Marvel Studios may have been tight-lipped about its upcoming Avengers lineup, but a recent Hollywood Reporter profile may have just leaked a major casting surprise. Buried in the outlet’s “Power Lawyers 2025” list — a roundup of the 100 most influential attorneys in entertainment — comes a quiet but significant confirmation: Actress Hayley Atwell is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe for “Avengers 5 and 6.”
Captain Carter and her team of multiversal super women in Marvel What If…? Season 3 – Disney Plus
The reveal comes via Julian Zaifen, a partner at powerhouse firm Ziffren Brittenham and a long-standing dealmaker for major Hollywood players like Dick Wolf, Eddie Murphy, and Gareth Edwards. In his profile, Zaifen is credited with securing a number of recent high-profile contracts — including Atwell’s deal to appear in Avengers 5 and 6. This is the first public indication that Atwell will be returning to the MCU in any capacity, let alone for two back-to-back Avengers blockbusters.
Avengers 5 & 6 are obviously Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
The films are expected to serve as massive multiversal crossovers, similar to Spider-Man: No Way Home and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness — both of which capitalized on legacy characters and alternate-universe versions of familiar heroes.
Hayley Atwell as Captain Carter in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – Disney+
Hayley Atwell last appeared in live action as part of the Avengers Illuminati in Multiverse of Madness as Captain Carter, a variant of Peggy Carter who took the Super Soldier Serum instead of Steve Rogers. That version of the character was first introduced in Marvel’s animated What If…? series, which showcased an alternate timeline where Carter becomes the British-themed super soldier wielding a vibranium shield emblazoned with the Union Jack. Carter was a main player in all three seasons of What If…? with her most recent outing being in December 2024.
While some fans were excited to see Atwell return in a more action-oriented role, the portrayal of Captain Carter — particularly her defiant “I could do this all day” callback and sudden demise at the hands of Wanda Maximoff — received mixed reviews. Critics accused Marvel of propping up yet another so-called “Girl Boss” character while undercutting fan-favorite male heroes. The character has since become symbolic of the studio’s controversial “M-SHE-U” phase, with Captain Carter merch and cameos becoming more frequent despite vocal backlash from portions of the fandom.
Captain Carter and her team of multiversal super women in Marvel What If…? Season 3 – Disney Plus
With both Doomsday and Secret Wars expected to feature multiple variants of iconic heroes from across different timelines, it’s entirely plausible that Hayley Atwell as Captain Carter could return in a more significant Avengers role.
If this leak holds true, Hayley Atwell’s reappearance could signal Marvel doubling down on Captain Carter, whether fans like it or not.
Do you want to see Hayley Atwell return as Captain Carter in the next Avengers movie? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!
Only reason she’s even a part of the conversation, is them british fun bags.