Bullet-Point Summary:
- Marvel Studios announced the full cast of Avengers: Doomsday, featuring returning heroes and new characters from Fantastic Four and X-Men.
- Robert Downey Jr. is set to return as Doctor Doom, marking a major shift from his role as Iron Man.
- The film, directed by the Russo brothers, is scheduled for release on May 1, 2026.
What is Avengers: Doomsday and When is It Releasing?

Marvel Studios has officially announced Avengers: Doomsday, the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This film marks the first Avengers team-up since Avengers: Endgame and is set to hit theaters on May 1, 2026. Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, this installment promises to introduce fresh characters while reuniting beloved heroes from past Marvel films.
How Did Marvel Reveal the Avengers: Doomsday Cast?

Marvel opted for a live-streamed event across multiple social media platforms to unveil the star-studded cast. The event, simply titled “ANNOUNCEMENT,” kept the reveal minimal yet effective. It featured a lineup of empty chairs with each new name being posted to the official Avengers social media accounts. The anticipation generated by this unique reveal format led to millions of viewers tuning in, sparking intense discussions among fans.
Which Original MCU Veterans are Returning?
Several key MCU veterans are set to reprise their roles in Avengers: Doomsday:
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Chris Hemsworth as Thor
Thor – Marvel Entertainment -
Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America
Anthony Mackie as Captain America_ Brave New World _ Marvel Entertainment -
Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier
Sebastian Stan in Thunderbolts – Marvel Entertainment -
Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man
Paul Rudd as Ant-Man -
Letitia Wright as Shuri/Black Panther
Shuri in Wakanda Forever – Marvel Entertainment -
Tom Hiddleston as Loki (his first Avengers appearance since Endgame)
Loki – Marvel Entertainment
These returning characters help maintain continuity while expanding the Avengers’ roster with new dynamics.
Who Are the Newest Additions to the Avengers?
The film will introduce characters from Fantastic Four and X-Men, further integrating them into the MCU:
Fantastic Four Members Joining the Avengers
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Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic
Pedro Pascal in The Fantastic Four – Marvel Entertainment -
Vanessa Kirby as Susan Storm/Invisible Woman
Vanessa Kirby as Invisible Woman – The Fantastic Four First Steps – Marvel Entertainment -
Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing
Thing The Fantastic Four – Marvel Entertainment -
Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch
Human Torch The Fantastic Four – Marvel Entertainment
X-Men Characters Entering the MCU
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Kelsey Grammer as Dr. Hank McCoy/Beast
Beast in MCU -
Patrick Stewart as Professor Charles Xavier
Patric Stewart as Professor Xavier -
Sir Ian McKellen as Magneto
Sir Ian McKellen as Magneto -
Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler
Nightcrawler - Rebecca Romijin as Mystique

-
James Marsden as Cyclops
Cyclops (James Marsden)
Thunderbolts Members in Avengers: Doomsday
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Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova
Florence Pugh in Thunderbolts – Marvel Entertainment -
Wyatt Russell as John Walker/U.S. Agent
John Walker as US Agent – Marvel Entertainment -
Hannah John-Kamen as Ava Starr/Ghost
Ghost in Thunderbolts – Marvel Entertainment -
David Harbour as Red Guardian
David Harbour as Red Guardian -
Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster
Taskmaster
Other Notable Additions to the Cast
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Channing Tatum as Gambit
Channing Tatum as Gambit in Deadpool and Wolverine – Marvel Entertainment -
Simu Liu as Shang-Chi
Simu Liu in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings via Marvel UK -
Tenoch Huerta Mejía as Namor
Namor – Black Panther Wakanda Forever -
Lewis Pullman as Sentry
Sentry – Thunderbolts – Marvel Entertainment -
Danny Ramirez as Joaquín Torres/Falcon
Dani Ramirez as Falcon in Captain America Brave New World – Marvel Entertainment -
Winston Duke as M’Baku
M’Baku – Black Panther Wakanda Forever
Why is Robert Downey Jr. Returning as Doctor Doom?

One of the biggest surprises was the announcement that Robert Downey Jr. would return—not as Tony Stark/Iron Man, but as the legendary Marvel villain Doctor Doom (Victor Von Doom). This unexpected casting decision signals a bold narrative shift for both the MCU and Downey’s career.
How Did This Casting Happen?
- Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige personally pitched the idea to Downey.
- Downey then helped convince the Russo brothers to return as directors.
- Stephen McFeely, who co-wrote Endgame, crafted the story that led to Downey’s casting.
This unexpected move adds an intriguing dynamic to the film and raises speculation about whether this version of Doom has any connection to Iron Man.
READ MORE: Who Is Muse in Daredevil Born Again and Marvel Comics?
Who is Directing and Writing Avengers: Doomsday?

- Directors: Joe and Anthony Russo (Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame)
- Screenwriter: Stephen McFeely
- Source Material: Based on characters created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee
With the Russo brothers at the helm, fans can expect a grand-scale cinematic experience similar to their previous Avengers films.
How is Marvel Preventing Spoilers and Leaks?
Marvel Studios is implementing strict security measures during production to prevent major plot leaks:
- Filming on soundstages to limit outdoor photography.
- Controlled casting announcements to minimize early script leaks.
- Enforcing strict NDAs for the cast and crew.
The Russo brothers have stated that they have developed effective strategies to manage and contain potential leaks.
READ MORE: Marvel’s Thunderbolts Introduces Its Most Powerful New Hero Yet – What You Need to Know
What Comes After Avengers: Doomsday?
Following Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel Studios will release Avengers: Secret Wars on May 7, 2027. This sequel will be another massive crossover event, potentially reshaping the MCU’s direction.
With a massive cast, exciting new character introductions, and the unexpected return of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated movies of 2026. Under the guidance of the Russo brothers, this film aims to be a game-changer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, ushering in a new era for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
Source – Marvel Entertainment
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