Marvel Studios has officially set off a fandom frenzy with the announcement that Avengers: Doomsday is now in production. With the Russo Brothers back in the director’s chairs and a powerhouse ensemble cast, this Phase Six epic is shaping up to be Marvel’s biggest crossover event yet. The reveal was made via a live-streamed event that drew a staggering 10.1 million viewers on Twitter/X, where the names of the cast were unveiled one by one on director’s chairs. And yes—Robert Downey Jr. is back, not as Iron Man, but as the menacing Doctor Doom.
Slated to hit theaters on May 1, 2026, Avengers: Doomsday is already being billed as the next Infinity War–level spectacle. Here’s a look at the confirmed roster—and the heroes (and villains) they’re bringing with them.
Chris Hemsworth – Thor
The God of Thunder is back and still worthy. Hemsworth’s Thor has survived the Infinity Saga and Love and Thunder, and now he returns to help face Marvel’s most dangerous threat yet. With his cosmic experience and signature humor, expect Thor to be a key figure in this apocalyptic showdown.
Vanessa Kirby – Sue Storm

Fresh off her Fantastic Four debut, Kirby steps back into the MCU spotlight as the powerful and brilliant Sue Storm. The Invisible Woman brings emotional gravitas and force-field prowess to a team in desperate need of stability. Her dynamic with Mr. Fantastic—and her strength on her own—will be a vital asset.
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Anthony Mackie – Captain America

The shield has never felt more earned. Mackie’s Sam Wilson officially takes command as Captain America, continuing his journey from Brave New World. Expect him to try to lead with conviction, especially with the multiverse spiraling out of control.
Sebastian Stan – Winter Soldier

Bucky Barnes remains one of the MCU’s most complex and haunted heroes. Stan returns as the hardened super-soldier, bringing his battle-tested grit and loyalty to the Avengers’ latest fight. His dynamic with Sam Wilson (and Steve Rogers) will continue to be a cornerstone of the new Avengers lineup.
Letitia Wright – Black Panther

Wright’s Shuri has fully stepped into the mantle of Black Panther after Wakanda Forever, and now she brings the might of Wakanda to the Avengers’ table. Her tech genius and fierce combat skills make her an indispensable force on this interdimensional battlefield.
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Paul Rudd – Ant-Man

No one balances world-ending stakes and quippy charm quite like Scott Lang. After surviving the Quantum Realm and Kang in Quantumania, Rudd’s Ant-Man is back to shrink (or grow) into action—this time, possibly for the fate of all realities.
Wyatt Russell – U.S. Agent

John Walker remains a wildcard in the superhero equation. Russell’s U.S. Agent brings raw strength, questionable morals, and government backing to the mix. Will he be an asset or a liability when the real fight begins? Also, this casting confirms, he survives the Thunderbolts* movie.
Tenoch Huerta Mejía – Namor

The Sub-Mariner rises again, and he’s still as unpredictable as ever. Huerta’s Namor, introduced in Wakanda Forever, is a fierce and regal antihero whose allegiance could sway the outcome of the battle. Don’t expect him to play nice—but do expect him to dominate.
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Ebon Moss-Bachrach – The Thing

The ever-lovin’, blue-eyed Benjamin Grimm makes his MCU debut. Moss-Bachrach brings both brawn and heart to The Thing, a rock-solid bruiser with a moral compass and some of the franchise’s best one-liners. It’s clobberin’ time.
Simu Liu – Shang-Chi

Liu’s breakout hero returns, mystical weapons in hand. With the Ten Rings now connected to greater cosmic forces, Shang-Chi’s destiny is more important than ever. Expect some serious martial arts mayhem—plus major character growth.
Florence Pugh – Yelena Belova

Pugh’s fan-favorite assassin brings snark, style, and deadly precision to the Avengers, as she continues to carve out her own legacy in the wake of Natasha Romanoff. She may just steal every scene she’s in. Also, her announcement means she also survives the summer’s Thunderbolts*.
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Kelsey Grammer – Beast

