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30 Mar 2025, Sun

Doomsday’ with Chris Hemsworth and Robert Downey Jr. as villain

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Marvel stunned fans by unveiling the full cast of “Avengers: Doomsday” during a livestream that kicked off Wednesday morning, signaling the return of one of cinema’s most legendary franchises. Featuring heavyweights like Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, and Robert Downey Jr., who steps into the role of the villain Doctor Doom, the film is poised to be a defining moment for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, this production brings together seasoned heroes and fresh faces, weaving in characters from X-Men and Fantastic Four after years of anticipation for such crossovers. Set to hit theaters on May 1, 2026, the movie is already generating buzz for its scope and ambition.

Among the returning stars, Chris Hemsworth reprises his role as Thor, last seen in “Thor: Love and Thunder.” Anthony Mackie, now firmly established as Captain America following last month’s “Captain America: Brave New World,” takes the helm alongside Danny Ramirez, who steps up as the new Falcon, Joaquin Torres. Familiar faces like Sebastian Stan, back as Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier, and Paul Rudd, returning as Scott Lang, Ant-Man, join the roster. Tom Hiddleston’s Loki and Letitia Wright’s Shuri, who assumed the Black Panther mantle in “Wakanda Forever,” deepen ties to the MCU’s past, while Winston Duke’s M’Baku adds further strength from the “Black Panther” saga.

The surprises didn’t end there. “Avengers: Doomsday” welcomes back several X-Men alumni, including Patrick Stewart as Professor Charles Xavier, despite his character’s demise in “Logan” and “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” Ian McKellen, last seen as Magneto in “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” returns, joined by Kelsey Grammer as Beast, who appeared in a cameo in “The Marvels.” Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler from “X2,” James Marsden as Cyclops, and Rebecca Romijn as Mystique round out the mutant lineup, while Channing Tatum makes his MCU debut as Gambit, fresh from “Deadpool & Wolverine.”

Heavy hitters join the lineup

Beyond the veterans, “Avengers: Doomsday” introduces newcomers who’ve already made their mark in the MCU. Pedro Pascal leads the Fantastic Four as Reed Richards, Mr. Fantastic, alongside Vanessa Kirby as Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing, all hailing from this summer’s “Fantastic Four: First Steps.” Florence Pugh returns as Yelena Belova from “Black Widow” and the upcoming “Thunderbolts*,” set for May 2. Her “Thunderbolts*” co-stars David Harbour as Red Guardian, Wyatt Russell as U.S. Agent, Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, and Lewis Pullman as the enigmatic Bob also join the fray.

The MCU’s recent additions don’t stop there. Simu Liu, star of “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” steps into the Avengers spotlight, bringing his martial arts prowess. Tenoch Huerta Mejía, who portrayed the underwater ruler Namor in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” rounds out the newcomers. This blend of established and emerging talent hints at a narrative that spans the breadth of Marvel’s ever-expanding universe, promising a clash of epic proportions.

Mutant heroes storm the MCU

The inclusion of X-Men in “Avengers: Doomsday” stands out as a highlight. Patrick Stewart, now 84, returns as the wise leader of the mutants, leveraging his decades-long tenure in the role. Ian McKellen steps back into Magneto’s boots, bringing depth to one of comics’ most layered antagonists. Kelsey Grammer’s Beast, following his brief appearance in “The Marvels,” signals a broader mutant presence in the MCU, a move fans have awaited since Disney acquired Fox in 2019.

Channing Tatum’s Gambit adds a new dynamic. After years of pushing for a standalone film, the actor debuted the card-throwing Cajun in “Deadpool & Wolverine” last July, earning a spot in “Doomsday.” Rebecca Romijn reclaims Mystique from her original trilogy days, predating Jennifer Lawrence’s take in the prequels, while James Marsden and Alan Cumming revive Cyclops and Nightcrawler, stirring nostalgia among longtime fans.

