ACTRESS Hayley Atwell is making a surprise return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Avengers: Doomsday.

, 44, thrilled fans as she appeared at San Diego Comic Con to promote the film.

Hayley Atwell in a red gown with a plunging neckline and high slit, on a red carpet.Hayley Atwell is making a surprise return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe Credit: Getty Marvel Studios Panel at 2026 San Diego Comic-Con with James Marsden, Rebecca Romijn, Hannah John-Kamen, Tenoch Huerta, Lewis Pullman, David Harbour, Kelsey Grammer, Hayley Atwell, Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Pedro Pascal, Joe Russo, Anthony Russo, Simu Liu, Anthony Mackie, Letitia Wright, Danny Ramirez, Paul Rudd, Kevin Feige, and Winston Duke.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 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.

Mission: Impossible star Hayley hinted Peggy’s love story with Steve, played by Knives Out actor , is behind the big comeback.

She said: “You can’t really have Steve without Peggy, or without the longing for Peggy.”

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 , 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 .

Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter in Captain America: The First Avenger.Hayley will reprise her role as Peggy Carter Credit: Rex Hayley Atwell as Agent Peggy Carter in a blue pinstriped suit, standing in an office.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

, Lewis Pullman, , Kelsey Grammer, and 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 in 2028, playing the title role.