As Avengers: Doomsday (2026) nears release, there’s one glaring omission from its superhero lineup: Spider-Man.
Tom Holland’s web-slinger has been a central figure in the MCU since his debut in 2016, and his exclusion from the next Avengers movie is raising more than a few eyebrows. But as it turns out, the reason for his absence is tied directly to what comes next for Peter Parker…
Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday Cast—And Where Spider-Man Fits In
When Marvel Studios unveiled the official cast list for Avengers: Doomsday (2026), fans immediately noticed something missing: no Spider-Man. Holland’s absence from such a monumental crossover left many questioning why Marvel would leave out one of their most beloved heroes, especially as so many other fan favorites are set to appear.
The movie’s massive ensemble cast includes returning stars like Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson/Captain America), and Paul Rudd (Scott Lang/Ant-Man), as well as new additions from the Fantastic Four universe. Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic) and Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm/Invisible Woman) lead the new team, while X-Men legends Patrick Stewart (Professor X) and Ian McKellen (Magneto) return to their iconic roles.
Most notably, Chris Evans is back as Steve Rogers, and Robert Downey Jr. is also back – not as Tony Stark, but as the Multiverse Saga’s antagonist, Doctor Doom.
For fans who have long hoped to see Spider-Man face off against a version of Doctor Doom with the face of his fallen mentor, this feels like a missed opportunity
However, according to industry insider Jeff Sneider, there’s a straightforward explanation for Peter Parker’s absence: Spider-Man 4 is happening at the same time as Avengers: Doomsday, and the events of the two films will overlap.
Peter’s story will continue in his solo film before he apparently makes a return in Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), much like how Avengers: Endgame followed Avengers: Infinity War (2018).
What to Expect in Spider-Man 4
Though Peter Parker is sitting out the Avengers showdown, his next solo film is shaping up to be a major turning point for the character.
Its first trailer showed the character seemingly living at an all-time low, with his former girlfriend and best friend both moving on with their lives while the rest of the world has forgotten that Peter Parker even exists.
The casting of Stranger Things star Sadie Sink has raised questions, with fans wondering if she could be playing a new version of Zendaya’s MJ. Others have theorized she might be Jean Grey, with her multi-film deal rumored to prove important for Marvel’s upcoming X-Men storylines, or Shathra.
Producer Amy Pascal has teased the direction of the film, telling Deadline’s Behind the Lens: “We have to deal with the fact that he decided he was going to give up being Peter Parker, and he was gonna focus on being Spider-Man, because being Peter Parker was too hard. So that’s what the movie is about.”
The first trailer, released in March, sees Peter Parker narrating a letter: “Sometimes Spider-Man has to do the hard thing, even if it breaks Peter Parker’s heart.” It sets a more emotional tone while teasing a broader, more dangerous world around him.
New and returning characters are featured throughout, including the Punisher (Jon Bernthal), who appears to clash with Spider-Man. Familiar villains also return, with Scorpion (Michael Mando) back after Spider-Man: Homecoming, alongside red-clad ninjas believed to be the Hand and a mysterious body-swapping antagonist.
Venom, Kingpin, and More in ‘Spider-Man 4’
While Spider-Man 4 focuses on Peter’s personal growth, there’s a chance some familiar faces will show up. Fans have long theorized that Venom could make an appearance, adding another layer of complexity to Peter’s emotional journey.
Additionally, the Daredevil series could influence Peter’s story, as Kingpin’s rise to power in Daredevil: Born Again (2024) may very well bring him into conflict with Spider-Man, given the hero’s role as a protector of New York.
If Spider-Man 4 and Avengers: Doomsday are taking place at the same time, it remains to be seen how the two stories will connect. Will Spider-Man’s absence from the Avengers’ latest battle have consequences down the line? For now, fans will have to wait for both films to unfold.
What do you think will happen in ‘Spider-Man 4’?
