Shock as Hayley Atwell makes ‘high stakes’ return to The Avengers seven years after her last appearance

ACTRESS Hayley Atwell is making a surprise return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Avengers: Doomsday. The Brit, 44, thrilled fans as she appeared at San Diego Comic Con to promote the film. Hayley Atwell is making a surprise return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe Credit: Getty Hayley was snapped at San Diego Comic Con with fellow actors including Marvel co-stars Robert Downey Jr and Chris Evans Credit: Getty Hayley will reprise her role as Peggy Carter in the latest movie in the MCU franchise. Fans had thought that the MI6 agent’s storyline was over after Captain America Steve Rogers travelled back to live with her in the 1940s during the finale of 2019’s Avengers: Endgame. Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter Thank you! Mission: Impossible star Hayley hinted Peggy’s love story with Steve, played by Knives Out actor Chris Evans, is behind the big comeback. She said: “You can’t really have Steve without Peggy, or without the longing for Peggy.” READ MORE ON HAYLEY ATWELL But Hayley said there will be a different side to Peggy, who she first played in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, in the action this time. She added: “The stakes are so high. It’s such an existential epic of a movie, and you see Peggy in a very different light responding to that.” Having played Peggy off and on now for 15 years, Hayley is up for doing more with her, saying: “I hope I am still playing her in ten years.” She and Chris posed with co-stars at the promotional event in California. Most read in Showbiz Hayley will reprise her role as Peggy Carter Credit: Rex Fans had thought that her storyline was over after Captain America Steve Rogers travelled back to live with her in the 1940s during the finale of Avengers: Endgame Credit: ABC Robert Downey Jr, Lewis Pullman, David Harbour, Kelsey Grammer, and Pedro Pascal were among other stars who appeared at the event. Co-director Joe Russo was also on stage to discuss the film, which is scheduled to appear in cinemas on December 18. Marvel also announced that British actor David Jonsson will star in Black Panther 3 in 2028, playing the title role. Comment now