Marvel Studios announced on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, that production has officially begun on the highly anticipated film Avengers: Doomsday, set to hit theaters on May 1, 2026. This announcement was made during a multi-hour global livestream event, where Marvel also unveiled an impressive cast lineup that features numerous returning fan-favorite characters.
The star-studded cast of Avengers: Doomsday includes Chris Hemsworth, Vanessa Kirby, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Letitia Wright, Paul Rudd, Wyatt Russell, Tenoch Huerta Mejia, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Simu Liu, Florence Pugh, Kelsey Grammer, Lewis Pullman, Danny Ramirez, Joseph Quinn, David Harbour, Winston Duke, Hannah John-Kamen, Tom Hiddleston, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, James Marsden, Channing Tatum, and the iconic Robert Downey Jr., who is returning to the franchise in a new role.
Directors Anthony and Joe Russo are back at the helm for this film, which is the first Avengers installment in six years. The duo also directed the upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars, scheduled for release on May 7, 2027. The Russos have a strong track record with Marvel, having previously directed four films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), including the record-breaking Avengers: Endgame, which grossed over $2.79 billion worldwide.
During the livestream, it was revealed that Robert Downey Jr. will portray the villain Victor von Doom, a significant shift from his previous role as Tony Stark/Iron Man. At last year’s San Diego Comic-Con, Downey Jr. expressed his excitement about the new character, stating, "New mask. Same task. Boy, I tell you, I like playing complicated characters." His involvement is expected to add depth to the film, as the Russos emphasize the importance of creating multi-dimensional villains.
Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen are also set to reprise their beloved X-Men roles in Avengers: Doomsday. Stewart will return as Professor Charles Xavier, while McKellen will reprise his role as Magneto. Both actors have a long history with their characters, having last appeared in significant roles in the franchise. Stewart was last seen in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and McKellen last played Magneto in X-Men: Days of Future Past.
The cast also features several actors from the MCU and beyond, including Letitia Wright and Winston Duke from Black Panther, Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston from Thor, Paul Rudd from Ant-Man, and Simu Liu from Shang-Chi. The film will further include Vanessa Kirby and Joseph Quinn, who are part of the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot, as well as Florence Pugh and David Harbour, who will appear in the upcoming film Thunderbolts.
Despite the excitement surrounding the film, Elizabeth Olsen, known for her role as the Scarlet Witch, recently confirmed that she will not be part of the cast for Avengers: Doomsday. This news has left some fans wondering how the absence of such a pivotal character will affect the storyline.
As the film gears up for production, the Russo brothers are keen on exploring the complexities of their villains. Joe Russo commented, "The only thing I’ll say about the movie is this: we love villains who think they are the heroes of their own stories. That’s when they become three-dimensional and when they become more interesting." This approach is expected to resonate well with audiences, as it adds layers to character motivations.
In the wake of the MCU’s fluctuating box office performances, Avengers: Doomsday is seen as a crucial installment for Marvel. Earlier this year, Captain America: Brave New World made $401 million worldwide, while The Marvels underperformed significantly, grossing only $206 million. The success of Avengers: Doomsday could play a pivotal role in revitalizing the franchise.
As production progresses, fans eagerly await more details about the film's plot and character arcs. With a diverse and talented cast, along with the return of beloved characters, Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be a monumental entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The combination of returning stars and new characters promises to deliver an engaging cinematic experience.
In summary, the anticipation surrounding Avengers: Doomsday is palpable, with its all-star cast and the return of iconic characters like Robert Downey Jr. as Victor von Doom. The film is expected to explore new storytelling avenues while satisfying long-time fans of the franchise. As Marvel continues to push boundaries within the superhero genre, Avengers: Doomsday is poised to make a significant impact when it releases in 2026.
