Industry scoopers are claiming that Charlize Theron’s Clea, who previously appeared in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), could potentially return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Avengers: Doomsday, along with Benedict Cumberbatch’s Dr. Stephen Strange. Notably, last month, Marvel Studios announced over 25 cast members from the movie, and neither actor was on the list. However, Kevin Feige revealed earlier this month that the Doomsday cast hadn’t been fully revealed.
Charlize Theron’s Clea rumored to return in Avengers: Doomsday
Lizzie Hill of The Cosmic Circus revealed during the site’s April Q&A session that both Doctor Strange and Clea might be in Avengers: Doomsday. “From what we’ve heard, Strange is meant to be in Doomsday, as is Charlize Theron’s Clea,” Hill said.
In January 2025, Cumberbatch told Variety that he was not involved in Doomsday. Later that month, he was asked by Business Insider whether Marvel had spoken to him about revealing what seemed like big spoilers about the upcoming movie. “I got that wrong, I am in the next one,” the actor said. This prompted the outlet to point out that other MCU actors often lied about their involvement. Cumberbatch smirked and replied, “Don’t ever believe anything I say.”
Clea debuted in the MCU in the mid-credits scene of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The sorceress appears in front of Strange and tells him about the disastrous impact that his actions had, prompting Strange to accompany her into the Dark Dimension.
Charlize Theron admitted in a late December 2022 interview with The Hollywood Reporter that she used to “make fun” of Marvel fans until she watched the movies and liked them. The Academy Award-winner told Josh Horowitz in May 2023 that Marvel hadn’t contacted her about continuing as Clea in the MCU. She said, “No, I’m not lying. I haven’t got a call, is that bad?” However, it has been nearly two years since then, and it’s quite possible that Marvel has reached out to her.
Avengers: Doomsday is on track to hit U.S. theaters on May 1, 2026.
