Marvel Studios has officially unveiled the highly anticipated cast of its upcoming film, Avengers: Doomsday, during a livestream event on March 26, 2025. The film, directed by the renowned duo Joe and Anthony Russo, is set to hit theaters on May 1, 2026, with a sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars, scheduled for release on May 7, 2027. This latest installment promises to blend iconic characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with familiar faces from the X-Men franchise, creating a star-studded lineup that has fans buzzing with excitement.
Among the notable cast members announced are Channing Tatum, who will portray Gambit, and James Marsden, returning as Cyclops. Fans were particularly thrilled to see Robert Downey Jr. make a surprise appearance during the livestream, confirming his return to the MCU, albeit not as Iron Man. Instead, he will take on the role of the infamous Victor Von Doom, better known as Doctor Doom. This marks a significant shift for Downey Jr., who has been a central figure in the MCU since its inception.
The full cast list includes a mix of both veteran actors and fresh faces, uniting talent from previous Avengers and X-Men films, as well as standout performers from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and the forthcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps. The confirmed cast members are:
- Chris Hemsworth as Thor
- Vanessa Kirby as Invisible Woman
- Anthony Mackie as Captain America
- Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes
- Letitia Wright as Black Panther
- Paul Rudd as Ant-Man
- Wyatt Russell as John Walker
- Tenoch Huerta Mejía as Namor
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing
- Simu Liu as Shang-Chi
- Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova
- Kelsey Grammer as Beast
- Lewis Pullman as Sentry
- Danny Ramirez as Falcon
- Joseph Quinn as Human Torch
- David Harbour as Red Guardian
- Winston Duke as M’Baku
- Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost
- Tom Hiddleston as Loki
- Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier
- Ian McKellen as Magneto
- Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler
- Rebecca Romijn as Mystique
- James Marsden as Cyclops
- Channing Tatum as Gambit
- Pedro Pascal as Mister Fantastic
The excitement surrounding the film is palpable, especially with the return of beloved characters from the X-Men series. Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, and Rebecca Romijn are set to reprise their roles as Magneto, Nightcrawler, and Mystique, respectively. This will be the first time McKellen has portrayed Magneto since 2014's X-Men: Days of Future Past and Cumming's Nightcrawler since 2003's X2. Romijn and Marsden will also return to their roles for the first time since 2006's X-Men: The Last Stand.
While the announcement thrilled many, it also left some fans wondering about the absence of key figures from previous films. Notably, Tom Holland (Spider-Man) and Chris Evans (Captain America) were not mentioned in the lineup, raising questions about their roles in the MCU moving forward. Other prominent characters missing from the cast announcement include Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/Hulk, Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, and Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange.
The absence of these characters has sparked discussions among fans, with many speculating on potential plot developments and character arcs in the upcoming films. Some fans had hoped to see their favorite heroes return, especially after the events of Avengers: Endgame, which left the future of the MCU wide open.
Despite these omissions, the cast of Avengers: Doomsday brings together a wealth of talent and experience. The film is expected to delve into complex narratives, intertwining the stories of both Avengers and X-Men characters, and exploring themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the consequences of power.
As anticipation builds for the film's release, Marvel Studios has promised fans a thrilling cinematic experience that pays homage to the rich history of both franchises. The combination of established characters and new faces is poised to create a dynamic and engaging storyline that will resonate with audiences.
Marvel enthusiasts can expect an action-packed adventure filled with the humor, heart, and high stakes that the franchise is known for. The film's release will undoubtedly be a significant event in the superhero genre, as it marks the merging of two iconic universes.
With Avengers: Doomsday on the horizon, fans are left to wonder what the future holds for the MCU and its beloved characters. As Marvel continues to expand its cinematic universe, the possibilities are endless, and the excitement is sure to keep growing as the release date approaches.
In the meantime, fans can keep their fingers crossed for surprises and perhaps even some cameos from the missing characters as Marvel Studios continues to develop its expansive storytelling.
