Marvel Studios has officially announced the casting for its highly anticipated film, "Avengers: Doomsday," during a marathon livestream on March 26, 2025. The announcement comes as the studio ramps up production on the film, which is set to hit theaters on May 1, 2026. This new installment aims to unite a star-studded cast, including several beloved characters from both the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the original "X-Men" franchise.
The five-hour livestream revealed an impressive lineup featuring Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Anthony Mackie as Captain America, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, Letitia Wright as Shuri, and Paul Rudd as Ant-Man. Also included are Wyatt Russell as U.S. Agent, Tenoch Huerta Mejía as Namor, Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, and Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova. The cast is further bolstered by the addition of new faces from the upcoming "Fantastic Four: First Steps," including Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn.
Among the most exciting announcements was the return of several original "X-Men" actors, including Sir Patrick Stewart, who reprises his iconic role as Professor Charles Xavier. Stewart has portrayed this character in multiple films across the franchise, most recently making a cameo in 2022's "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness." Joining him are Sir Ian McKellen as Magneto, James Marsden as Cyclops, Rebecca Romijn as Mystique, and Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler. All of these actors last appeared together in the 2003 film "X2: X-Men United," making their reunion a nostalgic highlight for fans.
Another notable addition is Kelsey Grammer, who will return as Hank "Beast" McCoy. Grammer previously reprised his role in the post-credits scene of 2023's "The Marvels." The casting announcement has sparked excitement among fans, as it signals a merging of the MCU with the beloved characters from the earlier "X-Men" films, a franchise that was previously under the 20th Century Fox banner before its acquisition by Disney in 2019.
Robert Downey Jr. is also making headlines with his return to the MCU, but this time he will not be reprising his role as Iron Man. Instead, he will take on the role of the villain Doctor Doom, a character that promises to bring new dynamics to the Avengers team. Downey's return was first hinted at during the San Diego Comic-Con in July 2024, and his presence in the film is expected to be a significant draw for audiences.
The livestream not only showcased the cast but also hinted at the ambitious scope of "Avengers: Doomsday." With a total of 27 cast members announced, the film aims to weave together various storylines and characters from across the Marvel universe. This strategic casting is viewed as a way for Marvel to reclaim its box office dominance after recent struggles with films like "Eternals" and "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania," which failed to meet expectations.
Marvel's plans for "Avengers: Doomsday" also include setting up future films, particularly "Avengers: Secret Wars," which is scheduled for release on May 7, 2027. The studio is hoping that the star-studded cast and the nostalgic return of fan-favorite characters will help the film achieve the success of its predecessor, "Avengers: Endgame," which remains one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
As fans eagerly await the film's release, the excitement surrounding the cast and the potential storylines continues to build. The inclusion of both veteran actors from the "X-Men" franchise and MCU mainstays suggests that Marvel is looking to create a film that not only appeals to long-time fans but also attracts new audiences.
In summary, "Avengers: Doomsday" is shaping up to be a monumental event in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, bringing together a diverse array of characters and actors. With production now underway, fans can look forward to seeing how this ambitious project unfolds on the big screen in 2026.
