The wait is over and the news is out! Yes, Marvel Studios has officially confirmed its upcoming blockbuster “Avengers: Doomsday” lineup in a livestream. The new blockbuster is set to release on May 1, 2026. And it’s safe to say that Marvel fans can’t seem to get enough of it.
Returning MCU Icons & Heroes
The flagship MCU hero whose death was mourned worldwide is set to return to the Marvel universe, but with a twist! Fan favourite Robert Downey Jr. will now be portraying the iconic villain Victor Von Doom. His return may be the most unexpected, but this twist will add a layer of intrigue and complexity to the new narrative.
Many other familiar faces are also a part of this mega lineup. This includes:
- Chris Hemsworth as Thor, the God of Thunder
- Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America
- Tom Hiddleston as the mischievous Loki
- Paul Rudd as the charming Scott Lang, a.k.a. Ant-Man
- Letitia Wright is taking the mantle as Shuri/Black Panther.
- Simu Liu as Shang-Chi
X-Men Integration in MCU
In a thrilling development, the film makers have also integrated iconic characters from the X-Men universe into this “Avengers: Doomsday” lineup. Reprising their roles, we will be seeing Patrick Stewart returning as Professor X alongside Ian McKellen as Magneto. Other notable characters and X-Men alumni will include Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler, Rebecca Romijn as Mystique, James Marsden as Scott Summers/Cyclops and Kelsey Grammer as Dr. Hank McCoy/Beast. Channing Tatum will also be making his MCU debut as Gambit. His long awaited debut has gotten many fans excited.
New Fantastic Four Additions to MCU
It’s not just the Alums who will be enjoying the privilege. The film is also set to debut new “Fantastic Four” reboot characters. This includes Venessa Kirby who will be portraying Sue Storm (Invisible Woman) and Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic). The expansion of heroes is clearly massive this time.
Thunderbolts is Becoming a Part Too
Marvel Studios is also gearing up for Thunderbolts team of antiheroes and reformed villains joining the MCU. The Thunderbolts lineup includes Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier), David Harbour’s Red Guardian and Wyatt Russell’s John Walker (U.S. Agent).
Also joining the team are Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster and Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, with Julia Louis-Dreyfus reprising her role as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, the team’s enigmatic leader.
Read More: Marvel’s Thunderbolts Promises an Avengers-Style Crossover
Characters We Won’t Be Seeing This Time
Despite the mega-casting and the star-studded lineup, we can’t help but note some key MCU characters that are unfortunately absent this time.
There’s no hint of either Tom Holland or Scarlett Johansson, two of the biggest names of MCU universe. Last week, Scarlett even sounded off on the dim outlook for her return to the MCU. Also, there is no slated appearance from Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch, Benedict Cumberbatch’s Dr. Strange and Mark Ruffalo’s fan-favourite Hulk. These exclusions have made fans curious and sad.
Directors and Their Vision
The “Avengers: Doomsday” production has marked the return of OG directors Joe and Anthony Russo, the visionary directors that made “Avengers: Infinity Wars” and “Avengers: Endgame” come to life.
The directors have described the film as a “new beginning” for the MCU, signaling their vision for a fresh narrative direction post-Endgame. It is a much-needed vision to save Marvel.
To Save MCU From a Possible “Fallout”
It’s no secret that over the past couple of years Marvel Studio and MCU has been deteriorating. Since the success of “Endgame,” the MCU has faced several hurdles and box office misfires. This includes 2021’s “Eternals” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” in 2023. Despite some success in the form of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” and “Deadpool & Wolverine,” Marvel is constantly falling short of the expectations, especially after “Endgame” era. The franchise peaked with its superheroes and has now set the standards too high that even they themselves are failing to reach it.
Hopefully, with the new stacked cast list, this fallout can be revived. Perhaps Avengers: Doomsday can serve as a comeback that will take the studio back to it’s glory days.
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