Worlds are colliding in Avengers: Doomsday. Marvel Studios has already announced that the followup to 2019’s Avengers: Endgame will assemble stars from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Fox-made X-Men movies, including Patrick Stewart (Professor Charles Xavier), Ian McKellen (Magneto), James Marsden (Cyclops), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler), and Kelsey Grammer (Beast). But in a behind-the-scenes crossover, Marsden can be seen training alongside Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings star Simu Liu.

See the image that Marsden and Liu’s trainer shared on Instagram below:

It remains to be seen what roles Marsden’s Cyclops and Liu’s Shang-Chi will play in Doomsday, and whether they’ll meet as enemies or allies. Marsden’s X2 co-star Alan Cumming previously suggested — potential spoiler warning — that the mutant X-Men will battle the Fantastic Four in the multiversal crossover.

Marsden last appeared as Scott Summers, the ruby quartz visor-wearing, optic blast-firing field leader of the X-Men, in a cameo in 2014’s X-Men: Days of Future Past. Marsden’s X-Man was a core member of the team in 2000’s X-Men and 2003’s X2 before being killed off in 2006’s X-Men: The Last Stand, only for a time-traveling Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) to alter the timeline in Days of Future Past, undoing the Last Stand deaths of Scott, Jean Grey (Famke Janssen), and Professor X (Stewart).

Liu made his first, and so far only, appearance in 2021’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, as the master martial artist who now wields the ancient and mystical Ten Rings. The last we saw him, Sorcerer Supreme Wong (Benedict Wong) — alongside the Avengers Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) and Bruce Banner/Smart Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) — told Shang-Chi that the Ten Rings were emitting a beacon and sending a message to… somewhere.

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Alongside Marsden and Liu, the Avengers: Doomsday cast includes returning Marvel stars Robert Downey Jr. as Victor von Doom/Doctor Doom, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, and Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever‘s Letitia Wright (Shuri/Black Panther), Winston Duke (M’Baku), Tenoch Huerta Mejía (Namor), Mabel Cadena (Namora), and Alex Livinalli (Attuma) are all set to return alongside Thunderbolts*/New Avengers‘ Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova/Black Widow), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes/the Winter Soldier), David Harbour (Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian), Hannah John-Kamen (Ava Starr/Ghost), Wyatt Russell (John Walker/U.S. Agent), and Lewis Pullman (Bob Reynolds/Sentry).

Deadpool & Wolverine‘s Channing Tatum is reprising his role as card-slinging Gambit, with The Fantastic Four: First Steps‘ Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm/the Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm/Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm/the Thing) rounding out the ensemble.

Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to release in theaters on December 18, 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars on Dec. 17, 2027.

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The X-Men will join the fight to save the multiverse in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, but their exciting return also brings with it some headache-worthy continuity questions. Long before the rise of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the X-Men franchise was the biggest superhero ensemble around, kicking off with 2000’s X-Men (which itself was instrumental in sparking the modern superhero movie craze) and running for over two decades before unceremoniously ending in 2020’s The New Mutants. That would later change with 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine bringing Hugh Jackman’s Logan back into action, and that would just be the start of the Fox X-Men franchise’s unexpected resurrection.

With the announcement of Marvel Studios’ multiverse double-header Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, both film’s casts are packed to the gills with both MCU regulars and pre-MCU Marvel movie alumni returning to their roles, including key members of the Fox X-Men cast roster. However, as enthralling as it is for the millions who hold a warm place in their hearts for the X-Men franchise to see it play such an integral role in Doomsday and Secret Wars, the characters’ returns also raises a big question of continuity that, ironically, Deadpool & Wolverine can be thanked for.

Deadpool & Wolverine Was Presented as a Goodbye to Fox-Marvel (at First)

Following the announcement of Hugh Jackman’s return to his signature role in Deadpool & Wolverine, the movie gradually began to stand out as a very different kind of Marvel Studios production. By the time it was released into theaters, to even call Deadpool & Wolverine an MCU movie at all felt like a stretch, with the movie’s only real link to the franchise being the presence of the Time Variance Authority. Instead, Deadpool & Wolverine plays as more of a nostalgic love letter to Fox’s Marvel properties (and to a lesser extent New Line Cinema’s with Wesley Snipes’ return as Blade), to the point of even finally bringing Channing Tatum’s never-realized Gambit to life (Tatum’s Gambit is also confirmed to return in Avengers: Doomsday).

Indeed, Deadpool & Wolverine even includes a photo album-style tribute to Fox’s various Marvel Comics-based productions – including 2015’s much-maligned Fant4stic – set to Green Day’s “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life).” While it wasn’t a comprehensive return for every pre-MCU Marvel movie star or character, Deadpool & Wolverine‘s loving tribute to the Fox-Marvel era was a warm, heartfelt goodbye to so many Marvel superhero properties that brought the company’s characters to the big screen long before the MCU began. Since then, the cast lists of Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars have made that goodbye much more complicated.

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Avengers: Doomsday & Avengers: Secret Wars Have Huge Fox-Marvel Casts (but From Which X-Men Universe?)

With the casts of Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, Marvel Studios is assembling quite possibly the largest ensemble of any superhero movie ever made (and that’s without any confirmation of Tobey Maguire or Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Men returning, both of which seem like very strong possibilities indeed). Fox’s X-Men franchise in particular is set to see a massive comeback via the Doomsday/Secret Wars story with the sheer number of cast members returning to their respective roles. However, that also raises questions about how Doomsday and Secret Wars will treat the canonicity of the X-Men franchise, given how Blade, Elektra, X-23, and Gambit join Deadpool & Wolverine. Specifically, each character was pruned from their respective universe by TVA agent Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen) and dropped into the purgatory known as the Void, with their individual realities being wiped out.

While the movie indicates that Blade, Elektra, and Gambit’s timelines were restored (TVA agent Hunter B-15 responding “I’ll see what I can do” to Wade’s request), the X-Men franchise is a more complex situation, in part because of its own multiple retcons and continuity issues deriving from attempts to reconcile said retcons in everything from X-Men: First Class to X-Men: Days of Future Past. 2017’s Logan also once sat in an ambiguous place in the X-Men universe’s timeline, but Deadpool & Wolverine seemingly made it canon to the Deadpool franchise’s timeline. However, even that has its own problems with the aforementioned retcons and multiple timelines of the X-Men franchise, and with the lack of clarity in Deadpool & Wolverine itself over whether all of the X-Men movies effectively fit into the timeline of Logan, and how that is even possible with the divergent continuities in movies like the quasi-franchise finale of Dark Phoenix and the one-and-done of The New Mutants, both released post-Logan (“These timelines are so confusing,” as Wade himself observes in the first Deadpool). All of that raises a lot more questions about the Doomsday–Secret Wars story and the X-Men cast’s return in them.

How Are the X-Men Being Utilized in the Secret Wars Story (& What Is It Treating As Canon?)

With the X-Men franchise undergoing its timeline reboot in X-Men: Days of Future Past, having a standalone finale of sorts in Logan that has since been retconned into Deadpool’s own timeline, and still having loose ends of continuity with Dark Phoenix and The New Mutants after Logan, bringing Fox’s X-Men cast back in Doomsday and Secret Wars could be the most TLDR-dependent aspect of both movies. Even the theoretical but likely-seeming return of Hugh Jackman is far easier to facilitate, with his Logan in Deadpool & Wolverine being a multiverse variant unconnected to the Fox X-Men franchise. Moreover, Deadpool’s carefree attitude and fourth-wall-breaking makes genuine concerns about continuity all but a moot point in Deadpool & Wolverine, an advantage that Doomsday and Secret Wars don’t have.

Perhaps the easiest way for the X-Men cast to return would be a similar mechanism as Jackman’s own return in Deadpool & Wolverine, presenting them as variants from another reality than the continuity-jumbled Fox-Marvelverse. That could even be a narrative asset, reuniting Jackman’s Wolverine with a surviving team of X-Men from another Earth and giving him one last ride with his found family. By the same token, Doomsday and Secret Wars might actually make an effort to parse the “McAvoy or Stewart” timeline issues with some kind of clarity in the Fox X-Men cast’s presence in the story. In any case, tampering with the fabric of the multiverse always opens a can of worms, and in the multiverse-spanning adventure of Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, sorting out exactly which universe the X-Men hail from, what its timeline of events is, who its anchor being is, and why the TVA has left it alone might be the toughest nut for it to crack after the premature Fox-Marvel farewell in Deadpool & Wolverine.

Deadpool & Wolverine is available to stream on Disney+, and Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars will be released in theaters on December 18th, 2026 and December 17th, 2027.

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Avengers: Doomsday is bringing a lot of Marvel Cinematic Universe alum back into the fold to face Doctor Doom. There’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps‘ Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, and Pedro. There’s Thunderbolts*‘s Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Florence Pugh, Lewis Pullman, David Harbour, and Hannah John-Kamen. Doomsday is even bringing back a handful of X-Men legends from the classic 2000s movies, including Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and Alan Cumming, amongst others. Missing from the line-up, however, are the cast members of James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, including Howard the Duck himself, Family Guy‘s Seth Green.

And, while promoting his new film, The Floaters (also starring The Boys‘ Aya Cash and GLOW‘s Jackie Tohn), Green confirmed that Howard the Duck will net be a part of Doomsday. It seems, for now at least, we’ll just have to be content with Green’s appearances in the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and What If…?

What Did Green Have to Say About Doomsday?

Green’s most recent appearances in the MCU were both in What If…? Season 3. First in “What If… Howard the Duck Got Hitched?” and then in “What If… The Watcher Disappeared?” And, when asked if there were any plans for him to once again voice a live-action version, as seen in the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, he said “No, nothing of any substance.”

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Green then elaborated on what playing Howard has meant to him with “I love [playing the character]. It’s one of my greatest privileges. You don’t even know, man, how much this means to have done it in all the ways that I have. It’s awesome.”

The conversation then turned specifically to the chances of seeing Howard in Doomsday. In Green’s words, “I’m pretty sure I would have heard earlier that that was gonna happen. Nobody gave me a tip sheet or teed me up with talking points…So no, I have zero confidence that that’s ever going to happen.”

We shouldn’t think that there’s no chance of Green and Howard the Duck showing up ever again, though. After all, the first time we meet the MCU’s Howard, he’s in the Collector’s museum. Benicio del Toro, the actor who played the Collector, recently inspired hope about a return to the MCU.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 ended with a new team built after the departure of Star-Lord, Gamora, Nebula, Mantis, and Drax. It consisted of Rocket (as the leader), Groot, Kraglin, Cosmo, Adam Warlock, Warlock’s pet, Blurp, and rescued child Phyla. Perhaps Howard could join the team in a fourth Guardians of the Galaxy film, albeit one directed by someone other than James Gunn.

It wouldn’t be unheard of that another Guardians of the Galaxy is made now that Gunn has left to build the DCU. Perhaps Star-Lord actor Chris Pratt could join, as he once said on Jimmy Kimmel Live that “For people who know the Marvel world, we did Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, it was the last time you saw Star-Lord in there. There was a promise that Star-Lord would return. So, all I can say is we will make good on that promise.” We’ll have to wait to see what the future holds.

The post Marvel Actor Casts Doubt on Avengers: Doomsday Return (But We Want Them Back) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

A new rumor about the future of  Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe could signal a monumental shift for the God of Thunder following the events of Avengers: Doomsday. Insider Daniel Richtman revealed that Marvel Studios is developing a project known as Thor Quest, a title it shares with a 2023 children’s book centered on a young Thor’s first quest to find Mjolnir. There’s no information if the Marvel Studios project is a movie or a TV show,  but potentially shifting the focus to a young version of Thor could mean Chris Hemworthy’s God of Thunder might indeed be retiring the character after the next Avengers crossover. While any information from insiders must be viewed with skepticism, the theory is bolstered by a recent social media post from Hemsworth, who thanked fans for his 15-year tenure in the role, a message many have interpreted as a poignant farewell. 

Thor Quest: Hammers of the Gods is an illustrated children’s novel from Disney Books that chronicles an early adventure of a young Thor, Loki, and Sif. Adopting this prequel-style approach for a future project would be a strategically sound move for Marvel Studios. It offers a pathway to keep the immensely popular and profitable Thor brand active in the MCU while simultaneously providing Hemsworth with a meaningful conclusion in a high-stakes film like Avengers: Doomsday. This would clear the way for a new actor to portray a younger version of the hero, allowing for fresh stories without erasing the legacy Hemsworth built.

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It’s worth noting that Thor: Love and Thunder was met with a deeply divided response, with many critics and fans pointing to its inconsistent tone and excessive humor as significant drawbacks. Even Hemsworth himself has acknowledged the film’s shortcomings, expressing a desire for change. In a previous interview, he stated that if he were to return, “it’d have to be a drastically different version – tone, everything. Just for my own sanity.” This candid admission reinforces the idea that the creative direction for the character has reached a terminal point, making a heroic sacrifice in Doomsday and a subsequent franchise pivot to a younger iteration a compelling next step.

