Marvel Studios dropped a major bombshell at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) this year, announcing that Robert Downey Jr. will return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday.
This revelation was part of a series of announcements from Marvel president Kevin Feige, who also confirmed that Anthony and Joe Russo would direct this highly anticipated film and its sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars. Marvel veteran Stephen McFeely will pen the screenplay for Avengers: Doomsday, which will be released globally on 1 May 2026.
During an interview with Collider at New York Comic-Con (NYCC), Joe Russo revealed that Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to start principal photography in spring 2025. Although the exact date and location are still under wraps, filming may kick off in the United Kingdom as early as next January.
The Russo brothers are no strangers to the Avengers franchise, having previously directed Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, the latter of which is the second-highest-grossing film of all time, earning US$2.798 billion globally and receiving an Academy Award nomination. The directors are reported to be receiving US$80 million to helm both Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
The casting of Downey Jr. as Victor Von Doom comes in the wake of Jonathan Majors‘ dismissal from Marvel following legal issues, which resulted in the cancellation of Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. Downey Jr.’s return as Doctor Doom has stirred mixed reactions among fans and Marvel co-stars alike, considering his iconic role as Tony Stark/Iron Man concluded with his death in Avengers: Endgame.
Details about the plot of Avengers: Doomsday remain tightly under wraps, but the film is expected to feature a star-studded ensemble including Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange and the core members of The Fantastic Four. Rumours also hint at possible appearances by Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, reprising their roles as Deadpool and Wolverine, respectively.
Doomsday will follow the MCU’s Phase Six opener, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which introduces new actors in the iconic roles, including Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Vanessa Kirby. Thunderbolts* and Captain America: Brave New World are also slated for releases in 2025, setting the stage for a monumental showdown with Doctor Doom in 2026.
The Russo brothers’ upcoming projects include The Electric State, a Netflix sci-fi adventure comedy-drama featuring Chris Pratt, Ke Huy Quan, and Millie Bobby Brown, set for release on 14 March 2025. With such an extensive and diverse portfolio, the Russos continue to shape the future of cinematic storytelling.
Avengers: Doomsday will open in cinemas on 1 May 2026.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Sylus from Love and Deepspace.
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