn’t be returning to act in front of the cameras, it was expected that she would be involved in some capacity, giving input and helping to shape the film that Thunderbolts would become.

While it’s not immediately clear why Johansson requested her name be taken off of the film’s credits, her claim that she wasn’t involved does suggest that she ended up not having much to do with the production of the film in the end. 

What did she have her producer credit removed?

According to Slashfilm.com, Johansson had quite a packed filming schedule, which likely interfered with her ability to give any meaningful input on the film. While Thunderbolts was in production, Johansson worked on two Wes Anderson films (Asteroid City and The Phoenician Scheme), she also worked on Fly Me to the Moon and Transformers One. Given how busy she likely was, it makes sense that she struggled to find the time to act as a producer for the Marvel movie.

It makes sense that Johansson would not want her name attached to a movie that she ended up not being involved with. Regardless of whether she thought it was good or not, it seems the actress simply didn’t want to take credit she felt wasn’t hers.

Marvel fans eager for more witchy mischief after Agatha All Along may have spotted a viral tweet claiming that a second season is officially confirmed—but not so fast. Despite the buzz, Marvel Studios has not confirmed a second season of the Disney+ series just yet.

The confusion started when a tweet circulated shortly stating that season 2 was “confirmed.” However, that tweet appears to be premature or speculative at best. In a February interview with Entertainment Weekly, Marvel Studios’ exec Brad Winderbaum cautiously clarified.

“Yes, a second season for sure is something that we would want to do. But let’s not rush it. Let’s get the right idea and then make it.”

So Marvel is open to continuing the story of Agatha Harkness, but nothing is currently in production or officially confirmed. Instead, Marvel appears to be taking a “wait and see” approach.

Was Agatha All Along season 1 successful?

As far as ratings, Agatha All Along season 1 was a mixed bag at best, particularly by recent standards. The series debuted on Disney+ on September 18, 2024, and quickly drew attention with 9.3 million global views in its first week and over 2.2 billion minutes streamed across its nine-episode run. Nielsen data showed 426 million minutes viewed during premiere week alone, and viewership spiked significantly with the finale—episode 8 reached 4.6 million views in a single day.

Critically, the show earned strong scores: 84% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, an 83% audience rating, and a 7.1/10 score on Metacritic. Episode 7 was especially well-received, earning a 9.2 rating on IMDb. While it may not have matched the total watch time of Marvel’s biggest streaming hits, Agatha All Along resonated with fans and critics alike.

A measured approach to Marvel television

Overall, Winderbaum’s comments also reflect a broader shift in Marvel’s television strategy. After a crowded release schedule in 2021 and 2022, the studio is now scaling back to focus on quality over quantity. The emphasis is on well-developed narratives rather than rushing to churn out multiple seasons or spin-offs.

By stating “let’s not rush it,” Winderbaum signals that Marvel wants any future seasons of Agatha All Along to feel organic and story-driven, not just a reaction to hype.

Marvel has a history of treating its stars like chess pieces in a game of endless sequels and spin-offs.

Chris Evans had a glorious run as Steve Rogers, but now that the franchise is pivoting to new faces and new stories, one can’t help but wonder if Marvel’s decision to move forward without him feels a little, well, cold. Evans recently opened up about his exclusion from Avengers: Doomsday, and his words were tinged with a kind of bittersweet sadness that fans are already interpreting as a subtle dig at Marvel’s decision-making.

Speaking with Screenrant for his movie Materialists — a project that pairs him with Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal — Evans was asked the inevitable question about his absence from the MCU’s next big team-up movie. His response was candid, heartfelt, and yes, a little heartbreaking. While he didn’t outright criticize Marvel, Evans itted that it’s tough to watch from the sidelines as his former collaborators — the Russo Brothers, who directed some of the most beloved MCU films, and Robert Downey Jr., who’s returning as Doctor Doom —gear up for another Marvel blockbuster. “It’s sad to not be back with the band,” he said, summing up what so many fans have been feeling since his departure.

