Avengers: Doomsday — Release date, cast, plot, and everything to know about

The announcement for the release of Avengers: Doomsday at the San Diego Comic-Con 2024 has taken the Marvel fandom by storm. Spurred on by the re-introduction of iconic Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr. in a new role, fans look forward to the newest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

The film is slated to release in May 2026 and will be directed by the Russo brothers. The duo is famous for heading the direction team of previous MCU blockbusters like Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

The new film is expected to be the first Avengers multi-starrer reunion since the events of Endgame. Audiences can expect to see many old familiar faces in the story and the introduction of the newer superheroes into the umbrella team. The film's plot shall focus on the multiverse saga that is being explored through the current Marvel films and shows.

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What is the release date for Avengers: Doomsday?

Avengers: Doomsday has been scheduled for release on May 1, 2026. The film was announced by the MCU panel at the San Diego Comic-Con 2024. The Russo brothers have been roped in to direct the film.

Initially, director Destin Daniel Cretton had been roped in to reportedly direct the untitled fifth Avengers movie. However, after the announcement of the Russo brothers, it seems that Cretton will helm another film in the series.

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What is the possible plot for Avengers: Doomsday?

Initially, Avengers: Doomsday was supposed to be based on Kang the Conqueror. However, the storyline changed and reintroduced Doctor Doom as the main villain. Doom is originally a Fantastic Four villain in the comics but is featured here due to the expanding multiverse in the MCU.

The film will likely revolve around the multiverse and provide an answer to how the heroes might deal with the problem. While the film will give some closure to many characters, it will not be the end.

The announcement of the next movie, Avengers: Secret Wars, has also been made, which will take the story forward with a new villain. The setup for the sixth Avengers movie will be laid out in Avengers: Doomsday.

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Who will be in the cast of Avengers: Doomsday?

Sebastian Stan and Florence Pugh, who might likely feature as cast members in Avengers: Doomsday (via @marvelstudios/Instagram)

Avengers: Doomsday will likely bring together many superheroes who have featured in the MCU and are still an active part of the storyline. Marvel has revealed that Robert Downey Jr. will play the main villain in the series as he takes on the role of Doctor Doom.

While the full official cast of the film has not been confirmed by the studios yet, here are some characters fans might expect to see in the new installment:

• Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth
• Sam Wilson / Captain America, played by Anthony Mackie
• Doctor Stephen Strange, played by Benedict Cumberbatch
• Peter Parker / Spider-Man, played by Tom Holland
• Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel, played by Brie Larson
• Bruce Banner / Hulk, played by Mark Ruffalo
• Scott Lang / Ant-Man, played by Paul Rudd
• Hope van Dyne / Wasp, played by Evangeline Lily
• Shuri / Black Panther, played by Letitia Wright
• James Rhodes / War Machine, played by Don Cheadle
• Wong, played by Benedict Wong
• Shang-Chi, played by Simu Liu
• Kamala Khan / Ms Marvel, played by Iman Vellani
• Monica Rambeau, played by Teyonah Parris
• Jennifer Susan Walters / She-Hulk, played by Tatiana Maslany
• Kate Bishop / Hawkeye, played by Hailee Steinfeld
• Clint Barton / Hawkeye, played by Jeremy Renner
• Cassie Lang, played by Kathryn Newton

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What to watch before seeing Avengers: Doomsday

Tom Hiddleston as Loki Laufeyson in Loki season 2 (via @marvelstudios/Instagram)

The films in the MCU have the attribute of building on characters, stories, and easter eggs from previous films in the franchise. Avengers: Doomsday will be no different. It becomes necessary for fans to brush up on a few films and television shows to ensure that they might perfectly enjoy all the references in the new movie.

Since the film shall be revolving around the expanding Marvel multiverse, a few of the films and shows (apart from the Avengers franchise) that become a must-watch are:

• WandaVision
• Loki (seasons 1 and 2 both)
• Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
• Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania
• Deadpool & Wolverine
• Thunderbolts (to be released)
• The Fantastic Four: First Steps (to be released)

The audience can also watch the shows and films that have been exploring the individual heroes' stories to get a better understanding of where the MCU is situated plot-wise:

• The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
• Hawkeye
• Ms. Marvel
• She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
• Spider-Man: No Way Home
• Thor: Love and Thunder
• Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
• The Marvels
• Captain America: Brave New World (to be released)

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The most recent MCU project is the film Deadpool & Wolverine, which is currently out in theatres for audiences to watch.