  • Confirmed mutant characters:
    • Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier
    • Ian McKellen as Magneto
    • Kelsey Grammer as Beast
    • Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler
    • James Marsden as Cyclops
    • Channing Tatum as Gambit
    • Rebecca Romijn as Mystique

Robert Downey Jr. flips the script

Six years after bidding farewell to Tony Stark in “Avengers: Endgame,” Robert Downey Jr. reenters the MCU in a bold new role. Announced at San Diego Comic-Con in July last year, he now embodies Victor von Doom, Doctor Doom, one of Marvel’s most formidable villains. “New mask, same task,” he told the crowd, hinting at a seamless shift from hero to adversary. His casting reflects Marvel’s knack for repurposing its biggest stars, keeping audiences emotionally invested.

Downey’s return as a villain comes at a pivotal time for the Avengers. The defeat of Thanos in 2019 marked the end of an era, with the loss of Iron Man, Chris Evans’ Captain America, and Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow. In the years since, the MCU has rolled out fresh heroes like Shang-Chi, the Eternals, and Wright’s Black Panther. “Doomsday” aims to bridge that gap, blending legacy with reinvention.

Joe and Anthony Russo, the duo behind “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Civil War,” and the last two “Avengers” films, return to direct. Their track record with sprawling casts and high-stakes storytelling makes them a fitting choice to helm this historic team-up of Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four.

Upcoming MCU roadmap

The road to “Avengers: Doomsday” features key releases. “Thunderbolts*,” arriving May 2, showcases Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and others already slated for “Doomsday.” Next, “Fantastic Four: First Steps” lands on July 25, introducing Pedro Pascal’s team before their Avengers debut. These films set the stage for the 2026 showdown, shaping the MCU’s next chapter.

  • Release schedule:
    • “Thunderbolts*”: May 2
    • “Fantastic Four: First Steps”: July 25
    • “Avengers: Doomsday”: May 1, 2026

Fresh faces, classic rivalries

The Fantastic Four’s MCU arrival is a game-changer. Pedro Pascal, famed for “The Mandalorian,” plays Reed Richards, while Vanessa Kirby of “Mission: Impossible” takes on Sue Storm. Joseph Quinn, a “Stranger Things” standout, lights up as Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach of “The Bear” transforms into The Thing. Debuting in July, they’re likely to face off against Doctor Doom, their comic-book nemesis, in “Doomsday.”

Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, a rising star since “Black Widow,” joins the Avengers after “Thunderbolts*.” David Harbour’s Red Guardian injects humor, while Wyatt Russell and Hannah John-Kamen bring anti-hero edge as U.S. Agent and Ghost. Lewis Pullman’s mysterious Bob could hold surprises, adding intrigue. Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi and Tenoch Huerta Mejía’s Namor, with his aquatic domain, suggest a multifaceted conflict ahead.

Six years in the making

Since “Avengers: Endgame” in 2019, the MCU has evolved. Thanos’ defeat closed a chapter, but opened doors for Shang-Chi, the Eternals, and Letitia Wright’s Black Panther. “Avengers: Doomsday” cements this growth, uniting 30 stars in a single film—a feat unmatched even by the franchise’s past blockbusters.

Doctor Doom’s role as the antagonist ups the ante. In the comics, Victor von Doom is a brilliant scientist and tactician, often clashing with Reed Richards and threatening the world. His inclusion could rally the heroes against a shared foe, with the Russo brothers delivering a visual and narrative spectacle. Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and Anthony Mackie’s Captain America anchor the team, while X-Men and Fantastic Four inject new energy.

The livestream reveal sparked instant online reactions. Fans cheered Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen’s returns, while Channing Tatum’s Gambit was hailed as a long-awaited triumph. Florence Pugh and Pedro Pascal’s additions fueled excitement, hinting at a new generation poised to carry the Avengers’ torch.

What lies ahead

With “Thunderbolts*” and “Fantastic Four: First Steps” on the horizon, Marvel is building toward “Avengers: Doomsday.” The May and July releases will lay groundwork, introducing plots and characters that converge in 2026. Doctor Doom’s presence points to a conflict that might tap the multiverse or classic comic rivalries.

  • Potential plot points:
    • Doctor Doom vs. Fantastic Four showdown
    • Avengers-X-Men alliance
    • Multiverse expansion with Loki and Xavier

Boasting over 30 confirmed stars, the film’s scale underscores Marvel’s aim for a cinematic milestone. The Russo brothers’ direction and Robert Downey Jr.’s villainous turn position “Doomsday” as a must-see event of the coming decade.