When Steve Rogers handed over his iconic shield to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) at the end of Avengers: Endgame, it was meant to be a definitive goodbye. Evans himself has spoken about wanting to leave the character on a high note, rather than overstaying his welcome. And to his credit, Endgame gave Steve Rogers a perfect send-off — a poignant, time-bending finale in which he chose love and a quiet life over endless battles.

But even the most definitive endings in Hollywood rarely stay that way. Over the past year, rumors have swirled about Evans potentially reprising his role in Avengers: Doomsday. Speculation reached a fever pitch when reports suggested that Evans and Hayley Atwell (Peggy Carter) might make appearances together, sparking hopes that Steve Rogers would somehow be woven into the MCU’s next phase. Marvel, as always, remained tight-lipped, refusing to confirm or deny anything. And now, with Evans’ latest remarks, it seems those rumors were just that — rumors.

Still, it’s hard not to feel like something is missing when you consider what Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be. The Russo Brothers are returning to helm this new chapter. Robert Downey Jr., who defined the MCU’s early years as Tony Stark/Iron Man, is back — albeit in a different role as Doctor Doom. The film promises to be a nostalgic callback to the MCU’s glory days, which makes Evans’ absence all the more glaring.

Ana de Armas may be making the jump from spy thrillers to superhero spectacles as new reports suggest the actress is in discussions with Marvel Studios for a role in the Avengers: Doomsday. Industry scooper Daniel Richtman has reported that de Armas is currently in talks for an undisclosed role in the highly anticipated Marvel Cinematic Universe event film.

This potential casting represents a significant shift for de Armas, who has generally avoided major studio franchise projects throughout her career. Her most notable franchise appearance to date was a brief role in the James Bond film No Time to Die. The Cuban-Spanish actress has built her reputation on dramatic performances in films like Knives Out and Blonde, making this rumored Marvel involvement particularly noteworthy for both her career trajectory and the MCU’s expansion.

The potential casting adds to the growing speculation about a “well-known Marvel character” who is expected to play a significant role in both “Avengers: Doomsday” and its follow-up, “Avengers: Secret Wars.” While comic book fans initially theorized this character might be The Beyonder or Molecule Man, the possibility of De Armas’s involvement suggests the role could be a female hero or villain.

Marvel’s mysterious character could expand beyond Doomsday

Previous reports have indicated that Avengers: Doomsday will introduce a well-known Marvel character who will play a larger role in the subsequent Avengers: Secret Wars film. This character addition has led to widespread fan speculation about potential comic book figures making their MCU debut. Initially, many assumed this mystery character would be either The Beyonder or Molecule Man, both pivotal figures in the Secret Wars comic storyline.

However, the potential involvement of de Armas opens up new possibilities for this mysterious role. The character could easily be a female hero or villain from Marvel’s extensive roster, rather than the male comic book figures fans initially expected. This would align with Marvel’s continued efforts to diversify their character lineup and provide significant roles for established actresses.

The strategic importance of this casting extends beyond Doomsday itself. If de Armas is indeed being considered for the mystery character role, her involvement would likely continue into Secret Wars, making her a key player in the next phase of Marvel’s multiverse saga. This would represent a major commitment from both the actress and the studio, potentially spanning multiple years and films.

Avengers: Doomsday is already shaping up to be a significant event in the MCU timeline. The film will mark the return of Robert Downey Jr. to the Marvel universe, though this time he will portray the villainous Doctor Doom rather than his iconic Tony Stark character. The Russo Brothers are returning to direct after their successful run with previous Avengers films, including Infinity War and Endgame.

The film is scheduled for release on May 1, 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars on May 7, 2027. Both projects represent Marvel’s ambitious plans for their multiverse storyline, bringing together characters from across different dimensions and timelines. If the de Armas casting rumors prove accurate, fans may have to wait until the film’s release to discover the full extent of her involvement, as Marvel has historically maintained strict secrecy around surprise character reveals.

