MOVIE PREVIEW – Can Avengers: Doomsday rekindle the long-lost magic of the MCU? Robert Downey Jr.’s announcement as Doctor Doom has sent shockwaves through the fanbase, sparking renewed excitement. But what does this mean for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Here’s everything we know so far!
Since Avengers: Endgame concluded the MCU’s Infinity Saga in 2019, many fans have felt that the subsequent films have lacked the cohesion and narrative depth that characterized Marvel’s earlier storytelling triumphs. This sense of disarray was further compounded by the controversies surrounding Jonathan Majors, which cast a long shadow over Marvel’s plans for Kang the Conqueror.
Thankfully, the Loki series brought Kang’s arc to a spectacular close. After Disney parted ways with Majors and scrapped Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, fans were left wondering about the MCU’s new direction. The sudden shift from the Kang-centric storyline left many feeling that Marvel was unprepared for such a major pivot.
Robert Downey Jr. Takes Center Stage as Doctor Doom
The announcement that Avengers: Doomsday would replace The Kang Dynasty, with Robert Downey Jr. stepping into the role of Victor von Doom, reignited enthusiasm within the fan community. Transitioning from Iron Man to Doctor Doom marks a dramatic shift for Downey Jr., offering a fresh perspective for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While details about the film remain scarce, its planned release in 2026 marks a bold new chapter where Doctor Doom takes center stage in the Multiverse Saga.
Anthony and Joe Russo, who previously directed iconic MCU films such as Captain America: Civil War, The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Infinity War, and Endgame, will return to direct Avengers: Doomsday. Though the plot remains under wraps, the multiverse is sure to play a pivotal role in the story. Doctor Doom is likely to make his first appearance in Fantastic Four: First Steps, set to debut in theaters in July 2025.
It’s confirmed that Doom won’t be the main antagonist in Fantastic Four, but he may appear in one or two post-credits scenes, following the MCU’s established style. How and why Doctor Doom will arrive in Earth-616—or other universes—remains a mystery. Fans are unlikely to learn more until additional Multiverse Saga films are released next year. However, the meticulous planning surrounding this film suggests a promising storyline.
Who’s Joining the Cast of Avengers: Doomsday?
As announced at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2024, Robert Downey Jr. will portray Doctor Doom. Chris Evans is also confirmed to return to the MCU, though his role remains undisclosed. Speculation suggests he could portray Nomad, a disillusioned variant of Steve Rogers that fits well into the Multiverse Saga. Anthony Mackie, continuing his journey as Captain America from Disney+’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, is also part of the cast, making Evans’ return as a variant a logical addition.
Hayley Atwell will reprise her role as Agent Peggy Carter. Since her character’s death during the Infinity Saga, it’s likely this version of Peggy will hail from another universe, possibly allowing fans to see Captain Carter wielding the Union Jack shield again. The Fantastic Four characters will also feature in Avengers: Doomsday, including Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. This inclusion seemingly confirms that Doctor Doom’s introduction will occur in Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Tom Holland is set to return as Spider-Man, reprising his role before Spider-Man 4 hits theaters in 2026, shortly after Avengers: Doomsday. Additionally, Benedict Cumberbatch will return as the ever-charismatic Doctor Strange. His involvement hints that Doomsday may tie into the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, where the memory of Peter Parker was erased from everyone’s minds.
When Will Avengers: Doomsday Premiere?
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to hit theaters on May 1, 2026. Before then, fans can look forward to Captain America: Brave New World on February 14, 2025, followed by Fantastic Four: First Steps on July 25, 2025. After Doomsday, Spider-Man 4 will release on July 24, 2026, with the Multiverse Saga concluding with Avengers: Secret Wars on May 7, 2027. All MCU films and series are currently available to stream on Disney+.
-Gergely Herpai “BadSector”-
