Avengers: Doomsday (2026) is just around the corner, with Marvel Studios preparing audiences for what Kevin Feige has described as the beginning of the end for the MCU as fans know it.
The road to Doomsday has been far from straightforward. Marvel once had Avengers: The Kang Dynasty on the slate, but following the allegations and sentencing of Jonathan Majors (He Who Remains/Kang the Conqueror/Victor Timely), the studio shifted its focus. Their new centerpiece villain? Victor Von Doom, the legendary Doctor Doom from Marvel Comics.
The announcement came during San Diego Comic-Con 2024, where Feige revealed that Anthony and Joe Russo—directors behind Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019)—would return to direct Avengers: Doomsday and its sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars, arriving in December 2027.
One of the most talked-about moments from the panel was the revelation that Robert Downey Jr. would take on Doom. Known worldwide for his tenure as Tony Stark/Iron Man, Downey’s casting sparked excitement but also controversy. Some fans celebrated his return to the MCU, while others expressed frustration about losing Doom’s Romani identity and questioned whether Downey’s presence might overshadow the character, even in the expansive Multiverse Saga.
Plot details are being kept secret, but reports hint that Doomsday will circle back to one of Endgame’s most emotional beats: Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and Peggy Carter’s (Hayley Atwell) reunion. That pivotal event could tie directly into Doctor Doom’s plan for Battleworld, setting the stage for Marvel’s next big crossover saga.
The film is shaping up to rival even Endgame in scope. Heroes from both the MCU and Fox’s Marvel universe will appear, including Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Professor Charles Xavier/Professor X (Patrick Stewart), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), and Sam Wilson/Captain America (Anthony Mackie).
While Doom briefly appeared in the post-credits scene of The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025), the first detailed look at his design came at the 2026 Merchandise Expo in China. CinXperience (@CinXperience) shared:
“First Look at Promotional Art for Doctor Doom in ‘AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY’.
Displayed at the Disney 2026 Merchandise Expo in China.
#AvengersDoomsday hits Theaters December 18, 2026!”
First Look at Promotional Art for Doctor Doom in ‘AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY’.
Displayed at the Disney 2026 Merchandise Expo in China.#AvengersDoomsday hits Theaters December 18, 2026! pic.twitter.com/yRFqVpjgCa
— CinXperience (@CinXperience) September 11, 2025
Robert Downey Jr.’s casting places him among a long line of actors who’ve portrayed Doom. The late Julian McMahon played the villain in Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), while Ross Marquand has lent his voice to the role in Marvel animation.
Avengers: Doomsday and its follow-up, Secret Wars, won’t serve as a finale in the same way that Endgame closed the Infinity Saga. Instead, both films are designed to usher in what Feige has called a “reset” for the MCU, paving the way for the X-Men to become the franchise’s new cornerstone.
Details about the X-Men’s introduction are being kept under wraps, though Marvel has confirmed that Thunderbolts* (2025) director Jake Schreier will take charge of the highly anticipated reboot.
How do you feel about this new take on Doctor Doom in the MCU? Let us know in the comments down below!