We could be seeing Sadie Sink take the place of Zendaya in Spider-Man: Brand New Day as the Stranger Things star is rumored to be ing the MCU as a multiverse variant of none other than Gwen Stacy.

It’s been a tough few years for MCU Spider-Man fans. Can you believe it’s been nearly four whole years since we last saw Tom Holland’s web-slinging hero on the big screen? How the time flies. But at long last we’re seeing signs of life with Marvel gearing up for a fourth movie in 2026, and with the hype of a new Spidey instalment comes all the rumors and speculation we’re used to seeing.

The Sadie Sink rumor explored

The rumor has been attributed to Jeff Sneider, the same guy who claimed Robert Downey Jr. would be playing Doctor Doom two months before the announcement was made. If his source is right then that means we could be seeing Sink swing onto our screens as the new live-action Gwen Stacy.

While Sneider has proven himself to be reliable with leaks in the past he isn’t always spot on. Three months ago he was saying that Sink’s role in the MCU might be as an MJ variant. Prior to that he was claiming she was set to play Jean Grey. So let’s take what this guy says with a grain of salt. It certainly sounds like Sadie Sink will be appearing in the MCU in some capacity, but the exact details of her role are somewhat vague right now.

Fan reactions to the news ranged from excitement, with some saying she’s perfect for the role, to confusion, with one person noting that she has “been rumored so far to be playing 10 different characters.”

What does this mean for Zendaya?

We have plenty of questions about this casting of course. First of all, will Sink be playing regular Gwen Stacy or Spider-Gwen? If it’s the former then that would make her a potential love interest to Peter Parker. So what would that mean for Zendaya’s MJ? 

The truth is we just don’t know right now. It’s not even confirmed that this is 100% the role Sadie Sink will be playing in the Spider-Man film. In all honesty even if Sink does the cast as Gwen there will probably always be room for Zendaya/MJ. Her character is pretty much integral to every Spider-Man story and it’s hard to imagine Marvel giving us a Spider-Man story without Tom Holland and Zendaya. 

Let’s not forget the fact that the two are also engaged in real life making it even more unlikely that Marvel would keep them separate on-screen. Either way, it will be interesting to see how the dynamics of this iteration of Peter Parker and MJ shift with the potential addition of Gwen Stacy.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is poised for a significant shift in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. As the teaser trailer reveals, Baby Franklin Richards, a character often depicted as the most powerful in Marvel Comics, will appear.

This development raises questions about the future of Captain Marvel, another character often considered among the MCU’s most formidable heroes.

Baby Franklin: The MCU’s new powerhouse?

Franklin Richards, the son of Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic) and Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), possesses reality-warping abilities. Those include creating pocket universes and manipulating matter and energy on a cosmic scale. His powers have drawn the attention of cosmic entities like Galactus and the Celestials. Those baddies consider him on par with themselves, which says a lot.

In the film, Vanessa Kirby portrays Sue Storm, and early word suggests that Franklin’s birth and potential powers will be central to the plot. The introduction of a character with such immense capabilities could mean a new direction in the MCU’s power rankings.

Captain Marvel’s waning presence

Captain Marvel, portrayed by Brie Larson, was introduced as a major force in the MCU with her 2019 solo film, which grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide. However, her prominence has diminished in recent years. She was notably absent from several key MCU films and had a limited role in Avengers: Endgame.

The 2023 sequel, The Marvels, failed to replicate the success of its predecessor, earning just $206 million globally against a production budget of $374 million, making it the lowest-grossing film in the MCU. Factors contributing to its underperformance include a convoluted storyline only fans steeped in Disney+ MCU lore could understand, and limited promotional efforts due to industry strikes.