Everything We Know About Avengers: Doomsday

Avengers: Doomsday is being engineered as a production of unprecedented scale, a fact underscored by the return of directors Joe and Anthony Russo, who masterfully helmed Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. The project has undergone a significant narrative overhaul, shifting its focus from Kang the Conqueror to Marvel’s most iconic villain, Doctor Doom. In a move that has stunned the industry, the role of Victor Von Doom will be played by Robert Downey Jr., bringing the MCU’s original cornerstone actor back as its next primary antagonist. This creative decision signals the immense stakes of the film, which is expected to revolve around the catastrophic concept of multiversal incursions, where entire realities collide and threaten to annihilate one another.

Avengers: Doomsday will unite heroes from every chapter of the MCU and beyond. The confirmed roster underlines that Thor will fight alongside the current Avengers, the full New Avengers team led by Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), and the soon-to-be-introduced Fantastic Four. The cast list also includes MCU mainstays like Anthony Mackie (Captain America), Letitia Wright (Shuri), and Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange). Further amplifying the multiversal stakes, the movie will integrate fan-favorite characters from Fox’s X-Men universe, with Patrick Stewart (Professor X) and Ian McKellen (Magneto) confirmed to appear. The scale of this operation is so immense that the studio is maintaining a level of secrecy reminiscent of Endgame, with some actors, like Tom Hiddleston, reportedly unaware of the full scope of their involvement.

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to be released in theaters on December 18, 2026.

What are your thoughts on the Thor Quest rumor, and do you believe Avengers: Doomsday will mark the end for Chris Hemsworth’s Thor? Let us know in the comments.

The post New Thor 5 Rumor Could Mean Doom for the God of Thunder appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Marvel Cinematic Universe fan art imagines what it might look like if Ryan Gosling portrayed Ghost Rider in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. On Instagram, artist The Arman Official shared a Doomsday character poster they created depicting Gosling’s Johnny Blaze gearing up for the showdown against Doctor Doom. The images highlights the dual nature of the character, with Johnny’s skeletal side emerging from the flames. In the post caption, The Arman Official detailed their inspiration for the piece, expressing hope that one day Gosling can officially bring Ghost Rider to life in the MCU.

“I imagined this as a surprise Ghost Rider cameo in Avengers: Doomsday, and if I could cast him — Ryan Gosling would be my dream pick for the role in the next MCU phase,” The Arman Official wrote. “He deserves either a standalone movie or a Marvel Special Presentation.” Check out the artwork in the space below:

Gosling has never starred in a Marvel adaptation, but his name has frequently popped up in rumors concerning MCU casting. In particular, the Oscar-nominated actor has said before he’d like to play Ghost Rider, a development Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige would be in favor of. Despite the mutual interest, nothing has happened on that front yet. The closest viewers have gotten to seeing Gosling as Ghost Rider are pieces of fan art such as the one above.

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The Robbie Reyes version of Ghost Rider (played by Gabriel Luna) appeared on 10 episodes of the TV show Agents of SHIELD. On that series, Robbie Reyes is resurrected by Johnny Blaze (portrayed by Tom McComas), who passed the Spirit of Vengeance on to him. Ghost Rider has not been featured in a film since the two movies starring Nicolas Cage as Johnny Blaze were released in 2007 and 2011.

Over the course of his career, Gosling has largely steered clear of franchise fare, instead making a name for himself by collaborating with top-tier directors. Even high-profile projects like Barbie and Blade Runner 2047 were more auteur-driven, as Gosling worked alongside the likes of Greta Gerwig and Denis Villeneuve. Still, he isn’t averse to lending his talents to a major Hollywood franchise, evidenced by his headlining role in Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter. Given that Gosling’s already expressed interest in playing Ghost Rider, he could easily decide to join the MCU some day, though he’s going to be preoccupied with Starfighter for a while. The Star Wars film begins shooting this fall, ahead of its May 2027 release date.

Avengers: Doomsday is currently in production, with Marvel having already confirmed 27 actors who will appear in the film. The ensemble is quite large, and it’s going to get even bigger. Feige has said there are additional Doomsday casting announcements to come at a later date. It’ll be interesting to see if Gosling is among the next wave of actors revealed. Even though he’s in a Star Wars movie, the actor might still be wary of agreeing to a multi-picture contract with Marvel. Starfighter has been billed as a standalone work, which could make it a more appealing prospect to an in-demand talent like Gosling. This isn’t to say that he’ll never bring Ghost Rider to life, but it might be easier said than done. For now, fan art like this will continue to fuel the fan casting fires.

The post Ryan Gosling’s Ghost Rider Joins Avengers: Doomsday in Fiery MCU Fan Art appeared first on ComicBook.com.

There’s only one member of the original Avengers team who is still waiting for a replacement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Following the Infinity Saga’s conclusion and the departure of several notable heroes, Marvel Studios introduced a number of new characters who are continuing the legacies of the MCU’s most iconic heroes. There’s speculation that some original superheroes will be returning to the MCU in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, but some also suspect Phase 6 could be the last ride for a hero who doesn’t yet have a replacement.

While the likes of Iron Man, Captain America, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and the Hulk all have legacy heroes in the MCU, Thor is still waiting for someone to take over from him once he’s gone. The absence of a replacement for Thor could become a problem for Marvel soon, as Chris Hemsworth is speculated to be leaving the MCU after Doomsday and Secret Wars. There have been several possible candidates introduced to the MCU, but none of them have been developed well enough to take over from the God of Thunder.

Thor Doesn’t Have a Real Legacy Hero in the MCU Yet

Chris Hemsworth has starred as Thor Odinson in the MCU since his debut in 2011’s eponymous Thor. He’s since become one of the most important characters in the MCU – the only superhero to receive four solo movies, and having appeared in all four Avengers movies. Hemsworth was also the first actor Marvel confirmed to be cast in 2026’s upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, which will mark his first appearance since his polarizing adventure in 2022’s Thor: Love and Thunder. Doomsday could set up a replacement for Thor in the MCU, as he’s the only original Avenger without a legacy hero.

Marvel Studios’ new Ironheart series has cemented Riri Williams’ Ironheart (Dominique Thorne) as Tony Stark’s (Robert Downey Jr.) replacement, continuing his legacy as Iron Man. For Steve Rogers’ Captain America (Chris Evans), the likes of John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), and Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), specifically, are replicating his impact on the MCU. Natasha Romanoff’s Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) is replaced by Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Clint Barton’s Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) is replaced by Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld), and Bruce Banner’s (Mark Ruffalo) legacy falls to his cousin, Jennifer Walter’s She-Hulk (Tatiana Maslany).

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While there have been a number of characters introduced to the MCU who could replace Thor, should Hemsworth actually leave the franchise after Doomsday and Secret Wars, none have been confirmed to be his legacy hero. Thor is one of the most powerful and most consistent characters in the MCU, so it will be shocking to see him replaced by someone new. Hemsworth himself has reinforced speculation of his departure; however, this means Marvel has a task at hand in finding a replacement.

Who Could Replace Thor in the MCU?

The most obvious choice for who might be able to replace Thor in the MCU is, of course, another version of Thor. Jane Foster’s Mighty Thor (Natalie Portman) would have been the perfect option following her debut in Thor: Love and Thunder, but the Phase 4 movie saw her lose her battle with cancer after helping Thor take down Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale). Love & Thunder’s post-credits scene saw Foster enter Valhalla, which might have left the door open for her to return and act as Thor’s official replacement in the MCU’s future.

Aside from Jane Foster, Thor also gained a brand-new ally in Love & Thunder in the form of his adoptive daughter, Gorr’s biological daughter, Love (India Hemsworth). Resurrected and enhanced with the powers of the cosmic entity Eternity, Love is one of the MCU’s most powerful new characters, but she hasn’t been seen since Love & Thunder. Thor’s return in Doomsday and Secret Wars could feature Love alongside him, which might develop her into a more well-rounded character ready to take over his duties should he depart.

While it’s possible a pre-established MCU character could become Thor’s legacy hero, Marvel Studios might also choose to replace the God of Thunder with someone who hasn’t yet been seen in live-action. This could include Beta Ray Bill, who wielded Stormbreaker as a formidable hero in Marvel Comics. It’s also possible that Brett Goldstein could return as Hercules from Love & Thunder’s mid-credits scene, developing another godly hero in the MCU, while Marvel could also finally debut Balder the Brave – who was last teased in Loki. Only time will tell, but Thor will likely get his replacement hero very soon.

Who do you want to see take over from Thor in the MCU’s future? Let us know in the comments!

The post Only One Original Avenger Doesn’t Have A Replacement In The MCU (Yet) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

As Avengers: Doomsday continues production, Marvel Studios has reportedly paid millions to the British royal family. Per The Irish Sun, this was done so the upcoming blockbuster can film scenes on location at Windsor Great Park over the summer. It’s been said that around 300 cast and crew members will convene there to shoot the necessary sequences. The money Marvel is spending is going to go to a good cause, as the fee will be used to help maintain the park. A source outlined how the situation benefits all parties involved, telling The Irish Sun “Several million pounds is chicken feed to Marvel when their movies make billions. But the money will go to the upkeep of Windsor Great Park so the King of course has a keen interest. Some of the profits of Crown Estates make their way to the Royal Family so it’s a win-win for everyone.”

Avengers: Doomsday recently made headlines for its production work in the United Kingdom when it was reported that a 1960s-era home referred to as “Luke Cage’s House” was being constructed. It’s unknown if this is a bit of misdirection on Marvel’s part to preserve spoilers or if it’s a sign that Luke Cage will make a surprise appearance in Doomsday. Mike Colter has not been announced as part of the movie’s cast.

Marvel has also submitted plans to build a set called “Annie Reynolds’ House” in Bracknell Forest. Some fans believe this could be connected to Bob/Sentry from Thunderbolts*, as the character’s mother is named Annie Reynolds. The third act of Thunderbolts* features Bob reliving childhood trauma in the Void, highlighting the abuse he and his mother suffered at the hands of his father.

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Given its massive scale and scope, Avengers: Doomsday is going to boast an expensive production budget. With that in mind, some might find it surprising that Marvel is fine with forking over millions in pounds to film on location, but the fee is what makes this interesting. The filmmakers seemingly felt it was necessary to shoot these scenes on location and construct entire houses for them. It’ll be fascinating to see what these sequences entail. Even if the building names are just red herrings, the scenes are bound to contain key moments and details from Doomsday. The film will have so much on its plate that there won’t be time for filler sequences. So whatever Marvel is getting in the U.K. should be vital for the story.

Doomsday directors Joe and Anthony Russo had a plan for dealing with paparazzi photographers, but there’s only so much even they can do to prevent leaks. As we’ve already seen, people are keeping an eye out for anything from the Doomsday set and sharing it. As production continues, Marvel fans will be scouring the internet in an attempt to learn anything they can about the film. Perhaps more set photos from the U.K. shoot will offer more insight into what the Russos have in store.

The post Marvel Reportedly Just Paid Millions to the British Royal Family: Here’s Why appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Ryan Coogler and his colleagues didn’t set out to make Ironheart into a prelude to Avengers: Doomsday, but through a happy accident, the titles are thematically aligned. At the red carpet premiere of Ironheart on Monday, Coogler told Deadline that the conflict between tech wiz Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) and magically-empowered vigilante Parker Robbins (Anthony Ramos) perfectly compliments the collision of sci-fi and fantasy that is Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.) It’s also timely to explore these elements, he noted, as the proliferation of artificial intelligence software continues to make headlines. Ironheart premieres on Tuesday, June 24th at 9 p.m. ET on Disney+, and it fits in nicely as the Marvel Cinematic Universe steers toward another big crossover.

“It’s so crazy to be putting this [series] out now, at the time where AI is on the front of everybody’s mind, technological ethics are on the front of everybody’s mind,” Coogler said, “but also — we didn’t know it was going to be Doctor Doom and the Avengers when we first started, but he’s a guy in publishing who’s most famous for fusing technology and magic, so it’s a great sample of things that are to come in probably what’s going to be the biggest movie in Marvel history.”

At the same event, Thorne teased a more personal connection to mysticism for Riri herself. “We definitely see her family, her mother try to kind of welcome her into that in a very rudimentary way and also really spiritual way that she is not at all interested in, so I think it’s a hilarious journey and also a really tempting journey that we see her go on once she realizes the full extent and capability of the magic side of the world,” she said.

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Fans were introduced to the MCU’s version of Riri in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, where the extent of her tech savvy as a genius inventor was on clear display. From a foundation of tinkering in her garage with her stepfather, she mastered complex engineering and was accepted into MIT, where she began working on her own Iron Man-style power suit, and developed the world’s first Vibranium-detector. Now, Ironheart will take her back to her hometown, Chicago, and surprisingly, that’s where she’ll become more entangled in magical powers like those wielded by Doctor Strange.

As for Avengers: Doomsday, we know surprisingly little about the plot, or even about the MCU’s take on Doctor Doom. We know the story will involve multiverse incursions to bring the Fantastic Four and the X-Men together from different dimensions, but we don’t know where Doom himself comes from, how he has been empowered, and what exactly he wants.

