Everything you must know about ‘Avengers: Doomsday’

After years of speculation, Marvel Studios has finally given fans their first proper look at ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, the fifth Avengers film and the biggest crossover the Marvel Cinematic Universe has attempted since ‘Avengers: Endgame’.

The first trailer confirms the return of fan-favourite heroes, introduces Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom, and sets up a multiversal conflict unlike anything seen before.

Here's everything we know so far.

Robert Downey Jr. returns, but not as Iron Man

One of Marvel's biggest surprises came during San Diego Comic-Con 2024, when Robert Downey Jr. was revealed to be returning to the MCU, not as Tony Stark, but as the iconic Marvel villain Doctor Doom.

The first trailer offers an extended look at Doom, showing him as the central threat behind a multiverse-spanning war. While Marvel hasn't officially revealed his origin, many fans believe he could be an alternate-universe version of Tony Stark, a theory inspired by Marvel's multiverse storyline and comic books.

Chris Evans makes a surprise comeback

The trailer's biggest moment is undoubtedly the return of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers. After seemingly retiring at the end of ‘Avengers: Endgame’, Captain America reappears just as Thor tells the heroes they'll need "a miracle."

Evans once again wields Mjölnir, recreating one of the MCU's most iconic moments while confirming his long-rumoured return to the franchise.

What is ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ About?

According to Marvel Studios, the film follows heroes from three different universes who are forced onto a deadly collision course while facing an existential threat unlike anything they've encountered before.

The trailer hints at several long-awaited crossovers, including battles between Wakanda and Talokan, Shang-Chi facing Gambit, Mystique confronting Yelena Belova, and the Fantastic Four meeting the Thunderbolts for the first time. Patrick Stewart also returns as Professor X, warning that an unimaginable danger is approaching.

The film appears to draw inspiration from Marvel's multiverse comic storylines, bringing together characters from the MCU, X-Men universe and Fantastic Four franchise.

A massive cast spanning three Marvel Universes

Marvel has assembled one of the largest casts in superhero movie history.

Returning MCU stars include Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Paul Rudd, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Simu Liu, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Tom Hiddleston, Danny Ramirez, Hannah John-Kamen, Lewis Pullman and Channing Tatum.

The Fantastic Four team features Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.

The X-Men are also joining the battle, with Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, James Marsden, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn and Kelsey Grammer reprising their iconic roles.

Notably, Spider-Man and Wolverine do not appear in the first trailer, though both are widely expected to feature in the film.

The Russo Brothers return

Marvel is bringing back the team behind its biggest successes. Anthony and Joe Russo, who directed ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’, ‘Civil War’, ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’, return to direct ‘Avengers: Doomsday’.

The screenplay is written by Stephen McFeely, who previously co-wrote several of the Russo brothers' Marvel films.

When does ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ release?

‘Avengers: Doomsday’ arrives in theatres on December 18, 2026, after being delayed from its original May 2026 release date. The film will release in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, making it one of Marvel's biggest global releases.

The story won't end there. Marvel has already confirmed that ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ will follow on December 17, 2027, with the Russo brothers and Stephen McFeely returning once again.