The wait is finally over! After a six-year hiatus since Avengers: Endgame shook the world in 2019, Marvel Studios is set to make a grand comeback with Avengers: Doomsday on May 1, 2026. This film promises to be the most ambitious crossover event in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), bringing together not just the Avengers but also iconic characters from the X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Thunderbolts.
With an ensemble cast that reads like a dream team of superheroes — and a shocking twist with Robert Downey Jr. returning as the villainous Doctor Doom — here’s everything we know about Avengers: Doomsday.
A Star-Studded Ensemble Like Never Before
Marvel has officially revealed a 26-member cast combining fan-favorite heroes and surprising new faces. Here’s a look at the confirmed lineup:
Avengers Veterans Returning
- Chris Hemsworth as Thor
- Anthony Mackie as Captain America
- Paul Rudd as Ant-Man
- Tom Hiddleston as Loki
- Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier)
- Letitia Wright as Shuri / Black Panther
- Simu Liu as Shang-Chi
- Danny Ramirez as The Falcon
- Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova
- David Harbour as Red Guardian
- Wyatt Russell as U.S. Agent
The X-Men are Back — Stronger Than Ever
Marvel is making good on its promise to expand the multiverse by bringing back iconic X-Men actors from 20th Century Fox’s original films, including:
- Patrick Stewart as Professor X
- Ian McKellen as Magneto
- James Marsden as Cyclops
- Rebecca Romijn as Mystique
- Kelsey Grammer as Beast
- Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler
- Channing Tatum as Gambit (Finally making his MCU debut!)
This move marks the first time the X-Men officially join forces with the Avengers, something fans have been waiting for since the dawn of the MCU.
Fantastic Four Joins the Battle
The newly cast Fantastic Four will also be a part of Avengers: Doomsday, adding even more star power:
- Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic
- Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / Invisible Woman
- Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human Torch
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / The Thing
This crossover is expected to set the stage for their upcoming movie while giving them a crucial role in the MCU’s larger multiverse saga.
A Villain Like No Other: Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom
In one of the biggest twists in MCU history, Robert Downey Jr. is returning — but not as Iron Man. This time, he takes on the role of the iconic Marvel villain, Doctor Doom. The reveal came during a live stream when Downey Jr. appeared on screen with a sly “shhh” gesture, leaving fans buzzing.
This shocking turn is set to shake the MCU to its core, with reports suggesting that Doctor Doom will be a pivotal character leading into the events of Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027.
Who’s Missing from the Avengers: Doomsday Cast?
Despite the star-studded lineup, some notable names are missing — at least for now:
- Tom Holland’s Spider-Man: A surprising omission, given his role in previous Avengers films.
- Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine: No sign of Wolverine despite his recent return in Deadpool 3.
- Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool: Another fan favorite who is yet to be confirmed.
- Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord & Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk: Two prominent MCU figures were absent from the list.
Marvel has hinted that more casting announcements could be on the way, with rumors suggesting additional reveals at San Diego Comic-Con 2025.
Russo Brothers Return — Can They Top Infinity War and Endgame?
Directors Joe and Anthony Russo, who previously helmed the massive successes of Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, are back in the director’s chair for Avengers: Doomsday. Known for handling large ensembles with ease, fans are confident the Russo Brothers can deliver another unforgettable cinematic experience.
Plot Speculation — What Could Happen in Doomsday?
While Marvel is keeping the plot under wraps, speculation is rife. With Doctor Doom positioned as the big bad, many believe:
- The storyline could involve a multiversal war, with Doctor Doom manipulating realities.
- X-Men and Fantastic Four may be pulled into the conflict due to multiversal anomalies.
- A setup for Avengers: Secret Wars, where different realities collide, is likely.
Fan Reactions and Concept Art Leaks
Leaked concept art has given fans a glimpse of what’s to come, including:
- Robert Downey Jr. in Doom armor.
- Namor (Tenoch Huerta Mejía) fighting alongside the Avengers.
- Possible appearances from Vision and Star-Lord.
Fans are already buzzing on social media, with hashtags like #AvengersDoomsday and #DoctorDoomReturns trending worldwide.
Release Date and What’s Next?
Avengers: Doomsday is set to hit theaters on May 1, 2026. With another Avengers movie, Secret Wars, slated for May 2027, this marks the beginning of a new era in the MCU.
Marvel has promised more surprises ahead, so stay tuned as we gear up for what might just be the biggest superhero showdown of all time.
👉 Are you excited for Avengers: Doomsday? Which character’s return surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments! 🦸♂️