With only a few new MCU releases between now and then, we should expect answers to begin popping up soon. Ironheart premieres on Tuesday, June 24th at 9 p.m. ET on Disney+. Avengers: Doomsday is filming now and is currently scheduled to hit theaters on December 18, 2026.

The post Ryan Coogler Says Ironheart’s Avengers: Doomsday Connections Were Unexpected, but Make Sense appeared first on ComicBook.com.

It’s not easy being in the public eye. Paparazzi are around every corner, and the tabloids are waiting for one minor slip-up to declare war on someone. However, there is a whole different set of expectations when an actor accepts a role based on a comic book. Decades and decades of history follow them wherever they go, and if they even have one hair out of place, the backlash will be inescapable. Pedro Pascal is well aware of all of this ahead of his appearnce in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, but he has a great support system that includes one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe‘s biggest stars.

Pascal is no stranger to massive roles, as his resume includes stints on Game of Thrones, Star Wars: The Mandalorian, and The Last of Us. However, the MCU is a whole different world, and as the actor tells Vanity Fair, he and the rest of the First Steps creative team are having to wrap their heads around that.

“I’m getting an inkling of excitement because it seems to reflect what our common goal was, and what we want to share, which is all of our f***ing hearts on a platter within this genre,” he said. “You just never know if people are going to be disgusted by your heart or not.”

The pessimistic attitude isn’t coming out of left field, though, as Pascal has heard detractors come after his age and appearance in the lead-up to his MCU debut. “I’m more aware of disgruntlement around my casting than anything I’ve ever done,” he explained. ‘He’s too old. He’s not right. He needs to shave.'”

Fortunately, one actor who has experience playing in the MCU background is coming to Pascal’s defense. Robert Downey Jr. has reached out to his Avengers: Doomsday co-star and offered words of encouragement.

“He’s just so immediately generous and inviting that you feel like you can be afraid, you can be hungry, you can be ambivalent,” Pascal said.

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Robert Downey Jr. Is in Every MCU Actor’s Corner

The love goes both ways because Downey Jr. told Vanity Fair how much Pascal’s journey means to him, saying, “Pascal’s slow trajectory to becoming a household name who is on a wildly hot streak kind of reaffirms my faith in our industry.”

Pascal isn’t the only actor in the MCU family that Downey Jr. has his eye on, however. Ahead of the release of Ironheart, the actor took time out of his busy schedule while filming Doomsday to send a message to Dominique Thorne, who is preparing to headline her first solo project.

Thorne appreciated the message from her fellow Iron Person, but it wasn’t the first time she had heard from him. “Shortly after we finished filming in Chicago is when I got the first phone call from him, and he has been so sweet, like, through and through,” she told Good Morning America. “So, the support it means so much. It really does.”

All these positive stories about the Iron Man actor make Marvel Studios’ decision to bring him back as a villain make more sense. He’s a positive force of nature and makes everyone else feel good about themselves on set. There’s not much more someone can do to prove that they’re worthy of being the face of a franchise.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25, 2025.

Are you happy that Pedro Pascal is playing Reed Richards in the MCU? What are your thoughts on Robert Downey Jr. standing behind his Avengers: Doomsday co-star after all the backlash? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Pedro Pascal Gets Support From Robert Downey Jr. After Fantastic Four Casting Backlash appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The event films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe never pull their punches. Heroes from all corners of the universe come together to face whatever threat is in their way, and they always do it in style. The fun doesn’t come from the characters that have top billing, though. No, the good people at Marvel Studios know that a movie is only as good as its biggest cameo, so they always sneak a few in. Thanos shows up in The Avengers‘ post-credits scene, and Avengers: Infinity War finds time to tease Captain Marvel following its dramatic cliffhanger. And if a new report is correct, Avengers: Doomsday will follow in the footsteps of its predecessors by featuring a Defenders character.

After receiving a significant release date delay, Doomsday is taking its time and getting its house in order. That’s not even a pun because the production is currently working on constructing a structure that plans refer to as Annie Reynolds’ House. Annie is the mother of Sentry, who is played by Lewis Pullman, a member of the Doomsday cast. The Reynolds household appears in Thunderbolts*, so it makes sense that the next Avengers movie could return to it. However, another building on the set list doesn’t have any connections to the Doomsday cast, as it seemingly belongs to a hero from the small screen.

The Irish Sun is reporting that Marvel Studios is working with the Royal Family because it’s planning to film scenes next to Windsor Castle. A photo from the Doomsday set proves that a 1960s-era home is already in the area, and the publication claims that the listing refers to it as “Luke Cage’s House.” That’s a lot to take in, especially because the character has yet to appear in live-action since the cancellation of Marvel’s Netflix shows. There are several explanations for the development, though, and at least one of them could mean that Power Man’s future is bright.

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The Defenders Are Slowly Making Their Way to the MCU

To get the obvious out of the way, there’s a scenario in which “Luke Cage’s House” is a fake name to throw off the scent. After all, Marvel Studios uses working titles to keep details about its projects under wraps, and with Doomsday being as important as it is, that level of protection could apply to structures now as well. But that theory is no fun, especially since another member of the Defenders will make their MCU debut in the near future.

Daredevil and Kingpin were the first Netflix characters to be introduced in the MCU, but it took a while for them to return to their natural habitat. However, despite some production issues, Daredevil: Born Again was a success and already has a second season in the works. Jessica Jones will appear in the sophomore outing and help Matt Murdock fight Mayor Fisk’s Anti-Vigilante Task Force in the streets of New York City. While it felt like a foregone conclusion that Cage would join her because of their past, Marvel Studios may have bigger plans for him.

Given the appearance of the home on the set of Doomsday, a variant of Cage could be on the way that embraces the campiness of the character’s early runs. It’s hard to say what kind of role he would play in a movie that already has so much on its plate, but he deserves a seat at the table as much as any of the mutants that are part of the cast list. Maybe having Cage prove himself against a villain of Doom’s caliber will even open the door for his street-level buddies to join him in the MCU’s event films going forward.

Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 18, 2026.

Would you like to see Luke Cage show up in Avengers: Doomsday? Do you think it’ll be a variant or the Netflix version of the character? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Avengers: Doomsday Set Photo May Spoil a Defender’s Return (Or Is It a Misdirect?) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Concept artist John Staub has offered a look at alternative designs for the Sentry (Lewis Pullman) and his darker half, the Void, from Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts*, showcasing some striking visuals that lean heavily into comic book accuracy. Shared via Instagram, the artwork reveals a version of the Void hovering menacingly before a colossal dark cloud, a direct nod to the character’s initial appearances in the original Sentry comic book miniseries. Other explorations included a stark black version of the Sentry’s traditional uniform, presenting a more corrupted hero aesthetic. Ultimately, the film opted for a portrayal where the Void is depicted as an entity of pure darkness, with Pullman’s face obscured by shadow, leaving only two glowing eyes. This choice underscored the Void’s nature as an erasure of Bob Reynolds’ very being rather than just an alternate costume.

In Thunderbolts*, Robert “Bob” Reynolds fractured psyche is exacerbated by Project Sentry experiments, manifesting two immensely powerful personas: the heroic Sentry and the nihilistic Void. The Void serves as the movie’s primary antagonist, seeking to spread his despair through a dark dimension that forces individuals to relive their trauma. The plot hinges on the titular team, a group of reformed antagonists and anti-heroes, confronting this god-level threat. The narrative culminates with the Thunderbolts reaching out to Bob Reynolds, offering him support and human connection. This collective empathy allows Bob to gain a measure of control over the Void, causing the dark mist to dissipate. As a result, the choice to make the Void an all-consuming, featureless darkness powerfully visualized how Bob’s trauma threatened to erase his identity.

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Thunderbolts* Changes How We Think of Superheroes, and That’s What the MCU Needs

While the post-credits scene of Thunderbolts* shows Bob has been keeping the Void in check by never conjuring the powers of the Sentry, Pullman is part of the extensive cast confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday. That strongly suggests that audiences have not seen the last of Bob Reynolds and his troubled alter egos. Plot details of Avengers: Doomsday are being kept under wraps, but it’s likely the Sentry, and the Void, will return for Marvel Studios’s upcoming crossover movie.

Thunderbolts* Critical Acclaim And Box Office Hurdles

Thunderbolts* garnered significant praise, achieving an impressive 88% critic score and an even stronger 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the highest-rated MCU Phase 5 project on both metrics at the time of its release. This positive reception, however, did not fully translate into blockbuster box office numbers. The movie concluded its theatrical run with approximately $381 million globally against a reported production budget of $180 million. While not an outright flop, this figure falls short of the typical break-even point for a film of this scale (often estimated at 2.5 times the production budget, which would be around $450 million), especially when factoring in marketing and distribution costs.

However, the critical success of Thunderbolts*, particularly the praise for its mature themes, character development, and direction by Jake Schreier, has had positive repercussions beyond the box office numbers. Schreier’s adept handling of the complex ensemble and the film’s emotional depth has given him the director’s chair for Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated X-Men movie. This move mirrors Marvel’s strategy with the Russo brothers, who transitioned from the critically acclaimed Captain America: The Winter Soldier to masterminding the Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame saga. Entrusting Schreier with the introduction of mutants into the MCU, a cornerstone of Marvel’s future plans post-Avengers: Secret Wars, indicates the studio values proven directorial vision capable of delivering both quality storytelling and audience satisfaction, even if the box office returns for Thunderbolts* were not as robust as hoped.

What are your thoughts on these comic-accurate Sentry and Void designs? Do you think the final version in Thunderbolts* was more effective? Let us know in the comments!

The post Marvel’s Thunderbolts* Reveals Wildly Different Sentry and Void Costumes That Are Comic Accurate appeared first on ComicBook.com.

It’s no secret that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is looking for wins wherever it can find them. Despite not hitting it big at the box office, Thunderbolts* has both critics and fans in its corner, with everyone who sees it singing its praises. Marvel Studios will look to go two for two when The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters. However, no matter how much goodwill the New Avengers and Marvel’s First Family build up, it’s going to be up to Avengers: Doomsday to alert the world that the MCU is back. Marvel Studios is well aware of that, so it’s bringing in talent that knows how to dominate the comic book movie genre.

Anthony and Joe Russo are directing the next two Avengers movies, which will focus on the multiverse. That’s not all that surprising since the Big Bad of Phases 4 and 5, Kang, is all about taking over alternate realities. The only problem is that Kang is yesterday’s news, as a new villain will take the reins when he makes his debut in Doomsday: Doctor Doom.

After years of waiting, Doom is here, and it’s not just anyone putting on the green outfit. Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the MCU and turning in his Iron Man suit for the Doom helmet. It’s going to be shocking to see the one-time face of the MCU turn heel, and it’s up to Marvel Studios to make the transition feel organic. One fan doesn’t want anyone to stress, however, because they believe they have the perfect solution to the Doom conundrum.

While scrolling the MCUTheories subreddit, user TheGreatMason decided to give their two cents on the theory going around about Doom dreamwalking into the body of Earth-616’s Tony Stark. It would explain why the character needs to wear a mask, as the years of decay will surely have taken a toll on Iron Man. Unfortunately, there’s an issue with the idea that TheGreatMason can’t overlook.

“I have read the theory of Dr. Doom being a Tony Stark variant who dreamwalks into 616 Tony’s body and that’s why his face is scarred,” they said. “While I think dreamwalking was a fun concept for a single-movie villain with horror elements and I like the idea of Doom being able to use dreamwalking if necessary, I don’t like the idea of the main saga’s villain being somebody who goes around in his dead variant’s body.”

TheGreatMason may not like the dreamwalking concept for a major villain, but there’s another aspect of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness that sticks out to them. On Earth-838, the Illuminati defeat Thanos on Titan, which the Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy fail to do in Avengers: Infinity War. Doctor Strange can’t focus on the battle, though, because he’s too busy messing with the Darkhold. The Illuminati have to put Strange down because he’s a loose cannon, but they still want the public to think he’s a hero, and TheGreatMason thinks Doom could be in a similar situation. Having defeated Thanos on his world with the Infinity Stones, he might pretend to be as noble as Strange or Earth-616’s Tony.

“His face could be scarred the same way Tony’s face was scarred at the end of Endgame and he could be the celebrated main hero of his home world,” TheGreatMason added. “This would also give him more tools to manipulate the Avengers of 616. If he has the same exact scar as 616 Tony because he is the hero who saved that world from Thanos, there are more reasons to trust him when he says that X-Men from Earth 10005 are evil, right?”

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Doctor Doom Fighting Thanos Isn’t as Crazy as It Seems

The majority of the comments on the post like the idea of Doom battling the Mad Titan. Adding fuel to the fire is that the comic panel of Doom ripping out Thanos’ spine, which frequently circulates on the internet, is from 2015’s Secret Wars, a title that Marvel Studios is surely combing through for inspiration for its next two Avengers movies. There’s no better way to prove how formidable the new Big Bad is than having them defeat an old one.

Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 18, 2026.

Do you think Doctor Doom fighting Thanos would help explain the villain’s appearance? What else do you want to see from Robert Downey Jr.’s new character? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Avengers: Doomsday Can Quickly Explain RDJ’s Doom With One Major MCU Fight appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Doctor Doom has yet to make his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut, but it already feels like the franchise’s heroes don’t stand a chance against him. He’s seemingly after control of the multiverse, and while he’s making moves to plant his flag in different realities, the New Avengers and Sam Wilson’s team will be too busy to notice. They can’t agree on a new direction for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, so they’re going to need to lean on someone who has more experience: Thor. The God of Thunder is already confirmed to appear in Avengers: Doomsday alongside his brother, Loki, who is busy holding together the multiverse.

It feels like a foregone conclusion that the two Asgardians will reunite to let the sun shine on them again. However, they would be smart to make the movie a family affair, as a third brother who has yet to officially appear in the MCU is out there and could be useful in the fight against Doom.

Balder Nearly Had a Major Role in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Doctor Strange becomes familiar with the multiverse in his second solo movie, traveling from reality to reality with America Chavez to ensure that Scarlet Witch doesn’t do too much damage with the Darkhold. At one of his stops, he meets a version of the Illuminati, led by Charles Xavier. Captain Marvel, Mister Fantastic, Captain Carter, Black Bolt, and Baron Mordo make up the rest of the roster, and they all scold Doctor Strange because they believe he’s a threat to the multiverse. Strange lucked out, though, because he nearly got a stern talking to from another character, Balder the Brave, who Daniel Craig was going to bring to life.

Balder ended up getting cut from Multiverse of Madness, leaving his place in the MCU a mystery. The situation became clearer during Loki Season 2, when the God of Mischief stumbles upon statues of the Norse gods. He’s in his feelings because he’s not standing alongside his brother, Thor, and father, Odin, but Balder, who he doesn’t think is relevant. Mobius puts Loki in his place, telling him that everyone knows about Balder the Brave. The dialogue is easy to miss, but it teases a future for the character, one where he fights alongside his brothers in the MCU’s biggest battle yet.

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Balder and Doctor Doom Aren’t Going to Get Along in the MCU

Myths and Ledgends from Around the World, a book Erik Selvig reads in the MCU, seems to tease that Loki is responsible for Balder’s death. The God of Mischief’s feelings in Loki Season 2 paint a different picture, though. It’s possible that Balder doesn’t like all the pomp and circumstance that comes with being a god, so he sets out into the Nine Realms to forge his own path. His journey of self-discovery may have even started before Loki and Thor were born, with the siblings only hearing about their brother through stories. After all, Thor and Loki found themselves in a similar boat with Hela.

The arrival of Doom is sure to call for a reunion, as the MCU is without some of its more natural-born leaders, like Tony Stark and Steve Rogers. In Marvel Comics, Balder finds himself sitting on Asgard’s throne from time to time, and he even leads his people into battle when he needs to. It also doesn’t hurt his case that he’s one of the faster Asgardians, having the ability to strike before an enemy even gets a chance to get their feet underneath him.

While Thor and Loki are likely to find themselves in support roles as the MCU puts its new generation of heroes into the spotlight, there has to be a window in Doomsday‘s run time to allow them to reunite with their long-lost brother. It’ll be more than a cheap cameo, as Balder has the potential to be a difference maker against Doom and whatever the villain has up his sleeve.

Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters December 18, 2026.

Would you like to see Balder the Brave appear in Avengers: Doomsday? How do you think Loki and Thor would react to seeing their brother? Let us know in the comments below!

The post A Scrapped MCU Cameo Could Change Avengers: Doomsday’s Conflict in a Major Way appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Despite facing backlash throughout Phases 4 and 5, Marvel Studios is doing a good job of building the hype for Avengers: Doomsday. Of course, the big draw of the movie is that Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but not as his original character, Tony Stark. He will bring Victor von Doom to life and torment the heroes who go up against his villain. However, despite most of the original Avengers being gone, Doom won’t have it easy. The Fantastic Four are about to join the fray, and they will have company in the form of Sam Wilson and his allies. Initially, both of those groups are going to have to take a backseat, though, because a new team is in town.

The end of 2025’s Thunderbolts* reveals that the titular team is now the “New Avengers.” Valentina Allegra de Fontaine puts the whole thing together to save her skin, but the anti-heroes take to their new roles pretty quickly. They have operated as Earth’s Mightiest Heroes for over a year by the time the Thunderbolts* post-credits scene rolls around, revealing the Fantastic Four’s ship has entered the planet’s atmosphere. Doomsday is sure to pick up right after that, but information about the movie’s filming location reveals that things are going to get even more complicated for the New Avengers.

BBC News got its hands on some plans Marvel submitted to the council of Berkshire, England. The company wants to build a single house outside Bracknell Forest, which isn’t abnormal for a production as large as Doomsday‘s. What makes the plans noteworthy, though, is that they list a name for the structure, “Annie Reynolds’ House.” Now, there aren’t any notable heroes in the Doomsday cast list with the first name Annie, but Reynolds just so happens to be the last name of the MCU’s strongest character, Sentry.

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The Void May Return to the MCU Sooner Than Anticipated

The reason the public is so quick to embrace the New Avengers is that they save New York City from the Void, Bob Reynolds’ evil alter-ego. Valentina tries to kill Bob after he defies her, which blows up in her face because her attack unleashes the Void. The dark entity begins absorbing everything it can, but Yelena Belova can’t just stand by and watch. She lets the Void take her and realizes that it forces anyone inside to relive their worst memories. Yelena finds Bob in his childhood home, where his dad is abusing him and his mother, Annie. It’s trauma that Bob just can’t move past, but with he help of his new friends, he sends the Void packing and begins the healing process.

To ensure the Void doesn’t get out again, Bob gives up being Sentry and hangs out in Avengers Tower while his friends defend the planet. He seems fine with the arrangement, but if his childhood home returns in Doomsday, that means something isn’t right. The best-case scenario is that Bob visits his mother for a long-overdue conversation. However, Doom probably isn’t going to let powerhouses like Sentry move around freely, so there’s also a chance that he realizes Bob’s potential and takes control of him somehow, forcing his enemies into the Void. In any case, Bob going back home isn’t a good omen because it’s hard to put that genie back into the bottle.

Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 18, 2026.

How would you feel if the Void returned in Avengers: Doomsday? Is there any other reason for Annie Reynolds’ home to be part of the movie? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Avengers: Doomsday Filming Details Include a Location Important to One Hero’s Past appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has officially confirmed a direct narrative link between two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most anticipated upcoming films, revealing that the events of The Fantastic Four: First Steps will lead directly into the storyline of Avengers: Doomsday. Feige’s announcement, made during a presentation at the CineEurope trade show, solidifies long-held fan speculation that was sparked by a revealing post-credits scene in Thunderbolts*. The confirmation establishes the First Family’s introductory movie not just as a standalone story but as a crucial prologue to the next major Avengers crossover event. This places the iconic team at the immediate center of the universe-spanning stakes of the Multiverse Saga upon their arrival in the MCU.

Warning: Spoilers below for Thunderbolts*

Feige’s official announcement pays off a major tease from the post-credits scene of Thunderbolts*, which is set 14 months after the formation of the government-sanctioned New Avengers. In that scene, the team detects an “extradimensional” ship entering Earth’s orbit, with a satellite view revealing the vessel is adorned with the Fantastic Four’s classic logo. This development provides a clear narrative bridge, explaining how the team, whose own film is set in an alternate, retro-futuristic 1960s-inspired timeline, arrives in the main MCU. The catalyst for their interdimensional journey is likely the film’s primary antagonists, Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), who threaten their world’s existence. However, we still don’t know for certain how the Fantastic Four will be removed from their MCU timeline.

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Helmed by director Matt Shakman, The Fantastic Four: First Steps will introduce audiences to Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/the Thing. With the cast already confirmed to appear in Avengers: Doomsday, Feige’s announcement underscores the scale of the threat posed by Doctor Doom and the central role Marvel’s First Family is poised to play in the franchise’s future.

The Road to Avengers: Doomsday

The wait for Avengers: Doomsday has been extended following a significant shift in Marvel Studios’ release schedule that pushed the film back seven months to a new date of December 18, 2026. This delay is reportedly due to the immense scope and scale of the project, which insiders have described as one of the largest movies Marvel has ever produced. Avengers: Doomsday‘s colossal cast list, announced during a livestream event in March, supports these claims, with dozens of actors already confirmed and more announcements promised. The story will assemble heroes from across the entire history of the MCU and beyond to face its primary antagonist, Doctor Doom, who will be played by former Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr.

The crossover’s roster unites MCU veterans like Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Anthony Mackie (Captain America) with the full Thunderbolts* team, including Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova) and Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes). They will be joined by the principal cast of The Fantastic Four: First Steps and fan-favorite characters from Fox’s X-Men movies, including Patrick Stewart (Professor X) and Ian McKellen (Magneto). The secrecy surrounding such a massive ensemble is intense, so much so that even veteran actor Tom Hiddleston, who reprises his role as Loki, learned about his official casting announcement alongside the public.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps will be released in theaters on July 25th, with Avengers: Doomsday following on December 18, 2026.

How do you think the Fantastic Four’s arrival will trigger the events of Avengers: Doomsday? Share your theories in the comments!

The post Marvel Studios Boss Confirms Avengers: Doomsday and Fantastic Four Connection appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Disney has added a new untitled Marvel Studios film to its release calendar, slotting it for December 15, 2028. This marks the fourth Marvel Cinematic Universe movie planned for that year, joining previously secured dates in February, May, and November. The addition of another film raises eyebrows, as it contradicts recent statements from Disney CEO Bob Iger and other Marvel Studios figures about an intentional slowdown in MCU content production to focus on quality over quantity. However, it is also a known practice for Disney to reserve release dates well in advance, and these placeholders do not always guarantee a film will be released on every secured date. Alternatively, this new December 2028 slot could signify a strategic positioning for a major movie introducing a highly anticipated property after the events of Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027.

One possibility for the increasingly packed 2028 slate is that Marvel Studios intends for it to be a year to finally release several projects that have been in extended development. Several high-profile sequels and a long-awaited solo film have faced various delays, and 2028 could be the target to bring them to audiences. Among these is the sequel to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. While star Simu Liu has expressed excitement and confirmed Shang-Chi 2 is still happening, its progress has seemed to move slowly, partly due to director Destin Daniel Cretton’s commitments to other projects, including the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

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Another major project that could land in 2028 is Black Panther 3. The success of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever made a third installment inevitable, and Marvel Studios has confirmed it is in development with Ryan Coogler expected to return and Denzel Washington being eyed to play a key role. Then there is Doctor Strange 3. Following the events of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, a third solo outing for Benedict Cumberbatch’s sorcerer has been highly anticipated. Sam Raimi, who directed the second film, is reportedly in talks to return to Doctor Strange 3, with Cumberbatch actively working on the project behind the scenes. Finally, the Blade reboot, starring Mahershala Ali, has undergone multiple revisions, including changes to writers and directors, script overhauls, and significant delays, ultimately leading to its indefinite removal from the November 2025 release slot. There’s been chatter about the project being revamped as a Midnight Sons movie, which could also come in 2028.

The MCU’s Exciting Future Projects

Beyond the projects caught in longer development cycles, other movies currently in development could easily occupy one of the 2028 slots. One such possibility is a fifth Thor film. While Thor: Love and Thunder received a mixed reception, reports suggest that Thor 5 is in early development. Notably, Taika Waititi, director of the previous two Thor films, is not expected to return, with star Chris Hemsworth reportedly pushing for a new directorial vision. Rumors also indicate a desire for a tonal shift from the more overt comedy of Love and Thunder. Given Hemsworth’s continued presence in the MCU, including his confirmed role in Avengers: Doomsday, a Thor 5 appearing post-Secret Wars is a strong contender.

Perhaps the most anticipated development for the MCU’s future is the introduction of the X-Men. Following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, fans have eagerly awaited the integration of the mutants. Kevin Feige has confirmed that the “Age of Mutants” is officially on its way, with the period after Avengers: Secret Wars set to usher in this new era. An X-Men reboot film is confirmed to be in development, with Michael Lesslie attached to write the script. Casting is reportedly underway, with Marvel said to be looking for actors in their 20s and 30s, suggesting a fresh start for the team rather than an origin story. Given the timeline provided by Feige, a late 2028 release, particularly the December slot, would be a prime position for the X-Men to make their grand MCU debut, potentially launching a whole new saga centered around mutantkind.

What film do you think Marvel Studios is planning for December 15, 2028? Share your theories in the comments!

