Avengers: Doomsday is set to hit theaters on May 1, 2026, and Marvel Studios has officially revealed the blockbuster ensemble cast in a thrilling livestream event. The announcement brings together MCU favorites, Fantastic Four newcomers, and legendary X-Men characters, making this one of the most ambitious crossovers in Marvel history.
An Unmatched Cast of Superheroes & Villains
The five-and-a-half-hour livestream introduced an impressive lineup of returning MCU stars. Fans can expect to see:
- Chris Hemsworth (Thor)
- Tom Hiddleston (Loki)
- Anthony Mackie (Captain America)
- Paul Rudd (Ant-Man)
- Letitia Wright (Black Panther)
- Simu Liu (Shang-Chi)
- Danny Ramirez (The Falcon)
- Winston Duke (M’Baku)
Marvel’s upcoming anti-hero movie Thunderbolts (set for a May 2025 release) will also play a key role in the Avengers storyline. Its cast members joining Doomsday include:
- Sebastian Stan (The Winter Soldier)
- Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova)
- Wyatt Russell (U.S. Agent)
- David Harbour (Red Guardian)
- Hannah John-Kamen (Ghost)
- Lewis Pullman (playing the mysterious “Bob”)
X-Men Returns – Mutants Join the Battle
One of the biggest surprises for fans is the return of legendary X-Men characters from the 20th Century Fox era. This includes:
- Patrick Stewart (Professor X)
- Ian McKellen (Magneto)
- James Marsden (Cyclops)
- Rebecca Romijn (Mystique)
- Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler)
- Kelsey Grammer (Beast)
n a long-awaited moment, Channing Tatum will finally bring Gambit to life, after years of speculation about a solo film that never materialized.
Fantastic Four Joins the Avengers
The newly cast Fantastic Four from Fantastic Four: First Steps (releasing July 2025) will also play a significant role in Doomsday. The team includes:
- Pedro Pascal (Mr. Fantastic)
- Vanessa Kirby (The Invisible Woman)
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Thing)
- Joseph Quinn (The Human Torch)
Robert Downey Jr. Returns—But Not as Iron Man
The biggest shocker? Robert Downey Jr. is back in the MCU, but not as Iron Man. Instead, he will portray the iconic villain Doctor Doom (Victor von Doom). Marvel first revealed this jaw-dropping twist at San Diego Comic-Con 2024, where Downey Jr. made a dramatic entrance in full Doctor Doom armor, removing his mask to thunderous applause. He later posted a video of the moment on Instagram with the caption:
“New mask, same task.”
Noticeable Absences – Where is Spider-Man?
One of the most debated topics among fans is the absence of Tom Holland’s Spider-Man from the lineup. While Marvel has remained silent on this, rumors suggest he may still appear in a future installment. Additionally, while Chris Evans’ Captain America was not announced, reports indicate he may have a surprise role in one of the two upcoming Avengers films.
The Russo Brothers Are Back
Bringing their signature style back to the Avengers universe, Joe and Anthony Russo have been confirmed as the directors for Avengers: Doomsday. They are also set to helm Avengers: Secret Wars, further shaping the future of the MCU.
The Avengers Legacy Continues
Since its inception in 2012, the Avengers franchise has dominated global box offices, with Age of Ultron (2015), Infinity War (2018), and Endgame (2019) delivering some of the most iconic cinematic moments in superhero history. Now, with Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel is set to raise the stakes once again.
Mark your calendars—May 1, 2026—the Avengers assemble once more!