Marvel stunned fans by unveiling the full cast of “Avengers: Doomsday” during a livestream that kicked off Wednesday morning, signaling the return of one of cinema’s most legendary franchises. Featuring heavyweights like Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, and Robert Downey Jr., who steps into the role of the villain Doctor Doom, the film is poised to be a defining moment for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, this production brings together seasoned heroes and fresh faces, weaving in characters from X-Men and Fantastic Four after years of anticipation for such crossovers. Set to hit theaters on May 1, 2026, the movie is already generating buzz for its scope and ambition.

Among the returning stars, Chris Hemsworth reprises his role as Thor, last seen in “Thor: Love and Thunder.” Anthony Mackie, now firmly established as Captain America following last month’s “Captain America: Brave New World,” takes the helm alongside Danny Ramirez, who steps up as the new Falcon, Joaquin Torres. Familiar faces like Sebastian Stan, back as Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier, and Paul Rudd, returning as Scott Lang, Ant-Man, join the roster. Tom Hiddleston’s Loki and Letitia Wright’s Shuri, who assumed the Black Panther mantle in “Wakanda Forever,” deepen ties to the MCU’s past, while Winston Duke’s M’Baku adds further strength from the “Black Panther” saga.

The surprises didn’t end there. “Avengers: Doomsday” welcomes back several X-Men alumni, including Patrick Stewart as Professor Charles Xavier, despite his character’s demise in “Logan” and “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” Ian McKellen, last seen as Magneto in “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” returns, joined by Kelsey Grammer as Beast, who appeared in a cameo in “The Marvels.” Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler from “X2,” James Marsden as Cyclops, and Rebecca Romijn as Mystique round out the mutant lineup, while Channing Tatum makes his MCU debut as Gambit, fresh from “Deadpool & Wolverine.”

Heavy hitters join the lineup

Beyond the veterans, “Avengers: Doomsday” introduces newcomers who’ve already made their mark in the MCU. Pedro Pascal leads the Fantastic Four as Reed Richards, Mr. Fantastic, alongside Vanessa Kirby as Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing, all hailing from this summer’s “Fantastic Four: First Steps.” Florence Pugh returns as Yelena Belova from “Black Widow” and the upcoming “Thunderbolts*,” set for May 2. Her “Thunderbolts*” co-stars David Harbour as Red Guardian, Wyatt Russell as U.S. Agent, Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, and Lewis Pullman as the enigmatic Bob also join the fray.

The MCU’s recent additions don’t stop there. Simu Liu, star of “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” steps into the Avengers spotlight, bringing his martial arts prowess. Tenoch Huerta Mejía, who portrayed the underwater ruler Namor in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” rounds out the newcomers. This blend of established and emerging talent hints at a narrative that spans the breadth of Marvel’s ever-expanding universe, promising a clash of epic proportions.

Mutant heroes storm the MCU

The inclusion of X-Men in “Avengers: Doomsday” stands out as a highlight. Patrick Stewart, now 84, returns as the wise leader of the mutants, leveraging his decades-long tenure in the role. Ian McKellen steps back into Magneto’s boots, bringing depth to one of comics’ most layered antagonists. Kelsey Grammer’s Beast, following his brief appearance in “The Marvels,” signals a broader mutant presence in the MCU, a move fans have awaited since Disney acquired Fox in 2019.

Channing Tatum’s Gambit adds a new dynamic. After years of pushing for a standalone film, the actor debuted the card-throwing Cajun in “Deadpool & Wolverine” last July, earning a spot in “Doomsday.” Rebecca Romijn reclaims Mystique from her original trilogy days, predating Jennifer Lawrence’s take in the prequels, while James Marsden and Alan Cumming revive Cyclops and Nightcrawler, stirring nostalgia among longtime fans.