The post New Marvel Movie Announcement Adds Mystery FOURTH Release To 2028 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Marvel Studios was between a rock and a hard place following the death of beloved actor Chadwick Boseman. In addition to playing Black icons like Jackie Robinson and James Brown, he brought T’Challa, aka Black Panther, to life in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starting with Captain America: Civil War. He got a solo movie, directed by Ryan Coogler, after his successful debut, which was a massive success. Sadly, after playing T’Challa two more times in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, Boseman passed away after a battle with colon cancer. Coogler and the rest of the creative team at Marvel Studios made the tough decision not to recast the part in the Black Panther sequel, opting to have the movie serve as a love letter to Boseman.

The grief everyone felt while making Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was evident during the press tour and in the final product. Boseman was a special person, and it wouldn’t have been fair to have someone fill his shoes so quickly. However, nearly five years after Boseman’s death, Marvel Studios may be softening its original stance and looking to bring another Black Panther into the fold.

During an appearance on Today to promote the upcoming sports movie F1, Damson Idris was asked whether he’s talked to Marvel about playing Black Panther. “Yes-no,” he said in an attempt to dodge the question. Host Craig Melvin quickly fired back, saying, “By the way, the yes-no means yes.” Idris didn’t provide any additional information, but he did say that, if he were offered the role, he would take it.

The reason Idris’ name is being brought up in conversations is that, earlier in 2025, supposed concept art for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday leaked online, featuring a new version of the king of Wakanda. The figure in the image bore a resemblance to the F1 star, sparking rumors online that he was already in talks to appear in the movie. Marvel Studios has yet to confirm or deny anything, but if T’Challa is returning, there are a few ways the franchise can handle it.

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The MCU Has a Couple of Options If It Wants to Bring Back T’Challa

One of the reasons Marvel Studios might think it’s the right time for T’Challa to return is because of the importance of the multiverse in its franchise. With countless universes out there to explore, having a variant of Black Panther show up and join the fight against Doctor Doom in Doomsday would be an easy sell. He wouldn’t have to stay for long, and when it’s time for another Black Panther movie, Shuri can go back to being the only protector of Wakanda.

Another option is for the MCU to play the time travel game again and have Idris portray a grown-up version of T’Challa’s son, who was introduced in Wakanda Forever. The young boy goes by Toussaint, but his Wakandan name is also T’Challa, and he’s sure to want to follow in his father’s footsteps one day. If Shuri and the Avengers travel to the future or the eventual king travels to the past, there will be another Black Panther in the fold, one that connects directly to Boseman’s character.

Of course, at this point, this is all speculation, but Idris’ reaction to being asked made it clear that he knows more than he’s letting on. Even without officially being announced, he’s aware of Marvel Studios’ influence and doesn’t want to ruffle any feathers. Idris is a great fit for the role, though, and it would be nice to have T’Challa back because the character means so much to so many.

Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 18, 2026.

How would you feel about Damson Idris playing a new version of T’Challa in the MCU? Would you like him to stick around or only appear in a movie or two? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Marvel May Be in Talks To Cast New Black Panther (& We Know Who With) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The X-Men have had their fair share of big-screen projects. Starting in 2000 with Bryan Singer’s X-Men, a new movie came out every couple of years until 2020 when The New Mutants was released. 20th Century Fox was acquired by Disney in 2019, which allowed Marvel Studios to get its hands on all the mutant characters from Marvel Comics. Instead of rushing right in and putting a bunch of X-Men movies into development, though, the powers that be chose to take the slow-burn approach in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, introducing the concept of the X-gene and a few characters with it. And all that patience is about to pay off because the X-Men are ready to step back into the spotlight.

The big news is that Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier is working on an X-Men reboot movie. It’s still in the early stages of development, but new actors will likely lead the project, which is sure to give the team a chance to plant its flag in a franchise run by the Avengers. However, the new version of the X-Men isn’t going to be the first to cross paths with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

Several major cast members from Fox’s X-Men movies are reprising their roles in Avengers: Doomsday. Their names were revealed during Marvel Studios’ drawn-out chair event, and that’s all there is to go on at this point. But fans can’t wait to see what the Russo Bros. are cooking up for the team, so they’re taking matters into their own hands. One fan released art that depicts Patrick Stewart’s Professor X leading some of his students into battle with comics-accurate costumes.

Professor X’s chair looks a lot different than it did in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but that’s to be expected because that version of the character didn’t survive the battle with the Scarlet Witch. The variant that shows up in Doomsday will have a better chance of making it out alive because he will have mutants by his side rather than the Illuminati. Gambit, Nightcrawler, Beast, Magento, and Cyclops, who appear in the art, are all already confirmed for the next Avengers movie, and there are rumors about Wolverine joining them before it’s all said and done. Colossus is the only wildcard, but already he’s part of the Deadpool franchise, which could open the door for him to make a cameo.

The only bummer about the return of so many iconic actors is that their time in Doomsday probably won’t be full of sunshine and rainbows. A massive villain is about to introduce themselves to the MCU, and they’re not going to be looking to take prisoners.

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Avengers vs. X-Men Will Have to Wait for Doctor Doom to Be Done

When all the names of the X-Men actors appeared on the chairs during the Doomsday cast event, the idea of the movie secretly being an Avengers vs. X-Men project took shape. After all, the Avengers are in a bit of disarray in the MCU right now, and the X-Men could see an opportunity to fill the void. The issue with that scenario is that they won’t have time to squabble with each other because Doom is coming, bringing an entire multiverse worth of problems with him.

If the Avengers and X-Men both want to survive, they’re going to have to join forces against Doom, and even then, they don’t have a great shot. The ruler of Latveria is one of Marvel’s most iconic villains for a reason, with him always having tricks up his sleeve to get the upper hand on his enemies. He’s likely going to pull out all the stops in Doomsday, forcing all the heroes, including the X-Men, back to the drawing board in its follow-up, Avengers: Secret Wars.

Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 18, 2026.

What do you think of the X-Men fan art? Are you excited for the team to make their MCU debut in Avengers: Doomsday? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Patrick Stewart Leads the X-Men in Their MCU Debut in New Marvel Fan Art appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is about to go toe-to-toe with the new DC Universe at the box office this summer when it releases The Fantastic Four: First Steps just two weeks after Superman. It’s going to be a tough battle, as there’s a lot of hype surrounding James Gunn’s latest movie. However, Marvel Studios has an ace in the hole that could help it dominate the conversation for the next couple of weeks: Ironheart. Following Riri Williams, who made her MCU debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the show will pit the engineering whiz against magical forces that aren’t looking to make friends.

With the first three episodes of Ironheart set to drop in less than a week, the cast is out promoting the project. Dominique Thorne and Anthony Ramos took their talents to Good Morning America, a stop on every Marvel Studios press tour because ABC is under the Disney umbrella. The good people at GMA are the best in the business, though, so they were ready with a surprise for their guests.

Host Robin Roberts interrupted the conversation to kick it to a video message from Robert Downey Jr., who was wearing a Pinewood Studios hat to promote his upcoming appearance in Avengers: Doomsday. “Miss Thorne, I couldn’t be happier than to see you bringing Riri Williams to life,” he started. “But the Hood has me nervous. Is the hood green? Please tell me Mr. Ramos is not replacing me as Doctor Doom via Parker Robbins.”

After losing focus at the thought of losing his latest gig, Downey Jr. got back on track to deliver one last message to Thorne, saying, “Long story short, Iron Man loves Ironheart” while making a heart with his hands. The support clearly means the world to the Ironheart star, especially because she has a long history with Tony Stark.

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Dominique Thorne and Robert Downey Jr. Have a Strong Connection

Thorne spent the next few minutes of her appearance on GMA talking about her appreciation for both Iron Man and Downey Jr. “Ironheart loves Iron Man, too,” she said. “You know, [Downey Jr.] has been so, so supportive. Like, it’s really been amazing because I do come from a family that loves the MCU. My baby brother was born just a few months before Iron Man came out, and so it’s been a family affair ever since then. We have pictures of my baby brother being Iron Man and me being Iron Girl for Halloween. This goes so deep. It goes so deep.”

Having Downey Jr. in her corner isn’t new for Thorne, though, because the actor called her after Ironheart finished filming to pass the torch. “Shortly after we finished filming in Chicago is when I got the first phone call from him, and he has been so sweet, like, through and through,” she explained. “So, the support it means so much. It really does.”

With all the love going around, it’s a shame that Iron Man and Ironheart are unlikely to ever meet in the MCU. However, that doesn’t mean Thorne will never get to share the screen with Downey Jr. The actress was recently asked about a potential appearance in Doomsday and didn’t shoot down the idea, meaning there’s a chance that Ironheart uses her big brain to ensure that Tony Stark’s legacy doesn’t take a hit because of Doctor Doom.

Ironheart’s first three episodes will release on Disney+ on June 24, 2025.

Are you happy to see Robert Downey Jr. show love for Ironheart? What are you most looking forward to seeing in the Disney+ show? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Watch Robert Downey Jr. Make Surprise Ironheart Appearance (& Tease His Doom Replacement?) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Marvel Studios’ upcoming Disney+ series Ironheart has offered fans their first glimpse at RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars winner Shea Couleé as the character Slug, who is set to make their MCU debut. The initial look and new details about Slug’s role were shared by Entertainment Weekly, revealing Couleé’s character as a “really fierce hacker” who also promises, “You will be seeing the diva in some looks.” Slug will be an ally to a group engaging in vigilante justice, aiming to rebalance societal inequities in the show’s version of Chicago. This introduction positions Slug as a key operative with a distinct style and a morally ambiguous mission within the series, hinting at the complex dynamics Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) will navigate.

“I help a group of urban Robin Hoods to take away from the privileged and help give back to the community,” Couleé explained about Slug’s motivations. “I’m there to help out on all the missions that go down, trying to shift this power dynamic in this version of Chicago we see in the show.” Describing Slug’s specific contributions, Couleé added, “I’m more of the… I’ll drive the getaway car, hang out in the van on my cute little laptop with my fierce nails and help you hack these mainframes.”

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The necessity for Slug’s hidden persona stems from a past they are trying to keep buried. “From my understanding, this version of Slug they’re presenting is someone who’s being referred to as a code name,” Couleé revealed. “I don’t want to give too much of their backstory away. They need an alternative code name to go by because there could or could not be some people looking for them. They’ve kind of left drag. They are a drag queen, but it’s kind of a past life. You see them in drag, but it’s kind of in the context of flashbacks before where they are now, because they’re trying to be on the low-low!”

Everything We Know About Ironheart

The Disney+ series Ironheart will place Riri Williams center stage, following her debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Audiences will see the brilliant MIT student and inventor, who crafted her own advanced suit of armor inspired by Tony Stark’s (Robert Downey Jr.), return to her hometown of Chicago. Her homecoming, however, is far from peaceful, as she becomes entangled with Parker Robbins, also known as The Hood (Anthony Ramos). This encounter pulls Riri into a dangerous conflict where advanced technology clashes with dark magic, forcing her to confront new threats and further define her path as a hero. The series aims to provide a deeper exploration of Riri’s background and the events that shaped her, particularly how her experiences in Wakanda influence her evolution as Ironheart. Chinaka Hodge serves as the head writer for the show, which is also executive produced by Ryan Coogler through his Proximity Media banner. The series is directed by Sam Bailey and Angela Barnes.

Beyond Riri and The Hood, the series will feature Anji White as Riri’s mother, Ronnie Williams, likely offering insight into Riri’s upbringing. Jim Rash is also set to reprise his role as the Dean of MIT, linking Riri’s past academic life to her current adventures. A significant point of fan speculation revolves around Sacha Baron Cohen, who has been cast in an undisclosed role. Given that The Hood in Marvel Comics derives his powers from a demonic entity, many theorize Cohen could be bringing the long-anticipated character Mephisto to the MCU, potentially as the source of The Hood’s mystical abilities.

Ironheart is scheduled to premiere its first three episodes on Disney+ on June 24, 2025. The series will consist of six episodes and is slated to be the final television series in Phase Five of the MCU.

What are your thoughts on Slug’s character in Ironheart? Let us know in the comments!

The post Ironheart Reveals First Look at Character With Secret Identity Making MCU Debut appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s expansion onto Disney+ has fundamentally changed how fans meet new heroes and villains. No longer confined to two-hour theatrical blocks, the streaming platform allows for deeper character introductions, intricate backstories, and a chance for lesser-known figures from the comics to shine in extended narratives. This shift has not only enriched the MCU’s tapestry but has also rapidly introduced a wave of compelling personalities who have quickly become fan favorites or pivotal players in the overarching saga. As a result, the Disney+ TV shows have proven to be an effective MCU launchpad, giving characters the necessary screen time to establish their motivations, powers, and place within the vast interconnected universe.

From street-level heroes to cosmic entities, some key MCU characters demonstrate the diverse storytelling potential that Disney+ service has unlocked, offering fresh perspectives and exciting new dynamics within the established Marvel Cinematic Universe. Here’s our pick for the best MCU characters introduced on streaming first.