The return of Grammer’s Beast marks a major crossover milestone. Intelligent, philosophical, and wildly strong, Beast represents the X-Men’s growing presence in the MCU. Expect big brains and big biceps in equal measure, and the post-credit scene of The Marvels to be paid off.
Lewis Pullman – The Sentry

The arrival of Pullman’s Sentry could change everything. With power rivaling Superman’s and a dark alter ego in the Void, Sentry is both a blessing and a bomb waiting to go off. Will he save the universe—or destroy it?
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Danny Ramirez – Joaquin Torres

Ramirez’s Joaquin, now officially the new Falcon, steps into a more prominent role. With tech-enhanced wings and heart, he represents the next generation of Avengers. He’ll bring sky-high action—and some fresh energy.
Joseph Quinn – Johnny Storm

Quinn (Stranger Things) is bringing the heat as the Human Torch. Expect fireworks—literally and figuratively—as Johnny Storm ignites a new dynamic within the team. The charisma is turned up to eleven.
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David Harbour – Red Guardian

Harbour’s gruff-yet-endearing Soviet super-soldier returns for another round. After Black Widow and Thunderbolts, Red Guardian crashes the party with brute strength and a bit of comic relief. Just don’t ask him about Captain America.
Winston Duke – M’Baku

The Wakandan warrior is always ready to throw down. Duke’s M’Baku brings a commanding presence and raw power—and he’s no stranger to leadership, either. He’ll be a force to be reckoned with.
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Hannah John-Kamen – Ghost

John-Kamen’s Ava Starr returns with her quantum-shifting powers intact. After vanishing post-Ant-Man and the Wasp, Ghost could be a stealth MVP with the ability to phase through almost anything—ideally, including Doom’s plans.
Tom Hiddleston – Loki

The God of Mischief is back—and possibly changed forever after Loki Season 2. Hiddleston’s multiverse-weary variant may hold the key to defeating Doom or might give him the power to break everything. Either way, he’s always worth the chaos.
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Sir Patrick Stewart – Professor X

The return of Professor Charles Xavier continues Marvel’s X-Men expansion. Stewart brings gravitas and compassion to the mind-bending battlefield. Expect major psychic clashes ahead.
Sir Ian McKellen – Magneto

One of the most iconic mutant villains enters the MCU proper. McKellen’s Magneto, master of magnetism and moral ambiguity, adds a heavy dose of gravitas—and unpredictable tension—to an already loaded lineup.
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Alan Cumming – Nightcrawler

Cumming’s teleporting X-Man makes his triumphant return. With faith, flair, and agility, Nightcrawler adds unique abilities and emotional depth to the team. A welcome surprise for longtime fans.
Rebecca Romijn – Mystique

Romijn’s return as the shape-shifting Mystique adds another powerful mutant—and a fan-favorite legacy character—to the ever-growing cast. With her unmatched stealth, combat skills, and morally gray worldview, Mystique is bound to stir things up. Her presence hints at deeper X-Men involvement—and potentially shifting alliances.
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James Marsden – Cyclops

The X-Men’s field leader is finally getting another moment in the sun. Marsden returns as Cyclops, whose optic blasts and levelheaded leadership are sorely needed. He’ll be key in bridging the old and new guard.
Channing Tatum – Gambit

Tatum’s Gambit is back! With kinetic cards and bayou swagger, he was a fan favorite from the Deadpool and Wolverine movie. Expect smooth moves—and maybe some unexpected drama.
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Pedro Pascal – Mr. Fantastic

Pascal steps in as Reed Richards, the smartest man in the MCU. His casting brings gravitas, warmth, and mystery to the elastic genius. Reed’s mind might be the only one sharp enough to outthink Doom.
Robert Downey Jr. – Doctor Doom

Yes, you read that right—Downey is back, but not as Tony Stark. This time, he’s stepping into the dark armor of Victor Von Doom, one of Marvel’s most iconic and dangerous villains. It’s the kind of casting twist only Marvel could pull off—and fans are still losing it.
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