  • Confirmed mutant characters:
    • Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier
    • Ian McKellen as Magneto
    • Kelsey Grammer as Beast
    • Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler
    • James Marsden as Cyclops
    • Channing Tatum as Gambit
    • Rebecca Romijn as Mystique

Robert Downey Jr. flips the script

Six years after bidding farewell to Tony Stark in “Avengers: Endgame,” Robert Downey Jr. reenters the MCU in a bold new role. Announced at San Diego Comic-Con in July last year, he now embodies Victor von Doom, Doctor Doom, one of Marvel’s most formidable villains. “New mask, same task,” he told the crowd, hinting at a seamless shift from hero to adversary. His casting reflects Marvel’s knack for repurposing its biggest stars, keeping audiences emotionally invested.

Downey’s return as a villain comes at a pivotal time for the Avengers. The defeat of Thanos in 2019 marked the end of an era, with the loss of Iron Man, Chris Evans’ Captain America, and Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow. In the years since, the MCU has rolled out fresh heroes like Shang-Chi, the Eternals, and Wright’s Black Panther. “Doomsday” aims to bridge that gap, blending legacy with reinvention.

Joe and Anthony Russo, the duo behind “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Civil War,” and the last two “Avengers” films, return to direct. Their track record with sprawling casts and high-stakes storytelling makes them a fitting choice to helm this historic team-up of Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four.

Upcoming MCU roadmap

The road to “Avengers: Doomsday” features key releases. “Thunderbolts*,” arriving May 2, showcases Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and others already slated for “Doomsday.” Next, “Fantastic Four: First Steps” lands on July 25, introducing Pedro Pascal’s team before their Avengers debut. These films set the stage for the 2026 showdown, shaping the MCU’s next chapter.

  • Release schedule:
    • “Thunderbolts*”: May 2
    • “Fantastic Four: First Steps”: July 25
    • “Avengers: Doomsday”: May 1, 2026

Fresh faces, classic rivalries

The Fantastic Four’s MCU arrival is a game-changer. Pedro Pascal, famed for “The Mandalorian,” plays Reed Richards, while Vanessa Kirby of “Mission: Impossible” takes on Sue Storm. Joseph Quinn, a “Stranger Things” standout, lights up as Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach of “The Bear” transforms into The Thing. Debuting in July, they’re likely to face off against Doctor Doom, their comic-book nemesis, in “Doomsday.”

Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, a rising star since “Black Widow,” joins the Avengers after “Thunderbolts*.” David Harbour’s Red Guardian injects humor, while Wyatt Russell and Hannah John-Kamen bring anti-hero edge as U.S. Agent and Ghost. Lewis Pullman’s mysterious Bob could hold surprises, adding intrigue. Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi and Tenoch Huerta Mejía’s Namor, with his aquatic domain, suggest a multifaceted conflict ahead.

Six years in the making

Since “Avengers: Endgame” in 2019, the MCU has evolved. Thanos’ defeat closed a chapter, but opened doors for Shang-Chi, the Eternals, and Letitia Wright’s Black Panther. “Avengers: Doomsday” cements this growth, uniting 30 stars in a single film—a feat unmatched even by the franchise’s past blockbusters.

Doctor Doom’s role as the antagonist ups the ante. In the comics, Victor von Doom is a brilliant scientist and tactician, often clashing with Reed Richards and threatening the world. His inclusion could rally the heroes against a shared foe, with the Russo brothers delivering a visual and narrative spectacle. Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and Anthony Mackie’s Captain America anchor the team, while X-Men and Fantastic Four inject new energy.

The livestream reveal sparked instant online reactions. Fans cheered Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen’s returns, while Channing Tatum’s Gambit was hailed as a long-awaited triumph. Florence Pugh and Pedro Pascal’s additions fueled excitement, hinting at a new generation poised to carry the Avengers’ torch.

What lies ahead

With “Thunderbolts*” and “Fantastic Four: First Steps” on the horizon, Marvel is building toward “Avengers: Doomsday.” The May and July releases will lay groundwork, introducing plots and characters that converge in 2026. Doctor Doom’s presence points to a conflict that might tap the multiverse or classic comic rivalries.

  • Potential plot points:
    • Doctor Doom vs. Fantastic Four showdown
    • Avengers-X-Men alliance
    • Multiverse expansion with Loki and Xavier

Boasting over 30 confirmed stars, the film’s scale underscores Marvel’s aim for a cinematic milestone. The Russo brothers’ direction and Robert Downey Jr.’s villainous turn position “Doomsday” as a must-see event of the coming decade.

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