1) Kate Bishop

Making her debut in the Hawkeye series, Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) immediately shot her way into the hearts of viewers. As a highly skilled archer and a longtime admirer of Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner), Kate brings a refreshing blend of youthful enthusiasm, determination, and surprising competence. The series masterfully establishes her origin, driven by the events of The Avengers‘ Battle of New York, and showcases her natural talent for combat and investigation, even before fully stepping into the hero life. Steinfeld’s portrayal perfectly captures Kate’s charm, wit, and underlying vulnerability, creating a compelling dynamic with Renner’s seasoned Avenger.

Kate Bishop’s introduction is a prime example of how Disney+ can effectively pass the torch and expand the MCU’s roster of heroes. The extended format of a series allowed ample time to develop her relationship with Clint, explore her family background, and firmly establish her as a capable successor to the Hawkeye mantle. Her presence signals a bright future for the next generation of Avengers, and fans are eagerly anticipating where her journey will take her next within the wider cinematic universe.

2) Moon Knight

The arrival of Moon Knight in his self-titled series brought a distinctly darker and more psychologically complex hero to the MCU. Portrayed with incredible versatility by Oscar Isaac, the character grapples with Dissociative Identity Disorder, primarily manifesting as the mild-mannered gift shop employee Steven Grant and the ruthless mercenary Marc Spector, both serving the Egyptian moon god Khonshu (voiced by F. Murray Abraham). The series delves into themes of mental health, mythology, and moral ambiguity, setting it apart tonally from many other MCU projects. Plus, Isaac’s ability to seamlessly switch between personas, each with unique mannerisms and perspectives, gave fans a standout performance.

Moon Knight demonstrated Disney+’s capacity to explore more mature themes and unconventional hero narratives within the MCU framework. The show’s focus on trauma and the supernatural offered a fresh flavor, with the mystery of Jake Lockley, the third dominant alter, adding another layer of intrigue. Moon Knight’s introduction expanded the mystical and supernatural corners of the MCU, proving that Disney+ is fertile ground for characters who operate outside the traditional superhero mold, bringing with them a unique set of internal conflicts.

3) She-Hulk

Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany) smashed her way onto screens in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, offering a unique blend of superhero action, legal comedy, and fourth-wall-breaking meta-commentary. As a lawyer who accidentally gains Hulk powers, Jennifer navigates the complexities of her new green form while managing her career and personal life. While the series’ reception was divisive, Maslany’s performance is a highlight, effortlessly embodying Jennifer’s wit and occasional exasperation with the absurdities of her situation.

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She-Hulk: Attorney at Law utilized the Disney+ format to experiment with genre, delivering the MCU’s first true half-hour comedy. This approach allowed for a character study that explored themes of identity, sexism, and the challenges of being a female superhero in a public-facing role. Despite controversies, Jennifer Walters’ introduction provided a much-needed dose of humor and self-awareness, showing that the MCU can successfully host characters whose stories are as much about everyday struggles as they are about saving the world.

4) US Agent

John Walker (Wyatt Russell) made a tumultuous entrance in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, initially presented as the government’s chosen successor to Captain America. Walker’s arc is one of the most compelling and complex in the Disney+ era, as he grapples with the immense pressure of the shield, his own insecurities, and the desire to live up to an impossible legacy. Russell delivers a powerful performance, portraying Walker’s descent from a decorated soldier into a morally compromised figure, eventually adopting the moniker “US Agent.”

The Falcon and the Winter provided the narrative space to explore the darker aspects of patriotism and the psychological toll of being a super-soldier without the inherent nobility of Steve Rogers (Chris Evans). John Walker’s journey from a symbol of hope to a flawed anti-hero was a nuanced character study that Disney+ facilitated perfectly. His return in Thunderbolts* promises that Marvel Studios will continue to explore characters who operate in the grey areas of heroism.

5) Sylvie

Loki introduced a host of fascinating characters, but none made quite the immediate impact as Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino). A variant of Loki (Tom Hiddleston) who has been on the run from the Time Variance Authority for her entire life, Sylvie is driven by a fierce desire for revenge against those who pruned her reality. Her cunning, resourcefulness, and emotional depth quickly established her as a formidable and sympathetic figure. In addition, Di Martino’s portrayal captured Sylvie’s hardened exterior and underlying vulnerability, creating a captivating dynamic with Hiddleston’s Loki.

Sylvie’s introduction was pivotal not just for the Loki series but for the entire Multiverse Saga. Her actions directly led to the fracturing of the Sacred Timeline, unleashing cosmic chaos upon the MCU. Disney+ provided the ideal platform to unravel her tragic backstory and showcase her central role in events of universe-altering significance, an arc that couldn’t fit as a side story in a two-hour movie. As such, Sylvie stands as a testament to how these series can introduce characters who immediately become integral to the MCU’s grand narrative.

6) Ms. Marvel

Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) burst onto the scene in Ms. Marvel with an infectious energy and a uniquely vibrant perspective on the MCU. As a Pakistani-American teenager from Jersey City who idolizes Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), Kamala’s journey into heroism is filled with charm and relatable coming-of-age struggles. Furthermore, Vellani’s performance is a breakout, perfectly embodying Kamala’s enthusiasm and endearing awkwardness.

Ms. Marvel highlighted Disney+’s ability to introduce a new generation of heroes and bring much-needed representation to the forefront. The series beautifully wove Kamala’s powers into her personal story of self-discovery. Her successful transition to the big screen in The Marvels further solidified her place as a key young hero, showcasing how the Disney+ shows can effectively launch characters into larger MCU adventures.

7) Death

The cosmic entity Death made her striking MCU debut in Agatha All Along, portrayed by the consistently excellent Aubrey Plaza. Initially appearing as the enigmatic Rio Vidal, an old flame of Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) and the original Green Witch, her true nature as the embodiment of death and decay was gradually revealed over the weeks that followed. Plus, Death’s long history with Agatha, including a tragic past involving their son Nicholas Scratch (Cooper Friedman), added a surprising emotional complexity to the character. 

Plaza’s performance masterfully conveyed Death’s ancient power, her profound connection to the natural order, and her complicated feelings for Agatha. Agatha All Along allowed for an exploration of Death’s motivations, particularly her role in maintaining universal balance and her conflict with those who defy it, like Billy Maximoff (Joe Locke). By personifying such a fundamental force, the MCU not only expanded its mystical lore but also introduced a character whose influence could have far-reaching consequences across the universe, all developed within the focused narrative of a character-focused streaming series.

Which Disney+ MCU character has been your favorite new addition so far?

The post 7 Best MCU Characters That First Appeared on Disney+ Shows appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Is Marvel getting the band back together for an encore? It’s only been two years since the third and final film in James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, which saw the original Guardians — Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldaña), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper), and Groot (Vin Diesel) — go their separate ways. Leader Peter Quill passed the reins to Rocket and finally returned to Earth, 2014’s Gamora reunited with the Ravagers, and Rocket and Groot splintered off into a new Guardians team with Kraglin (Sean Gunn), Adam Warlock (Will Poulter), talking dog Cosmo (Maria Bakalova), star child Phyla (Kai Zen), and the fuzzy Blurp.

Meanwhile, Drax and Nebula (Karen Gillan) stayed on Knowhere to build a new society for the children they rescued from the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji). According to Gillan, 2023’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 might not be the last we see of the cyborg assassin turned Guardian and Avenger.

“I can’t say, but watch this space,” the Life of Chuck star told The Hollywood Reporter when asked about a potential return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Gillan played the cyborg daughter of Thanos in all three Guardians of the Galaxy movies as well as 2018’s Avengers: Infinity War and 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.

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Gillan echoed previous comments she made to MovieWeb, saying of Nebula’s future in the MCU: “It’s so much fun working in the Marvel world. In terms of the future, can’t say anything. You know how it goes, but maybe… never say, never.”

Despite a post-credits title card declaring that “The Legendary Star-Lord Will Return” in Vol. 3, neither Pratt nor any of his Guardians co-stars have been confirmed to be part of the cast assembling for Avengers: Doomsday. (Star-Lord did appear in concept art that leaked online.)

Marvel Studios has announced over two dozen returning actors so far, including Robert Downey Jr. (not as Tony Stark/Iron Man, but as Victor von Doom/Doctor Doom), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Anthony Mackie (Captain America), and Paul Rudd (Ant-Man). Black Panther stars Letitia Wright (Shuri/Black Panther) and Winston Duke (M’Baku) will also be returning alongside their Wakanda Forever co-stars Tenoch Huerta Mejía (Namor), Mabel Cadena (Namora), and Alex Livinalli (Attuma).

Shang-Chi‘s Simu Liu (Shang-Chi), Captain America: Brave New World‘s Danny Ramirez (the Falcon), and Deadpool & Wolverine’s Channing Tatum (Gambit) also have their chairs, as do The Fantastic Four: First Steps stars Pedro Pascal (Mister Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby (Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn (Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (the Thing).

From Thunderbolts*, announced cast members include Florence Pugh (Black Widow), Sebastian Stan (Winter Soldier), David Harbour (Red Guardian), Hannah John-Kamen (Ghost), Wyatt Russell (U.S. Agent), and Lewis Pullman (Sentry). From the Fox-made X-Men movies, Patrick Stewart (Professor Charles Xavier), Ian McKellen (Magneto), James Marsden (Cyclops), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler), and Kelsey Grammer (Beast) are reprising their roles.

Disney has set Avengers: Doomsday to open in theaters on December 18, 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars on Dec. 17, 2027.

The post Major MCU Star Teases Return 2 Years After Last Appearing appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Chris Evans’ much-speculated return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Captain America hasn’t yet been confirmed, but a new theory explains how he could return as a villainous Steve Rogers. Chris Evans previously portrayed the original Avengers, Steve Rogers’ Captain America, between 2011 and 2019, and returned as Johnny Storm in 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine. A new theory suggests that an alternate universe’s Rogers could have been taken captive by HYDRA during World War II instead of Bucky Barnes, however, which opens the door for a variant of Evans’ hero to become the Winter Soldier.

The theory, posed by @doll.with.a.dagger on Instagram, suggests that there may be an alternate universe in which Steve Rogers fell from the train instead of Bucky Barnes during the events of Captain America: The First Avenger. This could have caused childhood friends Rogers and Barnes to swap roles, with Bucky becoming the new Captain America, and Steve becoming HYDRA’s elite Winter Soldier. There are flaws in this theory, but this could perfectly explain how Chris Evans can return in Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars as an evil variant of Steve Rogers.

A villainous turn for Steve Rogers has been speculated for some time, increasingly so after Robert Downey Jr. was confirmed to be returning to the MCU as Doctor Doom, rather than his former hero, Tony Stark’s Iron Man. Doctor Doom’s debut in Doomsday has spurred theories that he’ll be leading a team of dark Avengers, which could include the Maestro iteration of the Hulk, the Ronin version of Hawkeye, a more-murderous Black Widow, and, most excitedly, a HYDRA-controlled Captain America. This has precedence in Marvel Comics, so it would be fantastic to see play out in the MCU.

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2016’s Captain America: Steve Rogers #1 debuted the evil version of Steve Rogers in Marvel Comics, as the Cosmic Cube, Kobik, created an alternate universe where Rogers had been indoctrinated by HYDRA from an early age. This Steve Rogers joined Earth-616 and helped HYDRA rise back to power, even taking over the United States during the Secret Empire event, though Kobik eventually brought back the original Captain America, who helped bring down his evil counterpart. The What If…? scenario posed in this new theory presents the perfect backstory for HYDRA’s Steve Rogers in the MCU.

While this theory has holes, including the fact that Bucky Barnes was not a super-soldier when he fell off the train, and the United States had no super-soldier serum remaining, so there’s no clear way he could become Captain America, pieces of this theory could still come to fruition. Chris Evans was previously reported to be returning in Avengers: Doomsday, but then later back-tracked these rumors. Since then, he has remained mum about a possible role in the MCU’s Phase 6, but it would be very interesting to see him reprise his iconic Marvel role with a villainous twist.

Do you want to see Chris Evans appear as a villainous version of Captain America in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars? Let us know in the comments!

The post This Wild MCU Theory Explains How Chris Evans Can Return As HYDRA’s Captain America appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Marvel fans are convinced Hugh Jackman is going to return as Wolverine in Avengers: Doomsday after seeing the actor’s latest social media post. On Instagram, the actor shared a video of himself lifting weights in the gym. Off camera, a trainer can be heard guiding Jackman through the workout. When he’s done with the exercise, Jackman turns to the camera and goes, “Ouch,” while the trainer celebrates a job well done. Jackman did not include a caption in his post, raising questions about the context behind the intense workout session. Glancing over the comments section, it’s clear fans believe they think they know what’s in store.

“This is all the proof we need that he’s going to be in either Doomsday or Secret Wars or both,” one commenter posted. Other people referenced Deadpool & Wolverine by telling Jackman he has to play the fan-favorite mutant until he’s 90. Many in the comments section are under the impression this is Jackman gearing up for a Marvel return. Check out the actor’s post in the space below:

Jackman seemingly retired from the Wolverine role after 2017’s Logan, but he came back for last summer’s Deadpool & Wolverine, teaming up with Ryan Reynolds in the blockbuster hit. Though Deadpool & Wolverine earned positive reviews and grossed over $1 billion worldwide, the futures of both titular characters remain up in the air. Marvel Studios has not announced when Deadpool or Wolverine will be seen next. Reynolds is reportedly developing a new film that would see Deadpool join forces with members of the X-Men team.

