A single social media post from Brie Larson has reignited speculation about her return as Captain Marvel in the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday. But what does a blonde wig and a hooded sweatshirt really tell us about Marvel's next epic crossover?
TL;DR: Your Quick Rundown on the Doomsday Drama
- Brie Larson's recent Instagram photo, captioning 'ignore the wig!!', has fans convinced she's secretly filming scenes for Avengers: Doomsday.
- Despite being notably absent from initial casting announcements, Captain Marvel's return is seen as crucial for the film's multiverse-spanning plot and X-Men connections.
- Avengers: Doomsday, hitting cinemas on December 18, 2026, is set to feature a massive ensemble, including Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, and will directly pave the way for Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027.
Picture this: you're scrolling through Instagram, minding your own business, when a photo from a major movie star pops up. It's Brie Larson, in a hoodie, at a voting booth, with a caption that reads, "VOTED! Ignore the wig!!" Now, if you're a Marvel fan, "ignore the wig" is basically a siren song. This wasn't just any wig; it was a blonde one, peeking out from under a hooded sweatshirt, suspiciously similar to the signature look of Captain Marvel.
The post, shared on November 5, 2025, immediately sent the internet into a frenzy. Why would an actress who often sports similar hair make such a specific, attention-grabbing comment unless she was deliberately trying to hide something – or, perhaps, playfully tease it? Fans on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) instantly began dissecting the image, convinced it signaled that Larson was back on set, secretly filming for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. Source: [GamesRadar+, 'Avengers: Doomsday may include a who's who of iconic Marvel actors past and present...', November 5, 2025; IGN, ''Ignore the Wig!!' Brie Larson Sparks Avengers: Doomsday Speculation...', November 5, 2025]
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Captain Marvel's Curious Absence from Initial Doomsday Casting
Let's rewind a bit. Back in March, Marvel Studios dropped a casting announcement for Avengers: Doomsday, revealing a "who's who" of iconic Marvel actors. But one name was conspicuously missing: Brie Larson, aka Captain Marvel. This absence naturally led to a lot of head-scratching, especially considering Captain Marvel's pivotal role in previous Avengers sagas and her continued appearances in the MCU, including The Marvels, the Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings post-credits scene, and the finale of Ms. Marvel. She even voiced the character in the animated series What If...? on Disney Plus. Source: [GamesRadar+, 'Avengers: Doomsday may include a who's who of iconic Marvel actors past and present...', November 5, 2025]
The timing of Larson's wig post couldn't be more perfect. While principal photography for Avengers: Doomsday might have wrapped in the UK, Marvel is notorious for its "additional photography" – essentially, reshoots and secret scenes filmed over months to pack in as many surprises as possible. It wouldn't be the first time an actor hid their involvement until the very last minute.
Why Captain Marvel's Return is Crucial for Marvel's Multiverse Epic
Beyond fan hopes, there's a compelling narrative reason for Captain Marvel to join the Doomsday fray. The film is gearing up to be a massive multiversal crossover, with Robert Downey Jr. returning as none other than Doctor Doom. To take on such a powerful, reality-hopping antagonist, Earth's Mightiest Heroes are going to need all the cosmic firepower they can get.
Moreover, the connections to the X-Men universe are becoming increasingly clear. Captain Marvel's best friend, Monica Rambeau (Photon), was last seen stranded in the X-Men universe at the end of The Marvels. With Avengers: Doomsday promising to unite faces from Fox's X-Men films, including veterans like Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and Rebecca Romijn, Carol Danvers could be absolutely central to bridging these cinematic worlds and navigating the complexities of alternate realities. Source: [IGN, ''Ignore the Wig!!' Brie Larson Sparks Avengers: Doomsday Speculation...', November 5, 2025; SSBCrack News, 'Avengers: Doomsday Speculation Grows as Cast Revealed and Key Characters Missing', November 5, 2025]
"I think there is still so much inside of Carol."
— Brie Larson, during The Marvels press tour, hinting at further character exploration.
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The Wider Web of Casting: Who's In, Who's Out, and Who's Lying?
While Larson's potential return is creating ripples, Avengers: Doomsday already boasts an impressive, albeit sometimes mysterious, roster. A staggering 27 actors have been confirmed, including MCU mainstays like Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Winston Duke, Tom Hiddleston, Sebastian Stan, and Paul Rudd. Newcomers from recent MCU entries, such as Wyatt Russell, Simu Liu, and Tenoch Huerta Mejía, are also joining the lineup. Source: [SSBCrack News, 'Avengers: Doomsday Speculation Grows as Cast Revealed and Key Characters Missing', November 5, 2025]
However, the list of actors who have denied involvement is almost as long as the confirmed cast. Chris Evans (Captain America), Andrew Garfield (Spider-Man), Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool), Charlie Cox (Daredevil), Halle Berry (Storm), and Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange) have all publicly stated they won't be in Doomsday. For example, Chris Evans explicitly stated he's "happily retired" from Marvel. Source: [The Direct, 'These Marvel Stars Have Denied Being in Avengers: Doomsday', November 1, 2025]
Marvel's Secrecy vs. Actors' Denials: A Perennial Game
This brings us to a crucial point: Marvel Studios is legendary for its ironclad secrecy. Actors are famously trained to deny any involvement in upcoming projects to avoid leaks. Remember how vehemently Andrew Garfield denied being in Spider-Man: No Way Home? Turns out, he was absolutely there! So, while these denials are official, fans have learned to take them with a grain of salt. It's a fun cat-and-mouse game between the studio, the actors, and the ever-watchful fanbase.