As for Larson, she’s noncommittal about her future in the MCU, stating she doesn’t “have anything to say” regarding projects. The Marvels’ poor reception, general controversy surrounding Larson and her character, and the introduction of her rival in the MCU power rankings, Baby Franklin, could further redefine Captain Marvel’s role in future movies.

However, as Marvel fans know, Captain Marvel and Baby Franklin aren’t necessarily in direct competition in the narrative sense.

A strategic shift in the MCU?

That said, and though it’s too soon to tell, the introduction of Baby Franklin could signify Marvel Studios’ intent to redefine the hierarchy of power within the MCU. By bringing in a character whose abilities sur those of existing heroes, the studio may be setting the stage for new narratives that move away from established figures like Captain Marvel.

This transition aligns with broader changes within Marvel Studios, which is reevaluating its approach following several underperforming projects. The studio is reportedly focusing on fewer, higher-quality productions and integrating new characters to rejuvenate the franchise.

No matter what, Baby Franklin’s debut in The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks a pivotal moment for the MCU, potentially heralding a new era of storytelling centered around characters with unprecedented powers.

This development, alongside the declining prominence of Captain Marvel, suggests a strategic shift in the franchise’s direction, aiming to captivate audiences with fresh narratives and dynamic heroes. Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, is scheduled to premiere in theaters on July 25, 2025.

Marvel Studios is desperate for another billion-dollar hit and all eyes are on Avengers: Doomsday. This boasts a star-studded cast that rivals Endgame, the MCU comeback of Robert Downey Jr as Doctor Doom, and more costumed heroes than you can shake a multiverse at.

On top of that, if it’s anything like Infinity War, the events of Doomsday will change the MCU forever. Almost anything can happen, though the characters played by actors at the end of their contracts may have to face the power and magic of one Victor von Doom. And now, courtesy of a morbid Instagram post, one hero has shot to the top of our death list:

Thor might die in Avengers: Doomsday

Chris Hemsworth’s latest statement carries a tone of finality. pic.twitter.com/az0KHLeSYE

— Mohammed Ihsan (@ihsan21792) May 29, 2025

Hemsworth discussing about playing Thor in the past tense certainly sounds ominous and though he almost certainly still has scenes to shoot in Doomsday, he may have received the plot outline containing his death early and felt the need to send a message to fans.

Thor dying in Doomsday also makes a lot of sense. Over the last 14 years, there have been four Thor solo movies and Hemsworth has made five appearances in ensemble movies – meaning he’s had to keep in God of Thunder shape for a long time. That takes its toll on an actor, and we’re betting Hemsworth is more than ready to ease off the superhero physical training regime and enjoy life a little.

Hemsworth’s health

More pointedly, back in 2022, Hemsworth revealed he’d discovered he has a gene that makes him eight to ten times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than the average person. Discovering this made him reevaluate his life and career, telling Vanity Fair:

“It really triggered something in me to want to take some time off. … Now when I finish this tour this week, I’m going home and I’m going to have a good chunk of time off and just simplify. Be with the kids, be with my wife.”

Who can blame him for wanting to jump off the Marvel Studios superhero hamster wheel and kick back to spend some quality time with his family? Even so, if Thor’s days are numbered, we’re sure Doomsday will send him out with a bang – likely at the hands of Doctor Doom himself.

If you’re skeptical that Doom has the power to take out an Asgardian think again, Doom is at least as powerful as Doctor Strange, an incredibly talented physical combatant and a technological genius. Doom will know how to take down Thor, and he won’t hesitate to deliver a killing blow.

Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on Dec. 18, 2026.

According to the whispers making their way, Marvel Studios is reportedly eyeing Emma Myers to play Gwen Stacy in the MCU film Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is the highly anticipated fourth installment in the MCU’s Spider-Man series, with Tom Holland returning as Peter Parker and Zendaya reprising her role as MJ. The film is expected to pick up where Spider-Man: No Way Home left off, with Peter Parker essentially erased from the lives of everyone he loves. MJ has no memory of him, Ned is off living his best life, and Peter is left swinging solo, trying to figure out what his next chapter looks like.