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Avengers: Doomsday, which is currently in production, sees the return of several of Jackman’s old X-Men co-stars. Among the 27 actors confirmed for the film so far are Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, James Marsden, Alan Cumming, and Rebecca Romijn, who are all reprising their classic X-Men roles. Also in the ensemble is Channing Tatum, whose Gambit debuted in Deadpool & Wolverine.

Jackman could just be working out for his own personal health (it never hurts to stay in shape), but it’s easy to see why fans are connecting the dots to Doomsday. Wolverine is obviously a character that requires Jackman to bulk up, and Marvel has confirmed there are more Doomsday casting announcements to come. With so much about the film being kept under lock and key, MCU fans have been speculating for months about who else could appear. Given that Jackman’s Wolverine has already been integrated into the MCU, he’s one of the more popular names viewers have been theorizing about. With Doomsday sporting several X-Men connections, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Wolverine back in the fold — even if Jackman’s playing a variant different from the one seen in Deadpool & Wolverine.

Rumors about Jackman being in Doomsday will likely persist at least until Marvel reveals the rest of the movie’s expansive cast. It’s unknown when that will happen. Marvel Studios is not going to have a Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con this year, which would have been an ideal venue for such an announcement. Perhaps the next wave of confirmations will come once Doomsday wraps production and Marvel commemorates the milestone with another livestream of chairs (the first one broke records). Whether it’s that or something else entirely, fans will be hoping to see Jackman in the Doomsday cast.

The post Hugh Jackman’s Latest Post Has Fans Convinced Wolverine Is in Avengers: Doomsday appeared first on ComicBook.com.

It’s safe to say Marvel has a habit of keeping some of its mysteries close to its chest. The identity of the Avengers Tower buyer took the best part of a decade to be revealed, and some MCU questions will simply never be answered. But now, Marvel Studios is set to provide fans with an unprecedented look inside some of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most iconic and mysterious locations, though perhaps not in the way many were anticipating.

Publisher Dorling Kindersley (DK) has announced the upcoming release of Marvel Studios Cross-Sections, an official guide by Liz Marsham, an author with notable experience in other Marvel-themed books, including co-authoring Marvel Powers of a Girl and involvement with DK’s Marvel Fearless and Fantastic! Female Super Heroes Save the World. This new book promises to dissect fan-favorite MCU landmarks, including detailed diagrams and never-before-seen interior views of places like the Avengers Tower, which has recently been rebranded as the Watchtower following the events of Thunderbolts* and the creation of the New Avengers.

DK has a significant history of creating comprehensive visual guides for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, having released several key volumes that offer fans deeper insights into the MCU’s lore and visual design. Among these is the Marvel Studios Visual Dictionary, a book that typically provides detailed annotations and information on characters, props, and technology seen across the films. Another notable publication is Marvel Studios 100 Objects, which likely focuses on significant artifacts and items within the MCU, detailing their history and importance. Furthermore, DK published The Marvel Cinematic Universe: An Official Timeline, a crucial resource for fans attempting to piece together the complex chronology of the sprawling franchise’s many films and series. These previous titles demonstrate DK’s commitment to meticulous detail and canonical accuracy, setting a precedent for the kind of in-depth exploration Marvel Studios Cross-Sections will offer for MCU locations.

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The Avengers Tower, as it appeared in 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, is a centerpiece of the new book, with its cover displaying a bisected view of the building that reveals the Quinjet landing pad, common areas, and lower levels. This depiction focuses on the period when the team used it as their primary home base after SHIELD’s fall. The Quinjet itself, the Avengers’ signature aircraft, is also given a detailed cross-section in Marvel Studios Cross-Sections, allowing readers to see into the vessel’s chambers, with illustrations showing the original six Avengers members. Additionally, the technologically advanced nation of Wakanda will be explored through the Wakanda Citadel, which houses the nation’s throne room and the hangar bay for the Black Panther’s private airship.

What Other MCU Secrets Could Be Unearthed?

While the Avengers Tower and Wakandan locations are confirmed highlights, the vastness of the Marvel Cinematic Universe offers numerous other significant and enigmatic places that Marvel Studios Cross-Sections could explore, providing answers to long-held fan questions. One prime candidate is the Avengers’ sprawling Upstate New York compound. This facility served as the team’s primary headquarters for a significant period, from after the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron until its destruction by Thanos in Avengers: Endgame. Despite its frequent on-screen appearances, the compound’s layout has been notably inconsistent across different MCU projects. This book could offer a standardized layout, resolving these visual discrepancies and providing a cohesive understanding of the facility’s various sections, training areas, and living quarters during its operational years.

Another fascinating locale ripe for a detailed cross-section treatment is Knowhere, the severed head of an ancient Celestial being that became the Guardians of the Galaxy’s headquarters in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. The book could detail its various districts, hidden pathways, the internal structure of the Celestial itself, and even specific establishments or the Guardians’ customized living spaces within the massive structure. Furthermore, with the MCU’s continued expansion, other locations like the Sanctum Sanctorum with its mystical and dimensionally transcendental architecture, the advanced city of Chronopolis from Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, or even the interworkings of the Time Variance Authority’s facilities could be explored.

Marvel Studios Cross-Sections is scheduled for release on October 4, 2025.

Which MCU location are you most excited to see detailed in Marvel Studios Cross-Sections? Let us know in the comments!

The post Marvel Is About to Answer Major MCU Questions (But Now How Fans Expect) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Marvel Studios may have already confirmed a wild link between Reed Richards and Kang in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s next upcoming movie, The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Scheduled to be released on July 25, 2025, The Fantastic Four: First Steps will introduce Reed Richards’ Mister Fantastic to the MCU, with Pedro Pascal taking over the role of the “Smartest Man Alive” from Ioan Gruffudd, Miles Teller, and John Krasinski. Set firmly in Marvel Studios’ multiverse, clear connections between First Steps and the wider MCU can be established, which may include a key part of Reed Richards’ heritage.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps may be taking place in an alternate reality to the MCU’s primary continuity of Earth-616, but the events of the Phase 6 movie will surely have a huge impact on the Russo brothers’ upcoming crossover events and the franchise beyond. Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards will become a central part of the MCU following Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, alongside the other members of Marvel’s First Family. Fantastic Four: First Steps can establish just how important he is by connecting Mister Fantastic to already-seen characters and organizations – a process that might have already begun.

Reed Richards Has a Wild Connection to the TVA That the MCU Hasn’t Explored Yet

Eagle-eyed viewers have noticed that Reed Richards’ computer screens in the trailers for The Fantastic Four: First Steps appear to be very similar to the screens used by analysts and Minute Men at the Time Variance Authority. This has spurred theories as to the connection between Mister Fantastic and the TVA, but diehard Marvel Comics fans may already be aware of said connection. This is something that has never been explored in live-action before, but Marvel Studios is perfectly primed to finally explore Reed Richards’ backstory, family heritage, and his connection to the villain Kang the Conqueror.

In Marvel Comics, Reed Richards’ father is the time-traveler Nathaniel Richards. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because it’s also shared by Nathaniel’s descendant and namesake, Nathaniel Richards, the man who becomes Kang the Conqueror and his time-traveling variants, including Immortus, Rama-Tut, the Scarlet Centurion, and, in the MCU, “He Who Remains.” Jonathan Majors portrayed Kang and his variants in the MCU, namely in Loki and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and since no familial connection has yet been determined, The Fantastic Four: First Steps can change that.

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The fact that Reed Richards and Kang are very distant cousins (the exact relation is unclear) means that Marvel might have already explained how Richards has the same technology as the TVA. In the MCU, the TVA was originally created and ruled over by He Who Remains, a variant of Kang living at the end of time, so the origin of his technology and knowledge may be exactly the same as his long-lost family member, Mister Fantastic. Should it explore this connection, The Fantastic Four: First Steps has the perfect opportunity to make Kang relevant in the MCU once again.

Reed Richards TVA Theory Provides a Great Chance For Marvel to Reintroduce Kang the Conqueror & His Variants

When He Who Remains first appeared in Loki season 1’s finale, “For All Time. Always,” Jonathan Majors was set to become a central part of the MCU as the Multiverse Saga’s primary antagonist. Quantumania debuted the Conqueror himself, and the 2023 movie’s mid-credits scene teased the Council of Kangs, all portrayed by Majors. This created an awkward situation for Marvel when Majors was arrested and convicted on two counts of reckless assault and harassment, leading to him being immediately fired from Marvel, and throwing Kang’s future in the MCU into jeopardy.

RELATED: Avengers Star Jonathan Majors Describes the Moment He Discovered Marvel Fired Him

Some theorized that Kang and his variants could simply be recast, as Marvel could have used the endless possibilities of the multiverse to supplant Majors for new actors. However, Marvel Studios instead chose to move on from Kang’s narrative, with the Russo brothers and Robert Downey Jr. being brought back to introduce Doctor Doom as the new primary antagonist of the Multiverse Saga in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. Even so, this doesn’t shut the door on Kang returning in the future, and Reed Richards’ connection to the TVA in The Fantastic Four: First Steps can set this up perfectly.

Teasing Pedro Pascal’s Mister Fantastic as a long-lost family member of Kang in the MCU opens the door for the multiversal threat to be reintroduced as a Fantastic Four villain somewhere down the line. This could take place in a sequel to The Fantastic Four: First Steps or even a future crossover, but it’s unlikely to be soon. Kang’s storyline would be stronger with a familial backbone, rather than having him simply seeking to destroy multiversal timelines for no distinct reason, so it would be fantastic – pun intended – to connect him more definitely to Reed Richards and the Fantastic Four.

Do you want to see Kang the Conqueror reintroduced alongside the Fantastic Four in the MCU? Let us know in the comments!

The post The Fantastic Four: First Steps Has A Secret Link To Kang Marvel Already Revealed appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Doctor Doom will be taking on several superhero teams in the Russo brothers’ upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, and new fan art has imagined what his battle against the X-Men could look like. Robert Downey Jr. was confirmed to be returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe during 2024’s San Diego Comic-Con, though not as Tony Stark’s Iron Man, rather as Victor Von Doom, aka iconic Marvel Comics supervillain Doctor Doom. He’ll no doubt be wanting to make a strong first impression, and eradicating a whole team of heroes would be the best way of proving his strength. New fan art shared on Instagram depicts Doctor Doom battling the X-Men team in Avengers: Doomsday, ending in all the mutant heroes being killed by the masked villain.

Several members of the X-Men team from 20th Century Fox’s roster have already been confirmed to be returning in Doomsday, which sets them up for a final farewell at the hands of Doctor Doom. This scene could very well play out in Doomsday, leading to devastation for the X-Men, but proving just how terrifying Doctor Doom really is.

You can check out the fan art on @epic.movie.world’s Instagram page.

Avengers: Doomsday has already been confirmed to be bringing back Patrick Stewart as Professor X, Ian McKellen as Magneto, James Marsden as Cyclops, Rebecca Romijn as Mystique, Channing Tatum as Gambit, Kelsey Grammer as Beast, and Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler. This Doomsday art imagines some of these mutant characters sporting comic-accurate costumes in the MCU, while they’re also joined by Wolverine and what appears to be Storm, neither of whom has yet been announced to be returning. It will be fantastic to see the X-Men return in Doomsday, but Doctor Doom’s debut spells bad news for the team.

RELATED: Marvel Already Revealed How They’ll Include the X-Men in Avengers: Doomsday

Recent speculation suggests the X-Men team featured in Avengers: Doomsday may be the version of the team from the alternate universe at the end of 2023’s The Marvels. This means we could see multiple X-Men teams in Doomsday, as it’s very likely Earth-10005, the designation of Fox’s timeline, will also be revisited after Deadpool & Wolverine. This will provide Doctor Doom with many targets during his rampage across the multiverse, while he’ll also be fought by the Avengers, the New Avengers (the Thunderbolts), the Fantastic Four, and other heroes from the MCU’s history.

The classic X-Men stars will likely be making their final appearances as their mutant characters in Avengers: Doomsday and perhaps its 2027 sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars. Marvel Studios is gearing up to reinvent the X-Men completely for the MCU proper with its own X-Men reboot, currently being penned by The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes writer Michael Lesslie. Speculation suggests the MCU’s X-Men team will be younger and more comic-accurate, but, first, we’ll get to see some classic, beloved stars back as the X-Men in Doomsday opposite Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom.

The post Doctor Doom Decimates the X-Men in Bloody Avengers: Doomsday Concept Poster appeared first on ComicBook.com.