The reasoning for some absences, like Benedict Cumberbatch stating Doctor Strange "does not align with this part of the story" but will appear in Secret Wars, seems plausible. But for others, like Ryan Reynolds claiming he hasn't "stepped foot on set" for Doomsday, it just fuels more speculation given Deadpool's recent MCU debut and connection to the TVA, a potential key location for Thor's storyline in Doomsday. Source: [The Direct, 'These Marvel Stars Have Denied Being in Avengers: Doomsday', November 1, 2025]
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The God of Thunder's Fate: Will Thor Die in Doomsday?
Speaking of key storylines, another major topic of discussion is the fate of Chris Hemsworth's Thor. He was prominently the first name mentioned in the extensive `Doomsday` cast list, which some interpret as a sign of his central, perhaps final, role. Theories about Thor's potential demise have been circulating for years, intensified by Hemsworth's own social media activity.
In May 2025, Hemsworth posted a heartfelt compilation video celebrating his 15 years as Thor, accompanied by a "suspiciously sincere message of gratitude" that many interpreted as a farewell. Source: [CBR, 'Clues Point To Thor's Death In Avengers: Doomsday', November 5, 2025] Furthermore, his stunt double, Bobby Holland Hanton, shared a video from the `Doomsday` set that eerily resembled the TVA – a location heavily linked to multiversal events and Loki's storyline. In the comics, Thor meets an epic end in the Time Runs Out saga, leading up to Secret Wars, sacrificing himself against nigh-omnipotent entities. Many believe `Doomsday` could adapt this tragic, heroic conclusion for the MCU's Odinson.
A Counterpoint to Thor's Impending Demise
However, there's a wrinkle in the theory of Thor's death in `Doomsday`. The character seemingly already met a "decidedly hardcore" demise in the 2025 animated anthology series Marvel Zombies, where he was killed off holding back a berserk Scarlet Witch and reappearing as a zombie. Source: [ScreenRant, 'Thor's tragic death in 2025's last MCU release has actually raised my hopes for Avengers: Doomsday', November 5, 2025] To have the mainline MCU Thor die again in `Doomsday` so soon after his variant's death in a spin-off might seem a "decidedly bizarre decision," as one article puts it. It raises questions about how Marvel would handle such a double-whammy, especially when fans are still reeling from the deaths of Iron Man and Black Widow.
Another counterpoint is the comic book precedent of the "Thors Corps" in Secret Wars, an army of Thor variants acting as Doctor Doom's police force across Battleworld. Even if the Earth-616 Thor dies, variants could still appear in Secret Wars, potentially played by new actors, or even outlandish versions like Throg. This offers a path for the character's legacy to continue without necessarily requiring Chris Hemsworth to return for every future appearance.
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Brie Larson Beyond the Marvel Spotlight: A Life of Creative Pursuits
While the Marvel universe keeps Brie Larson's name in the headlines, it's worth remembering that her career extends far beyond superheroics. This fall, for example, she's been touring the U.S. to promote her cookbook, "Party People," co-authored with Courtney McBroom. Fans in places like Bend, Oregon, paid for an exclusive dinner event to meet her and enjoy a meal inspired by the book. Source: [Azat TV, 'Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel Comeback: Instagram Tease Fuels Avengers: Doomsday Speculation', November 6, 2025]
Larson also maintains a public persona focused on body positivity and authenticity, often sharing candid photos on social media. Whether she's sporting a casual look or embracing movements like #FreeTheNipple, she projects a sense of confidence and relatability that resonates with many. It's a reminder that even Hollywood stars, especially those tied to massive franchises, have diverse interests and lives outside of their iconic roles.
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What to Expect as Doomsday Approaches
So, what does all this speculation, cryptic posts, and official denials mean for you, the moviegoer? Ultimately, it means the hype machine for Avengers: Doomsday is in full swing. Directed by the Russo Brothers and written by Stephen McFeely, who previously collaborated on several Marvel hits, the film promises thrilling multiverse escapades leading into Avengers: Secret Wars. Source: [SSBCrack News, 'Avengers: Doomsday Speculation Grows as Cast Revealed and Key Characters Missing', November 5, 2025]
With a release date of December 18, 2026, we still have a year to go, which means plenty of time for more rumors, subtle hints, and perhaps even some official confirmations. Marvel's track record suggests that until the credits roll, anything is possible.
Practical Takeaways for Marvel Fans
- Keep an Eye on Social Media: Brie Larson's "wig" incident proves that subtle hints from actors can be the loudest. Follow your favorite stars closely!
- Don't Trust Every Denial: Marvel actors are masters of misdirection. Official denials often mean the opposite.
- Expect Multiverse Mayhem: Avengers: Doomsday is clearly building towards a massive multiversal showdown, heavily involving X-Men characters and cosmic threats.
- Prepare for Big Stakes: With Doctor Doom as the antagonist and Thor's potential fate hanging in the balance, expect significant character arcs and potentially heartbreaking moments.
- Patience is a Virtue: With over a year until release, official news will be scarce. Enjoy the speculation while it lasts!
Sources
- GamesRadar+, "Avengers: Doomsday may include a who's who of iconic Marvel actors past and present...", November 5, 2025.
- IGN, "'Ignore the Wig!!' Brie Larson Sparks Avengers: Doomsday Speculation...", November 5, 2025.
- SSBCrack News, "Avengers: Doomsday Speculation Grows as Cast Revealed and Key Characters Missing", November 5, 2025.
- Azat TV, "Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel Comeback: Instagram Tease Fuels Avengers: Doomsday Speculation", November 6, 2025.
- CBR, "Clues Point To Thor's Death In Avengers: Doomsday", November 5, 2025.
- ScreenRant, "Thor's tragic death in 2025's last MCU release has actually raised my hopes for Avengers: Doomsday", November 5, 2025.
- The Direct, "These Marvel Stars Have Denied Being in Avengers: Doomsday", November 1, 2025.