If Marvel Studios is feeling the weight of expectations, Avengers: Doomsday appears to be where it plans to answer them. Slated for 2026, the film is shaping up to be less a routine franchise entry and more a referendum on where the MCU goes next.
Behind-the-scenes chatter suggests confidence, even as the movie remains deep in post-production. On The Hot Mic, industry insider Jeff Sneider relayed what he’d heard after checking in shortly before the show.
“It’s still very much in post. Let me see if I have anything on that. I did check in before the show, just in case. I did get a little something. Avengers is in post, and they still have a lot of pick-ups to do, but the response so far has been encouraging. You’re going to like it,” Sneider said. “You’re going to like the movie.”
That optimism comes as Doomsday gears up for additional photography. While reshoots were previously expected to begin in April, signs suggest production activity may already be underway in London. According to Geek Tyrant:
While previous reports claimed Avengers: Doomsday reshoots were scheduled to begin in April, recent photos indicate production may have started early in London. No cast members were spotted, but crew wearing Avengers: Doomsday jackets were seen filming scenes staged in what appears to be World War II era London.
Marvel’s renewed emphasis on Multiverse storytelling is no accident. Following uneven reactions to Phase Four and beyond, the studio is banking on Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027) to realign its overarching narrative.
Together, the films are designed as a pivot point, redefining the MCU’s internal logic and ushering in the Mutant Saga rather than simply extending existing arcs.
One of the clearest signs of Marvel’s intent is the return of Joe and Anthony Russo. The filmmakers behind Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Civil War (2016), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019) are back to direct both Avengers installments.
The cast list reflects a similarly expansive approach, pulling together characters from nearly two decades of Marvel films and Disney+ series.
Marvel added fuel to the conversation during Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025) by attaching teaser footage for Doomsday. The preview reportedly featured Steve Rogers, Thor, X-Men characters, Wakandan heroes, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm/The Thing sharing the screen. The footage confirmed that Chris Evans’ Captain America remains part of Marvel’s future plans.
That revelation dovetails with Doomsday’s biggest casting twist: Robert Downey Jr. stepping back into the MCU as Victor Von Doom. Having defined the Infinity Saga as Tony Stark, Downey now takes on one of Marvel Comics’ most formidable figures. Doctor Doom was previously teased in The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) post-credits scene alongside Franklin Richards.
Fan theories suggest Doom may not function as a traditional villain. Some place him in a morally complex role, potentially driven by consequences tied to Steve Rogers’ time-travel actions in Avengers: Endgame. Marvel has yet to verify any of these claims.
Other leaks point to a dramatic opening act, with reports claiming Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man battles the X-Men, including Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. Notably, neither actor has been officially announced.
Despite the scale, not all reactions have been enthusiastic. Insider Daniel Richtman voiced reservations online, stating, “I have mixed feelings about the direction they’re taking with Avengers: Doomsday/Secret Wars. Some of it sounds super epic, but there are certain decisions I don’t want to spoil that I really don’t understand, and I think they’re going to make people REALLY angry,” the insider said (via Comic Book Movie).
As attention shifts toward Secret Wars, a separate moment has caught fans’ attention.
During a promotional appearance for Crime 101 (2026), Mark Ruffalo joined Chris Hemsworth and Halle Berry to discuss their filmographies. When Hemsworth mentioned a project they hadn’t yet filmed, Ruffalo interjected, “Six?” Hemsworth replied, “Yeah, but we haven’t shot that one.” Fans interpreted the exchange as a sign that Thor appears in Avengers: Secret Wars, despite speculation surrounding the character’s fate in Doomsday.
Ruffalo has since confirmed he will not appear in Doomsday, with his next Marvel role set for Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026).
Plot details remain largely under wraps. Reports suggest Doomsday centers on Doom encountering heroes like The Fantastic Four, Thor, and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) in an effort to stop Multiversal incursions. If the film truly marks a fresh start, the MCU audiences know today may look very different by the time the credits roll.
How do you feel about Doomsday causing anger for fans? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
