As Marvel Studios sets the stage for Phase Six, the franchise will be moving forward without two of its longtime stars.
Later this month, Marvel will introduce fans to The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025), which marks a significant reset for the cinematic universe. Pedro Pascal leads the cast as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, joined by Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/Thing. Julia Garner plays Shalla-Bal/Silver Surfer, and Ralph Ineson steps in as Galactus, kicking off the new era with the MCU’s first Phase Six entry.
Following a turbulent Phase Five that included commercial disappointments like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023), The Marvels (2023), Captain America: Brave New World (2025), and Thunderbolts* (2025), excitement now turns toward the future, with Avengers: Doomsday (2026) coming soon.
Though Avengers: Doomsday boasts a high-profile ensemble, including Robert Downey Jr. as Victor Von Doom/Doctor Doom, two prominent names will not be returning to the MCU. This marks a definitive end for both Michael Douglas and Evangeline Lilly, who originated key roles in the Ant-Man franchise.
The third Ant-Man film opened Phase Five with a deep Quantum Realm dive. While boasting strong visual flair and a major Multiversal storyline featuring Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror, the film drew mixed reactions. Directed by Peyton Reed, the 2023 release holds a 46% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and dropped 69% in its second weekend despite a $476 million global haul.
Douglas, who played Hank Pym across several MCU entries, confirmed his departure at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival. “I have not worked since 2022 purposefully because I realized I had to stop,” he said, per Variety. “I had been working pretty hard for almost 60 years, and I did not want to be one of those people who dropped dead on the set… I have no real intentions of going back.”
Lilly, who portrayed Hope van Dyne/The Wasp, also said farewell to acting last year after Quantumania. Though her character’s role was notably reduced in the third film, she made an emotional statement about her departure from Hollywood: “I am so filled with joy and contentment today as I live out my vision. Praise God, I feel so grateful for my blessings… I might return to Hollywood one day, but, for now, this is where I belong.”
Lilly, known for Lost and The Hobbit (2012), drew scrutiny for her stance against COVID-19 mandates. While her views drew attention, Marvel did not comment publicly.
Paul Rudd, however, will return as Ant-Man in Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for December 2026.
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