“Avengers: Doomsday” is an upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film scheduled for release on December 18, 2026. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, the film marks a significant shift in the MCU’s direction, introducing Doctor Doom as the central antagonist, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., who returns to the franchise in a new role after his iconic portrayal of Tony Stark/Iron Man.

Cast and Characters:

The film boasts an ensemble cast featuring both returning and new characters:

• Chris Hemsworth as Thor

• Anthony Mackie as Captain America

• Sebastian Stan as Winter Soldier

• Letitia Wright as Shuri/Black Panther

• Paul Rudd as Ant-Man

• Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova

• Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman

• Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing

• Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic

• Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch

• Patrick Stewart as Professor X

• Ian McKellen as Magneto

• Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler

• Rebecca Romijn as Mystique

• James Marsden as Cyclops

• Channing Tatum as Gambit

The film also integrates characters from the Thunderbolts series, including David Harbour as Red Guardian and Wyatt Russell as U.S. Agent.

Plot and Themes:

Set approximately 14 months after the events of “Thunderbolts” (2025), “Avengers: Doomsday” brings together the Avengers, the Wakandans, the Fantastic Four, the New Avengers, and the original X-Men to confront the formidable Doctor Doom. This crossover event is poised to be a pivotal moment in the MCU’s Phase Six, marking a new beginning post-“Avengers: Endgame.”

Production and Release:

Filming commenced in April 2025 at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, England, under the working title “Apple Pie 1.” The production was initially delayed from May 2025 to May 2026 due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike and subsequent delays, with the final release now scheduled for December 18, 2026.

Following “Avengers: Doomsday,” the MCU plans to conclude Phase Six with “Avengers: Secret Wars,” slated for release on December 17, 2027. Both films are expected to reshape the MCU’s narrative landscape, introducing new characters and storylines.

Related News: