Captain Marvel Back? Brie Larson's Instagram Fuels Avengers: Doomsday Return Buzz

A cryptic social media post by Brie Larson has ignited fan speculation that she'll be reprising her role as Captain Marvel in the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday, despite prior uncertainty surrounding her involvement.

TL;DR

• Brie Larson's recent "ignore the wig" Instagram post has fans convinced she's teasing a Captain Marvel return.
• While she wasn't in the initial cast announcement, insider reports hint at a significant role for Carol Danvers.
• Avengers: Doomsday is set to release on December 18, 2026, with Doctor Doom as the central antagonist.

The Curious Case of the Cryptic Coiffure on Social Media

Did Brie Larson just accidentally (or expertly) spill some major Marvel beans? That's the buzzing question across the internet after the actress shared a photo on her Instagram Stories on November 5, 2025. The snap showed her at a U.S. voting booth, clad in a white hoodie, with strands of unmistakably blonde hair peeking out. Her accompanying caption, "ignore the wig!!", immediately sent the Marvel fandom into a frenzy.

Fans were quick to connect the dots: Larson has recently sported a pixie cut, making the long blonde wig a stark departure. It's also Captain Marvel's signature look. Why wear a wig, hide it under a hoodie, and then draw attention to it unless you're trying to send a subtle message? Marvel Studios is infamous for its secrecy, often going to great lengths to prevent spoilers, and this post felt right out of their playbook, leading many to believe Larson was hinting at a return for filming or reshoots for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. Source: GamesRadar+, Digital Spy.

However, a small dose of reality is worth considering. Principal photography for Avengers: Doomsday officially wrapped in September 2025 in the UK. While Marvel productions are notorious for extensive reshoots, it might seem a bit early for them to have commenced, especially in Los Angeles where Larson was voting, as most Marvel filming happens in London or Atlanta. Additionally, Larson was announced to star in a comedy called Close Personal Friends, which began filming at the end of September. It’s entirely plausible the wig was for this other project. Source: CinemaBlend.

Why Captain Marvel's Return Makes Sense (Even with Past Challenges)

Despite Larson's absence from the initial Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement in March, many arguments support Captain Marvel's eventual inclusion. Her last outing in The Marvels (2023) concluded with a significant multiversal event: the creation of a tear between realities, which trapped Monica Rambeau in an alternate universe—the very universe where the X-Men are likely to hail from. This direct link makes both Monica and, by extension, Carol Danvers incredibly relevant to the impending multiversal conflict. Scooper James Mack even hinted at a potential confrontation between Captain Marvel and Monica, fighting for the survival of their respective worlds. Source: MovieWeb.

Reliable insider Alex Perez has gone on record claiming that Captain Marvel won't just appear, but will be "one of the main characters" in Avengers: Doomsday. Given the immense power and cosmic reach of Carol Danvers, her presence would be vital in a conflict against a foe like Doctor Doom. Her strong leadership skills and galactic influence are crucial assets as the Multiverse Saga heads towards its climax in Phase 6. Source: FandomWire.

It's true that The Marvels faced a lukewarm reception, grossing around $206 million globally against a $220 million budget. There's also been a vocal minority of MCU viewers who have criticized Larson's portrayal of Carol Danvers. However, the overarching narrative demands a powerhouse like Captain Marvel. The importance of her character to the unfolding multiversal storyline seems to outweigh past box office performances or divided fan reactions. As the franchise progresses into a new era with Doomsday and Secret Wars, characters who can carry the legacy forward are indispensable, and Danvers is certainly among them. Source: FandomWire.

"Ignore the wig!!"

— Brie Larson, captioning her Instagram Story, November 5, 2025

An Expanding Universe: Who Else is Lining Up for Doomsday?

Avengers: Doomsday promises to be a colossal event, uniting a "who's who" of Marvel heroes across various realities. The film is set to feature the X-Men, New Avengers, Fantastic Four, and the Wakandans. Confirmed X-Men characters include Patrick Stewart's Professor X, James Marsden's Cyclops, Kelsey Grammer's Beast, Ian McKellan's Magneto, Rebecca Romijn's Mystique, and Alan Cumming's Nightcrawler. This sprawling ensemble will face off against the formidable Doctor Doom. Interestingly, one source even surprisingly attributes "Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom" as the antagonist, an intriguing twist given his iconic MCU past. Source: GamesRadar+.

Beyond the confirmed names, several cosmic heavy-hitters are also rumored for a return. Will Poulter's Adam Warlock, Karen Gillan's Nebula (who has teased her return to the MCU), and Chris Pratt's Star-Lord are all potential additions. We might even see Julia Garner's Shalla-Bal as the Silver Surfer, a character previously introduced in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which laid foundations for Doomsday by introducing Doom himself. Source: ComicBook.com.

Just picture Sarah, a dedicated MCU fan, poring over the initial cast announcement, hoping for a sign of Carol Danvers. Her heart sank a bit, picturing the upcoming multiversal brawl without Captain Marvel's cosmic might. Then, that wig post hit her feed – a tiny spark of hope that perhaps the universe hadn't forgotten its most powerful hero. This example highlights the emotional rollercoaster fans experience with every rumor and cryptic social media post.

The Art of the Marvel Denial (and the Rumor Mill Continues)

Marvel Studios' tight-lipped approach means that initial cast lists are rarely exhaustive. Several actors known for their MCU roles, such as Oscar Isaac (Moon Knight), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), and Charlie Cox (Daredevil), have publicly stated they won't be in Doomsday. Yet, past instances of actors denying their involvement, only to surprise audiences later (hello, Andrew Garfield in Spider-Man: No Way Home!), mean fans often take these denials with a grain of salt. Chris Evans, too, despite a Hollywood Reporter article from late 2024 claiming his return as Captain America alongside Hayley Atwell, has repeatedly denied his involvement. Source: CBR.

This atmosphere of calculated secrecy fuels the rumor mill even further. It's been reported that a second cast reveal event for Avengers: Doomsday might be in the cards. Furthermore, whispers suggest that the official teaser trailer for the movie could drop as early as December. If these rumors hold true, fans might not have to wait too long for official confirmation on Captain Marvel and other unannounced heroes.

FAQ About Avengers: Doomsday

When is Avengers: Doomsday released? Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to be released on December 18, 2026. Who is directing Avengers: Doomsday? Joe and Anthony Russo are returning to direct Avengers: Doomsday. Which teams are confirmed to appear in Avengers: Doomsday? Confirmed teams include the X-Men, New Avengers, Fantastic Four, and the Wakandans. What is the main villain of Avengers: Doomsday? The primary antagonist is Doctor Doom, with one source intriguingly mentioning Robert Downey Jr. in the role.

Practical Takeaways for Marvel Fans

• Stay Tuned for Official Updates: Keep an eye out for official announcements from Marvel Studios, especially around December, when a teaser trailer or second cast reveal might drop.
• Watch Brie Larson's Social Media: Her Instagram post proves that subtle clues can emerge from unexpected places, so pay attention to future hints.
• Prepare for a Multiversal Spectacle: The film is shaping up to be an unprecedented crossover event, bringing together heroes and teams from across realities, including the X-Men and Fantastic Four.
• Captain Marvel's Role is Likely Crucial: Regardless of initial announcements, her character's power and established connections to the ongoing Multiverse Saga make her return highly probable and narratively essential.

Sources

• GamesRadar+ (Bradley Russell)
• Digital Spy (Stefania Sarrubba)
• ScreenRant
• ComicBook.com
• CBR
• FandomWire (Deepak Bisht, Nillohit Bagchi)
• MovieWeb (referencing Alex Perez)
• CinemaBlend