This setup presents the perfect opportunity to introduce Gwen Stacy. With MJ no longer in the picture (at least romantically, for now), Gwen could enter as a fresh new presence in Peter’s life. And if Marvel decides to lean into the multiverse chaos introduced in No Way Home and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, there’s even a chance we could see the Spider-Gwen version of the character, which would be a game-changer for the MCU.

Casting rumors in the MCU are as common as Stan Lee cameos used to be: everywhere, all the time. But Myers has a few things working in her favor. First, let’s talk about her breakout role in Wednesday. Myers played Enid Sinclair, the bubbly, pastel-loving werewolf who won hearts as the perfect counterbalance to Jenna Ortega’s brooding Wednesday Addams. Her performance not only showcased her ability to shine alongside a powerhouse lead but also proved she could bring depth and likability to a role that could’ve easily been one-dimensional. This kind of charisma is exactly what a character like Gwen Stacy demands.

Myers has openly expressed interest in playing Gwen Stacy, particularly Spider-Gwen, the multiverse version of the character who dons her own web-slinging suit. 

Here’s where things get tricky. While Marvel has creative control over Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, Sony still owns the rights to many of the characters in Spidey’s world, including Gwen Stacy. And let’s not forget, Sony already has their own wildly successful Gwen in the form of Hailee Steinfeld’s Spider-Gwen from the Spider-Verse animated films. With Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and its sequel Beyond the Spider-Verse cementing Steinfeld’s Gwen as a fan favorite, Sony might be hesitant to let Marvel introduce another live-action Gwen Stacy into the mix.

But there’s another angle to consider. If Sony and Marvel can come to some sort of agreement (as they did with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man), introducing Gwen Stacy in Brand New Day could benefit both studios. Marvel gets to expand its Spider-Man storyline, while Sony gets to keep the character relevant for their own projects. It’s a win-win—assuming everyone can play nice, of course.

The MCU is reportedly eyeing Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston to lead their new X-Men team. Cranston is rumored to play Charles Xavier — the leader of the mutant academy and de facto soul of the entire franchise.

Some fans were excited by the news of this possibility. The source of the rumor is MyTimeToShineHello. Usually, there are a lot of rumors leading up to new MCU releases or casting announcements, and most fans tend to ignore them. But it’s different with this particular source. It’s worth noting that this was the same insider who first announced that Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire would enter Spider-Man: No Way Home via a portal — well before it was even confirmed that the two would be in the movie. So there’s certainly some credibility to their past leaks. Hopefully they can give us some Spider-Man: Brand New Day leaks soon too.

Bryan Cranston is reportedly being eyed to play Charles Xavier in the MCU.

(Via: MyTimeToShineHello) pic.twitter.com/hrmOMvwicZ

— Marvel Updates (@marvel_updat3s) May 27, 2025

As for Cranston, while there’s a temptation to dismiss the excitement as people just wanting to see him bald again, he arguably embodies Xavier more than he ever did Walter White. White was Cranston playing against type — that’s what made that performance so captivating. With every ing episode, White got a little worse. But when you watch Cranston in interviews — especially the ones where he gets ionate about politics — he’s actually a very convincing orator. And considering Xavier’s main strength is talking both heroes and villains off the ledge, this suggests Cranston could be a worthy successor to Sir Patrick Stewart. Many fans seem to feel that exact same way, with some posting photoshopped images of Cranston as Xavier and boldly proclaiming, “Let him cook!”

Let him cook pic.twitter.com/xzMkYOoHZD

— Blockchain Disrupt (@bchaindisrupt) May 28, 2025

But there’s also a much less discussed aspect to this potential casting: weren’t these movies working best when they hired actors? One social media expressed how tired they were of seeing the “same faces.”

