Elphaba and Glinda will not return in Avengers: Doomsday because these characters belong to The Wizard of Oz, not the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This status clarification addresses fan speculation that has circulated online.
Origins and Canonical Context
Elphaba and Glinda originate from The Wizard of Oz books and the later musical Wicked. They exist in a separate fictional realm unrelated to Marvel Comics properties. In contrast, Avengers: Doomsday draws from Marvel storylines featuring Earth’s Mightiest Heroes assembled against universe-level threats. Because licensing and continuity keep these franchises distinct, characters such as Elphaba and Glinda do not carry over into MCU crossover events.
Evidence From Official Sources
No casting announcements, press releases, or production documents reference Elphaba or Glinda for any MCU project, including Avengers: Doomsday. Marvel Studios and Disney have not included these roles in publicly shared creative plans. Absent authoritative confirmation, the working status remains that these characters are not part of the film’s development, casting, or scripting phases.
Status Summary Table
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Character Presence | Not included | Absence of official announcements |
| Franchise Origin | The Wizard of Oz | Copyright and IP records |
| MCU Licensing Status | Separate rights holder; not under Marvel | Public licensing knowledge |
| Project Development | No active inclusion | Unverified claims only |
Understanding Cross-Franchise Appearances
Characters can migrate between properties only when rights and creative agreements align. Historical examples include licensed cameos in limited series or special events, but these require proactive negotiations. Elphaba and Glinda belong to a property with no current crossover agreement with Marvel Studios. Without such a deal, their inclusion in Avengers: Doomsday would be inconsistent with intellectual property boundaries.
Why This Rumor Persists
Online speculation sometimes blends unrelated icons into major events, especially when marketing materials remain under wraps. Imagery or edits can create false impressions, leading to theories about unexpected pairings. In this case, the vivid contrast between theatrical fantasy figures and blockbuster superhero storytelling fuels repeated rumors, despite no factual basis in announced plans.
Reliable Indicators of Character Inclusion
Credible confirmation typically follows casting calls, trademark filings, or official announcements. Trade publications, reputable insiders, and studio statements provide higher-quality evidence than social media edits. In the absence of such signals, the prudent conclusion is that a character is not part of a given project.
Conclusion and Current Standing
Based on available information, Elphaba and Glinda will not return in Avengers: Doomsday. This status reflects the separation of IP ownership and the lack of any verified production development linking these characters to the MCU. Going forward, any changes would require formal announcements from rights holders and Marvel Studios leadership.