Marvel fans, get ready because Avengers: Doomsday is coming, and it’s going to be massive. The next big crossover event in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is set to change everything we know about the franchise. With a brand-new villain, a returning fan-favorite actor, and an all-star cast, this film is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious Marvel movies ever made.
The Release Date and Production Updates
After a lot of speculation and delays, Avengers: Doomsday is officially set to hit theaters on May 1, 2026. Originally, Marvel had planned to release it on May 2, 2025, but in June 2023, Disney made the decision to push it back. This was part of a larger restructuring of their upcoming movies and TV shows.
Filming is finally set to begin in March 2025, which means fans will have to wait a little longer before they see any official footage. But with so much anticipation surrounding this movie, the extra time could be exactly what Marvel needs to deliver something truly epic. The movie is one of four confirmed projects in Phase 6 of the MCU, following Deadpool 3 and Fantastic Four and leading into Avengers: Secret Wars, which is expected to release on May 7, 2027.
Initially, Daniel Destin Cretton was set to direct, but he stepped down in late 2023. Instead, Marvel brought back the Russo Brothers, the legendary directors behind Infinity War and Endgame, to take on this ambitious project. Fans are excited because the Russos have already proven they know how to handle a massive ensemble cast and deliver jaw-dropping action sequences.
The Cast: A Star-Studded Lineup
One of the biggest surprises about Avengers: Doomsday is the return of Robert Downey Jr. But he is not coming back as Iron Man. Instead, he will be playing the movie’s main villain, Doctor Doom. This is a game-changer for the MCU, as it marks Downey Jr.’s return in a completely new role.
Tom Holland is also back as Spider-Man, ensuring that one of Marvel’s most beloved heroes will play a key role in the film. Chris Evans will return as well, but it is unclear whether he will be reprising his role as Steve Rogers or appearing as another character, much like how he played Johnny Storm again in Deadpool & Wolverine. Fans have been speculating that he could appear as an alternate version of Captain America or even another character from the multiverse.
Hayley Atwell is also rumored to return as Peggy Carter, though Marvel has yet to confirm it. Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange is a bit of a mystery. At first, the actor claimed he was not involved, but he later backtracked, saying, “I am in the next one. Don’t ever believe anything I say.” This is classic Marvel secrecy at work.
The Fantastic Four, who are set to appear in their own movie before Doomsday, will also be part of this massive crossover. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach are confirmed to appear. The film will also bring together the Thunderbolts, including Anthony Mackie as Captain America, Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, David Harbour as Red Guardian, Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster, and Wyatt Russell as US Agent.
Jonathan Majors, who was initially set to be the overarching villain of this phase as Kang the Conqueror, has been dropped from the MCU following legal troubles. His departure left a huge gap in the franchise, but Doctor Doom stepping in as the main antagonist could be even more exciting.
A report from Deadline claims that as many as sixty superheroes will appear in the film. While this seems like a ridiculous number, the MCU has built up such an extensive lineup of characters that it is not entirely impossible. James Gunn confirmed that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was the last time we would see that team together, so Peter Quill, Gamora, and Drax might not show up. However, Chris Pratt recently hinted that Star-Lord will return at some point, meaning he could still be involved.
Newer characters introduced on Disney Plus could also make the jump to the big screen. Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop, Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel, Oscar Isaac as Moon Knight, and Tatiana Maslany as She-Hulk are all strong candidates for inclusion. Charlie Cox as Daredevil is another likely addition, especially after his trainer accidentally leaked that he was preparing for an upcoming Marvel movie.
And what about the X-Men? The post-credit scene in The Marvels strongly hinted that the mutants are coming to the MCU. While they might be saved for Secret Wars, it would not be shocking if some of them appeared in Doomsday.
The Plot: What We Know So Far
Marvel has been extremely secretive about the story, but we do know that Doctor Doom will be the main villain. This suggests that the film will heavily involve the Fantastic Four, who have a long history with Doom in the comics.
Joe Russo has teased that the story will be very ambitious and challenging for audiences. He and his brother are excited about the narrative they have crafted, which suggests that Marvel is taking a bold approach. Fans are also wondering which characters might not survive the movie. Endgame took away Iron Man and Black Widow, so it would not be surprising if another major hero meets their end in Doomsday. Many believe Thor, Hawkeye, or Nick Fury could be among the top candidates.
One of the biggest questions surrounding the film is how Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom will be introduced. Could he be an alternate version of Tony Stark who took a darker path? Or will he be a completely separate character? Marvel is known for its twists, so it is entirely possible that Doom’s real identity will remain a mystery until the final moments.
Since Secret Wars is expected to follow directly from Doomsday, Doom will likely set up the next major event in the MCU. In the comics, he plays a huge role in the multiversal chaos that unfolds, so fans should expect something similar in the movies.
Is There a Trailer?
Unfortunately, there is no trailer for Avengers: Doomsday yet. Since filming is not set to begin until March 2025, we probably will not see any footage until early 2026. Marvel usually releases teasers about six months before a film’s premiere, so keep an eye out around that time.
How to Watch Avengers: Doomsday
Just like all major Marvel movies, Avengers: Doomsday will be a theatrical exclusive when it first releases. Fans will have to head to theaters to see it on the big screen. After a few months, it will eventually make its way to Disney Plus, just like previous MCU films.
For now, all we can do is wait and speculate about what is going to happen in this highly anticipated movie. With a fresh take on an old favorite, a massive superhero lineup, and the return of the Russo Brothers, Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be one of the biggest Marvel movies of all time.