Rogue's Absence from Avengers: Doomsday Disappoints Fans
Despite X-Men joining the MCU in the upcoming blockbuster, one beloved mutant appears to be missing from the roster. Anna Paquin's iconic character may have to wait for her Marvel comeback.
The highly anticipated superhero ensemble film is set to be significantly larger than previous installments, with mutant heroes officially joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe following Hugh Jackman's Wolverine appearance. However, speculation surrounds whether Anna Marie LeBeau, better known as Rogue, will join the team.
Current reports suggest the power-absorbing mutant won't be part of the initial lineup. While Professor X, Magneto, Cyclops, Beast, Nightcrawler, Gambit, and Mystique have been confirmed for the upcoming film, Rogue remains notably absent from casting announcements.
Insider Reports Cast Doubt on Rogue's Inclusion
A reliable industry source, known for previously leaking accurate information about Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, indicated that Rogue won't join the mutant squad in the upcoming blockbuster. According to the now-deleted social media post, the information reflects pre-reshoot plans, leaving some possibility for changes.
The insider noted: "I will say this is everything I've heard BEFORE the reshoots they're planning, so maybe they could possibly be added…I personally doubt they would play any major role if they were to be added…my money is on Secret Wars."
Storm and Jean Grey are also reportedly absent from the current roster, potentially saving these fan-favorite characters for future installments.
Understanding Rogue's Devastating Abilities
Among the X-Men team, few mutants carry as heavy a burden as Rogue. Her primary ability involves absorbing life force, memories, and powers through physical contact, creating a tragic existence of enforced isolation. This power prevents her from experiencing normal human intimacy, making her one of the most sympathetic characters in the mutant universe.
The absorption ability comes with severe consequences. When she kissed Gambit, the love of her life fell into a coma, and she discovered his involvement in the Mutant Massacre through his absorbed memories. She also permanently gained Captain Marvel's abilities through this same process.
Beyond her signature power, Rogue possesses enhanced strength, stamina, durability, agility, and reflexes. She can fly and demonstrates exceptional acrobatic skills and swordsmanship, trained by her adoptive brother Nightcrawler.
Anna Paquin's Potential Return
Anna Paquin portrayed the character throughout the X-Men film series, including a cameo in Days of Future Past and an extended role in the Rogue Cut version. Despite more than a decade since her last major appearance as Marie, the actress expressed willingness to return to the role.
In an April 2024 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Paquin revealed that reprising the character would simply require "being asked" to do so. She also voiced disappointment about never getting to showcase the character's flight abilities in previous films, stating "I never got to fly, come on."
Many fans share Paquin's frustration with how the Fox films handled her character, though X-Men '97 has provided some redemption for the beloved mutant. The upcoming film is scheduled for release on December 18, 2026.