Marvel Studios unveiled the first full-length trailer for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ at CinemaCon 2026, drawing a thunderous response from theatre owners and industry insiders. The footage, introduced by Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans and filmmaker duo Anthony and Joe Russo alongside studio chief Kevin Feige, was met with such enthusiasm that it was screened twice.

The film marks a major turning point in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), bringing together legacy characters and new heroes in a multiverse-spanning storyline that is set to culminate in a two-part finale.

Doctor Doom takes centre stage

The trailer offers a first proper look at Downey Jr in a surprising new role as Doctor Doom, clad in his signature green hood and metallic mask. The character is positioned as the central antagonist, orchestrating a multiversal invasion that threatens multiple realities.

One standout sequence shows Doom overpowering Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, even catching his enchanted hammer mid-attack, a moment that underscores the villain’s dominance.

The trailer also features Doom narrating parts of the footage, adding a darker, foreboding tone to the unfolding conflict.

Multiverse collisions and major crossovers

Expanding beyond previous ‘Avengers’ instalments, ‘Doomsday’ unites an unprecedented mix of characters across franchises. The X-Men, including Professor X (Patrick Stewart), Magneto (Ian McKellen) and Cyclops (James Marsden), appear alongside the Avengers.

Members of the ‘Fantastic Four’ are also shown entering the MCU timeline and interacting with a newly assembled Avengers lineup that includes Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, Sentry, Ghost, Red Guardian and US Agent.

The trailer teases multiple high-stakes clashes, including a fight between Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) and Gambit (Channing Tatum), as well as a shape-shifting sequence in which Mystique (Rebecca Romijn) transforms into Yelena Belova.

Return of Captain America

One of the trailer’s most crowd-pleasing moments is the return of Steve Rogers, again portrayed by Evans. The character reunites with Thor in a nostalgic exchange, surprising the Asgardian after his apparent departure at the end of ‘Avengers: Endgame’.

The sequence culminates with Rogers wielding Mjolnir once more, prompting cheers from the CinemaCon audience.

Russo Brothers return to conclude saga

The Russo brothers, who previously helmed ‘Infinity War’ and ‘Endgame’, return to direct ‘Doomsday’ as well as its follow-up, ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’. The screenplay is written by Michael Waldron and Stephen McFeely.

Together, the two films are expected to conclude the MCU’s ongoing Multiverse Saga, mirroring the two-part structure that defined earlier blockbuster arcs.

Release and box office expectations

‘Avengers: Doomsday’ is scheduled for release on 18 December 2026, with ‘Secret Wars’ set to follow on 17 December 2027. The film is expected to open alongside ‘Dune: Part III’, potentially setting up one of the biggest box office clashes in recent years.