Everything We Know About the Revamped ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
Everything We Know About the Revamped ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
With the unexpected changes surrounding the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), there’s a lot to digest regarding Avengers: Doomsday. Initially planned as Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, the shift in focus—particularly after Jonathan Majors’ legal troubles—has led to significant changes in both the film’s narrative and its key players. Below is a breakdown of everything we know so far, with details about the film’s cast, plot, and other crucial aspects.
The New Title: Avengers: Doomsday
One of the most surprising developments in the MCU is the renaming of Avengers: The Kang Dynasty to Avengers: Doomsday. Originally, Kang the Conqueror, played by Jonathan Majors, was poised to be the primary villain in the upcoming films. However, following Majors’ guilty verdict in his assault case, Marvel Studios decided to part ways with the actor. As a result, Kang is no longer featured as the antagonist, and Doctor Doom—one of the MCU’s most iconic villains—has been brought to the forefront. This pivotal shift also brought about the rebranding of the movie.
At San Diego Comic Con in July 2024, Marvel confirmed that Robert Downey Jr., who previously played Tony Stark/Iron Man, would return to the MCU as Doctor Doom. This unexpected casting choice marks a dramatic turn for both the actor and the franchise, as Downey’s portrayal of the beloved Iron Man ended with Avengers: Endgame.
Release Date for Avengers: Doomsday
The new Avengers film is slated for release on May 1, 2026. It will be the opening feature of Marvel’s Phase 6, marking the beginning of the next era in the MCU. Fans are eagerly awaiting more details as the date draws near.
Confirmed Cast for Avengers: Doomsday
The cast for Avengers: Doomsday is gradually being revealed. So far, several high-profile actors have been confirmed, particularly members of the Fantastic Four, whose characters are closely associated with Doctor Doom in the comics.
Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom: After spending over a decade as Iron Man, Downey’s casting as Doctor Doom is one of the most significant shifts in Marvel’s plans. As the new main antagonist, he will embody the brilliant yet dangerous Victor Von Doom, an iconic villain in the Fantastic Four lore.
Pedro Pascal as Mister Fantastic: Known for his role in The Mandalorian, Pascal will play Reed Richards, the stretchy leader of the Fantastic Four. His character will likely serve as one of the central heroes in the story.
Vanessa Kirby as Invisible Woman: Kirby will reprise her role as Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman. She brings gravitas and depth to the character, and her dynamic with the other Fantastic Four members will be crucial.
Joseph Quinn as Human Torch: Quinn, who became a fan favorite for his role in Stranger Things, will portray Johnny Storm, the fiery Human Torch. His character will provide much-needed energy and humor to the film.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing: Known for his work in The Bear, Moss-Bachrach will round out the Fantastic Four as Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing. His character’s strength and vulnerability will make for an interesting addition to the MCU ensemble.
While these characters make up the Fantastic Four, it’s expected that additional Marvel heroes will appear in the film, though Marvel has yet to confirm the full roster.
The Director: The Russo Brothers Return
Initially, Destin Daniel Cretton was set to direct Avengers: Doomsday, but he stepped down in late 2023. The Russo Brothers, Anthony and Joe Russo, known for their work on Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, have now taken on the directing role. Their experience in handling massive ensemble casts and balancing intricate storylines will be crucial as they lead the next chapter of the Avengers saga.
Avengers: Doomsday Trailer and Plot
As of now, no official trailer has been released for Avengers: Doomsday. Marvel typically releases its trailers closer to a film’s release date, so fans can expect to see one at some point in 2026.
In terms of the plot, the film is expected to have a significant focus on the Fantastic Four, as Doctor Doom’s connection to them is central to his character. The exact storyline, however, remains under wraps. The shift from Kang to Doctor Doom as the main antagonist means that the original premise involving Kang’s incursions across multiverses is likely to be reworked. This means that Avengers: Doomsday will likely take on a new tone, centered more on Doom’s rise to power and his dangerous plans.
Who Are the Avengers in Avengers: Doomsday?
Marvel has not yet confirmed the full roster of Avengers who will appear in the film. However, based on the film’s plot and the characters from previous MCU films, some characters are likely to make appearances:
Ant-Man (Paul Rudd): Given his history in the MCU, it’s likely that Ant-Man will play a role in the battle against Doctor Doom.
Captain Marvel (Brie Larson): After her standout appearances in Captain Marvel and Avengers: Endgame, Captain Marvel will likely be involved in the showdown against Doom.
Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani): Kamala Khan, the breakout star of her own Disney+ series, is expected to continue her journey in the MCU. Her powers could be crucial in the fight against Doom.
Wong (Benedict Wong): The Sorcerer Supreme has played an important role in the MCU, and his knowledge of magic could help in facing a foe as formidable as Doctor Doom.
It’s also speculated that Loki (Tom Hiddleston) could appear, as his chaotic nature might make him a wildcard ally or adversary in the multiverse-spanning battle.
Kang the Conqueror’s Absence
With the legal issues surrounding Jonathan Majors, it has been confirmed that Kang the Conqueror will not appear in Avengers: Doomsday. Majors’ portrayal of the character was supposed to be central to the MCU’s Multiverse Saga, but with his departure, Marvel has pivoted to Doctor Doom as the main antagonist. While the story of Kang’s many variants was poised to unfold in future films, this shift will alter the direction of the MCU significantly.
What is the Avengers: Doomsday Plot?
Marvel Studios has yet to reveal an official plot synopsis for Avengers: Doomsday. However, it’s clear that the story will revolve around Doctor Doom’s rise to power and his interactions with the Fantastic Four. While Kang was initially set to be a central figure in the story, this new direction likely means that the multiverse will take a backseat, with Doom focusing more on world domination and his quest for power.
It’s also possible that the plot will touch on events from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, given the ongoing multiversal conflict and the introduction of Clea (Charlize Theron) and other magical elements.
The Future of Kang and the MCU
Kang’s role as a major villain in the MCU has been dramatically altered with Majors’ departure. Avengers: Doomsday marks the end of Kang’s arc as the central antagonist in this phase of the MCU, and Doctor Doom’s new role ushers in a different direction. Doctor Doom, with his intellect and vast resources, could easily fill the void left by Kang, though it will certainly change the tone of the overarching narrative.