I miss when they went out of their way to hire up and coming actors. Stop recycling the guys with amazing careers, give us someone new for once. Tired of seeing the same actors in everything I see

— Benjamin. (@bheadr75) May 27, 2025

When the MCU grew into the force it is today, it got there through relatively less popular (at the time) names like Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Renner, Chris Evans, and Chris Hemsworth. These are household names now, but let’s not get it twisted — they weren’t before the MCU shone a light on their talent. Now, the franchise casts the Angelina Jolies and Christian Bales of the world. This shift in strategy has yielded very diminishing returns. There’s a specific way these movies work, and that’s by making the superhero the biggest star in the room. They’re meant to be bigger than any one movie — as they recur across franchises — and certainly bigger than any one particular movie star. Movie stars will always have their place in the greater cinematic landscape, but we probably don’t need Tom Hanks to be the next Magneto.

And besides, there’s the question of how long these films take to wrap. A movie star disappearing into the vast workings of Kevin Feige’s universe for the greater part of a decade, while not doing the kind of work we’d probably prefer seeing them in — the kind that opens the Cannes Film Festival or brings home an Oscar — is a real concern. For instance, does anyone really need Timothée Chalamet to appear in the MCU as the next Cyclops, or would that just be distracting?

If the formula isn’t broken, don’t fix it, Marvel.

Disney ants have pulled off something even Thanos couldn’t: kill off Hawkeye.

Jeremy Renner stopped by High Performance for an interview, and the inevitable question came up — would he reprise his most iconic role as Clint Barton, better known as Hawkeye? Renner didn’t mince words. He called the entire situation “disheartening.” He asserted that a contract dispute with Disney’s “penny pinchers” means he’s letting the role go for the foreseeable future.

At this point, it’s no secret that, culturally speaking, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been going through a lack of fresh, engaging ideas. The recent five-hour stream of empty director chairs revealing the cast of Avengers: Doomsday is a prime example. Perhaps the franchise got too big, and the ideas too many and convoluted to fit into the public consciousness. And it’s not just fan cynicism either — the producers of the Marvel machine have been feeling the pinch as well. Marvel President Kevin Feige himself was quoted in TIME, saying it’s been hard lately for them to capture the zeitgeist because they release too much product.

So there’s a reasonable assumption to make: Hawkeye Season 1 didn’t earn as much as expected. And that caused them to offer Jeremy Renner half the pay for Season 2. Or maybe they planned to give him a more secondary role as he eventually es the torch to a very capable Sinners star Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop. Regardless, Renner wasn’t having that. To the star, the offer felt insulting — especially coming so soon after his life-threatening snowmobile accident. Renner said:

“I’m like, ‘I’m sorry? Why? Did you think I’m only half the Jeremy because I got ran over? Maybe that’s why you want to pay me half of what I made on the first season.’”

Considering Marvel is synonymous with box office success, you’d assume their financial compensation with stars is exemplary. But you’d be mistaken.

As early as Iron Man 2, actors like Terrence Howard were pushed out of the franchise over salary disputes. John Malkovich, set to debut in Fantastic Four: The First Steps, shared that he turned down the franchise multiple times due to lowballed offers.

Carrie Coon, too, said the only reason she didn’t return for Avengers: Endgame was a lack of a salary increase. She even claimed people would be “surprised” by Marvel salaries. And if her performance in the last episode of The White Lotus is anything to go by — your loss, Marvel.

Luckily, however, it seems Feige is learning from past mistakes. In his acknowledgment that they may have flooded the market with too much product, he vowed to slow down and be more intentional going forward.

Unlike these other stars, Jeremy Renner is one of the founding faces of this franchise. Renner truly deserves to be treated as such. Because with every single complaint that reaches the fans, the goodwill Marvel has ridden on for nearly two decades chips a little bit more.

Marvel has yet to comment on the situation. The focus now is on Thunderbolts, which is getting glowing reviews from all the major publications. Perhaps Jeremy Renner leaving and Marvel injecting some new blood is best for everyone involved.