We're just under a year away from the release of Avengers: Doomsday (2026), but Marvel is apparently heading back to the set to make even more tweaks to the film.
Conceived as the next major crossover event after the behemoth success that was Avengers: Endgame (2019), Avengers: Doomsday is designed to unify Marvel’s fractured multiverse narrative.
The film reportedly centers on the collapse of multiple realities, bringing together surviving Avengers, multiversal variants, and new threats tied to destabilized timelines left unresolved after recent phases.
Much of the intrigue surrounds Robert Downey Jr., who is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe not as Iron Man or Tony Stark, but as Doctor Doom. The casting – which has split fans since its announcement – is arguably the MCU's boldest move yet, but whether or not Downey's $80 million+ paycheck will pay off remains to be seen.
Returning alongside him are several established MCU figures, including Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson/Captain America), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier), Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards), Vanessa Kirby (Susan Storm), Paul Rudd (Ant-Man), and Florence Pugh (Yelena).
Even more surprisingly, it will star Patrick Stewart (Charles Xavier / Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), James Marsden (Cyclops), and Channing Tatum (Gambit).
The film is also expected to feature additional surprises, with many theorizing that the likes of Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool), Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), Tobey Maguire (Spider-Man), and Andrew Garfield (also Spider-Man) could pop up thanks to the multiversal concept.
‘Avengers: Doomsday' Continues to Stir Debate Among Fans
Marvel has already started building momentum through a series of trailers attached to theatrical releases, specifically Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025).
One trailer in particular set social media alight by confirming the return of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers.
December 18, 2026. #AvengersDoomsday
December 18, 2026. #AvengersDoomsday pic.twitter.com/6eBYWSTEde
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) December 23, 2025
That reveal has proven divisive.
Many fans argue that Steve Rogers’ ending in Avengers: Endgame offered narrative finality that's rare to come by in comic book movies.
Reintroducing the character, critics say, risks undermining that emotional payoff and signals creative hesitation rather than a long-term vision – not to mention it also risks overshadowing Sam Wilson's Captain America, who has already had a rocky cinematic start with Captain America: Brave New World (2025).
Others see the move as emblematic of Marvel’s recent struggles. After a string of box office disappointments and uneven critical responses, some fans view familiar faces as a safety net, raising concerns that Doomsday is more about milking the money that comes with nostalgia than actually moving the franchise forward.
As the debate wages on, Marvel appears far from finished with Avengers: Doomsday.
The additional photography for ‘AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY’ will reportedly be specifically for the actors who couldn’t film last year.
It will take place in April.
(via @KnightGambit)
The additional photography for ‘AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY’ will reportedly be specifically for the actors who couldn’t film last year.
It will take place in April.
(via @KnightGambit) pic.twitter.com/gonairRQ3a
— Cosmic Marvel (@cosmic_marvel) January 1, 2026
Reports indicate significant additional filming is scheduled for April 2026, just eight months before release, with plans to film with actors who couldn't make the original shoot.
What it ultimately means for the film remains uncertain.
There have long been rumors that Avengers: Doomsday — directed by returning MCU alumni Joe Russo and Anthony Russo, aka the Russo Brothers — is working from an unfinished script, with late-stage filming reflecting ongoing structural changes rather than routine pickups, adding to concerns about just how locked the film truly is this close to release.
Are you excited for Avengers: Doomsday?
NOOOO to RDJ as Doc Doom, nooooo to Steve Rogers return. They were written off at Avengers End Game, a very emotionally sad ending! Why they chose to kill off Tony Stark and not Capt. America as the comic books were written was a mistake. So write another Avengers movie bringing back Iron Man, AND Black Widow (why did Gamora survive and not Black Widow anyway in End Game?) You are confusing a huge fan base, no wonder Disney has flopped at the box office since the Iron Man series and the Avengers demise…..