While Iron Man is the soul of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America is the heart. From his very first appearance, Steve Rogers sets the tone by defending the defenseless and putting his life on the line. He struggles now and again, such as in Captain America: Civil War, when he has to choose between Tony Stark and Bucky Barnes after Helmut Zemo reveals the truth of Howard and Maria Stark’s deaths. Still, when push comes to shove, he’s the best hero there is, which is why his departure is so emotional in Avengers: Endgame. He chooses to go back in time, live with Peggy Carter, his first true love, and hand his shield over to Sam Wilson.

With Steve’s story over, it seemed like that was all she wrote for his actor, Chris Evans. He went on to star in other projects, including the upcoming The Materialists and The Gray Man, directed by his friends the Russo Bros. However, Evans still found time to make a cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine as Johnny Storm, his character from the Fantastic Four movies. Evans’ Phase 5 appearance made it seem like the door was open for the return of the original Captain America, but the actor says it’s not happening in Avengers: Doomsday.

While promoting The Materialists, Evans sat down with ScreenRant and was asked about the Russos and Robert Downey Jr. reuniting without him. “Yeah, I talk to them all the time,” he said. “It’s where Pedro [Pascal] is right now. I mean, it’s sad to be away. It’s sad to not be back with the band, but I’m sure they’re doing something incredible, and I’m sure it’s going to be that much harder when it comes out and you feel like you weren’t invited to the party.”

There’s a slim chance that Evans is playing coy, not wanting to spoil a big reveal in Doomsday, but it seems like he really isn’t coming back for the fifth Avengers movie. Fortunately, there’s another team-up movie on the horizon that may need him more than Doomsday.

[RELATED – Every Way That Captain America: Brave New World Has Changed the MCU]

Avengers: Secret Wars Is the Perfect Spot for Captain America to “Return”

Doomsday is going to focus on the struggle between the New Avengers, Sam’s Avengers, the X-Men, and Doctor Doom. That’s a lot to tackle, especially because the New Avengers and Sam aren’t on the best of terms right now. They don’t seem to agree on the future of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, so they’ll have to squash their beef before they can turn their attention to Downey Jr.’s villain. With all that going on, there isn’t much room for another major character to join the fray.

The best course of action would be to have Doom take on the MCU’s heroes and realize that he needs reinforcements. At that point, he can travel through the multiverse in Secret Wars and recruit alternate versions of Marvel characters, such as an evil Black Widow. The ace up Doom’s sleeve, though, could be a version of Captain America that found himself working for HYDRA and working to destroy the country he calls home rather than saving it. Secret Wars can see Doom’s evil team go up against whatever remains of the Avengers in an epic showdown.

Having Evans return as an evil Captain America would present the actor with an interesting challenge and ensure that the MCU doesn’t cover old ground. The last few phases of the franchise have struggled to prove that the superhero genre still has room to grow, but Secret Wars is an opportunity to shake things up in a big way, and all it will take is bringing one retired character back into the fold.

Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 18, 2026.

Will you be upset if Chris Evans doesn’t appear in Avengers: Doomsday? What if his absence meant he would play an evil Captain America in Avengers: Secret Wars? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Chris Evans Admits He’s “Sad” About His MCU Future (But There’s an Easy Fix) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has dealt with its fair share of powerful threats. Loki sought to take control of the Earth in The Avengers, paving the way for Thanos to gain access to the Infinity Stones on the planet. It took the Mad Titan a few years to get off of his butt, but when he did, he left devastation in his wake, filling up the Infinity Gauntlet and wiping out half of existence with the snap of his fingers. Even after Earth’s Mightiest Heroes undid Thanos’ work, there were plenty of other challenges, such as The Void and Kang. However, none of them can hold a candle to what’s coming in Avengers: Doomsday.

Victor von Doom is ready to make his grand entrance in the MCU’s next team-up movie, and he won’t just be coming after one planet. No, it appears as if Doctor Doom has his sights set on the entire multiverse. He doesn’t have to do it alone, though, as there are plenty of MCU villains who may be willing to join his cause.

1) The Leader

Samuel Sterns, aka the Leader, may be one of the few characters in the MCU who are preparing for Doom’s arrival. He warns Sam Wilson during Captain America: Brave New World‘s post-credits scene that other worlds exist and that there are people on them looking for trouble. Sterns seems to be looking out for himself by ensuring the world he calls home doesn’t disappear, but if Doom comes calling and wants a big brain on his side, things may change.

2) Red Skull

There are very few villains from Phase One of the MCU left, as most of them are dead. However, Red Skull is still alive and well, with his last appearance coming in Avengers: Infinity War on Vormir. With the Soul Stone gone from the planet, his status is up in the air. But Red Skull might still hold a grudge against Steve Rogers for marooning him for decades, and what better way to get back at the hero than to team up with the villain who’s going after the person who took up the Captain America mantle.

3) Helmut Zemo

After tearing the Avengers apart in Captain America: Civil War, Helmut Zemo turns over a new leaf in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, working with Sam and Bucky Barnes to take down the Flag Smashers. He never forgets about his hate for super soldiers, though, as he has his butler assassinate a group of them while doing time in the Raft. While he may not be on bad terms with Captain America at the start of Doomsday, the opportunity to wipe out heroes on a massive scale might be too good to pass up.

4) Dormammu

Dormammu runs the MCU’s Dark Dimension, but he hasn’t seen any action since Doctor Strange. In that movie, the Master of the Mystic Arts traps the villain in a time loop in an effort to stop him from attacking Earth. It works, and Dormammu is left looking pretty foolish. Doom can offer the powerful entity another crack at it, giving him the power to wipe out variants of Doctor Strange from all across the multiverse.

[RELATED – Every Way That Captain America: Brave New World Has Changed the MCU]

5) Yon-Rogg

Yon-Rogg seems like a great guy at the start of Captain Marvel. He leads the Kree Starforce and takes Carol Danvers under his wing. Unfortunately, his act is all a ruse to use Danvers’ great power to crush the remaining Skrulls in the galaxy. After figuring out the truth, Captain Marvel sends her former mentor packing. He heads back to Hala, the Kree homeworld, and hasn’t been seen since. Maybe the arrival of an even bigger threat will give Yon-Rogg the motivation he needs to take the fight to Danvers and her friends.

6) High Evolutionary

There are few villains in the MCU as evil as the High Evolutionary. He experiments on helpless creatures in search of the perfect one, killing many in the process. The Guardians of the Galaxy catch wind of his schemes and shut his whole operation down, but they don’t kill him. He’s serving time in a jail on Knowhere, which doesn’t sound very pleasant. Doom would be smart to break him out, as the High Evolutionary’s past could be the key to creating a new multiverse in his image.

7) Kang

While Marvel Studios has washed its hands of Kang after the issues in Jonathan Majors’ personal life, the character still has plenty of untapped potential. A recast would allow Kang to continue his mission of multiversal domination and even find a new ally in Doom. The two villains might not get along, but putting their heads together could lead to a decisive victory.

Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 16, 2026.

Could you see any of these villains teaming up with Doctor Doom? Which other MCU bad guys do you think he should recruit? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 7 MCU Villains That Should Help Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Tom Hiddleston believed his time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was at an end when he hung up his horned crown in Loki. The two-season Disney+ series concluded in 2023 with Hiddleston’s time-slipping God of Mischief managing to destroy the Temporal Loom at the heart of the Time Variance Authority, which refined raw time into physical timelines. As the branches of time duplicated and expanded into an infinitely growing multiverse, the timey-wimey series finale came down to Loki, burdened with glorious purpose, taking his throne at the End of Time to watch over the timelines he had weaved together into the branches of the world tree Yggdrasil.

And so it seemed that Loki’s story had come to an end. But then Marvel Studios made an announcement: Loki will return in Avengers: Doomsday.

“It’s actually such a relief to be able to say, ‘Yes, I’m in the film,'” Hiddleston said on the Happy Sad Confused podcast in an interview pegged to The Life of Chuck. The actor went on to reveal that he wasn’t aware of plans for Loki to return at the time of the series finale.

“I didn’t know that. So I was sincere in my conviction that I thought it was the end,” he added. “I wasn’t lying to you, I promise. No, I didn’t know then. I didn’t know what the plan was.”

RELATED: Avengers: Doomsday Cast and Their Roles in Marvel’s Secret Wars, Explained

Although Hiddleston couldn’t divulge how Loki reenters the Marvel Cinematic Universe after his sacrifice in the Loki finale, the actor answered affirmatively when asked if he’s happy with his role in Doomsday. (In Loki, He Who Remains warned that destroying the Temporal Loom would mean causing a “brutal war where nothing survives,” including the Sacred Timeline, setting up a multiversal conflict in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.)

“I do know some things. I know some things,” he teased. “It’s an extraordinary privilege to still be on the team, and that there’s more stories to tell. I feel like the character has grown as I’ve grown, and it’s genuinely an honor to still be in the squad.”

Hiddleston hasn’t appeared on the film side of the MCU since 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, which set up the events of the Loki series when a variant from the 2012 timeline escaped a branched reality. It was that variant who went on to become the God of Stories at the End of Time after his counterpart — the exact Loki who unwittingly assembled the Avengers — died at the hands of Thanos in 2018’s Avengers: Infinity War.

In 2023, Hiddleston described the Loki series finale, titled “Glorious Purpose,” as a “full circle” ending to the series premiere, also titled “Glorious Purpose.”

“It’s the conclusion of season two. It’s also the conclusion to seasons one and two. It’s also the conclusion to six films and 12 episodes and 14 years of my life,” he said on The Tonight Show at the time. “I was 29 when I was cast, I’m 42 now. it’s been a journey.”

Loki executive producer Kevin R. Wright also confirmed that Loki was, at the time, meant to be a sendoff for the character who had burdened his brother (Chris Hemsworth) since Thor in 2011.

“I think [Hiddleston’s] approach to that performance certainly was [a sendoff], and I think we all felt that on set. We wanted this to feel like a proper ending for our show, but that does not mean that there won’t be more Loki or stories within this world,” Wright told The Hollywood Reporter at the time. “We just wanted to give this a proper ending in a way that we often don’t get to do in the MCU. But also, in Marvel comics and the history of comics, the end of a comic run doesn’t mean the end of that character or those stories.”

“And if there’s another story to be told or further stories to be told with what we’re doing here — and it’s with the right filmmakers and the right writers and the right team — then we would love to continue to see Tom,” Wright continued. “I also said this in season one, but I honestly think Tom will play Loki until he’s Richard E. Grant’s Classic Loki. It’s about the right thing and when we’re doing it, and being really careful about how we build those stories.”

In March, during a five-and-a-half-hour livestream, Marvel announced the first 27 actors so far confirmed to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In addition to former Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr. returning to the MCU, this time in the role of villain Doctor Doom, the confirmed Doomsday includes Hiddleston and Hemsworth as Loki and Thor, Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America, and Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man.

Letitia Wright (Shuri/Black Panther), Simu Liu (Shang-Chi), Danny Ramirez (Joaquin Torres/the Falcon), Tenoch Huerta Mejía (Namor the Sub-Mariner), Winston Duke (M’Baku), Mabel Cadena (Namora), Alex Livinalli (Attuma), and Channing Tatum (Remy LaBeau/Gambit) are joined by Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova/Black Widow), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier), David Harbour (Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian), Hannah John-Kamen (Ava Starr/Ghost), Wyatt Russell (John Walker/U.S. Agent), and Lewis Pullman (Bob Reynolds/Sentry).

The Fantastic Four: First Steps‘ Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm/Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm/Human Torch), Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm/the Thing) are confirmed to return, as are former X-Men franchise stars Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), James Marsden (Cyclops), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), with Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler) and Kelsey Grammer (Beast).

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to release in theaters on Dec. 18, 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars on Dec. 17, 2027.

The post Tom Hiddleston Thought Loki Series Finale “Was the End” for Him in the MCU Before Avengers: Doomsday appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s new Black Panther, Letitia Wright, just opened up about her casting in Avengers: Doomsday for the very first time. Wright has played Shuri since Black Panther back in 2018, and this weekend her directorial debut, Highway to the Moon, premiered at the South London Film Festival. She spoke to press while she was there, and naturally fielded some questions about the MCU. She was among those announced for the cast of Avengers: Doomsday back in March, and she confirmed that she is now filming in London. Wright was careful not to say too much, but from the sound of it, she has a much bigger role than in previous crossovers.

“With Avengers, it’s just like, an ensemble of greatness, so I was just really excited to be a part of it,” she told Flip Your Wig. “I’ve been a part of it before, but in a smaller way, and now I have a little bit more. So yeah, just a great family. Literally coming off set from filming yesterday, putting my best into it, working with the Russos is always amazing. It’s a great team.”

The interviewer tried to press Wright for more details, and even presented her with a popular fan theory, but the actress was very true to her NDA. “I can’t say anything, I’ve sworn to secrecy, I literally can’t say anything,” she said. “All I can say is that I did my filming yesterday, and it was great! We’re having a great time.”

[RELATED: Marvel Didn’t Tell Tom Hiddleston About Avengers: Doomsday Casting (So What Does That Mean for Loki?)]

Shuri filled the role of the “guy-in-the-chair” for T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) when he was Black Panther in the early movies, but now she is taking center stage. We saw her assume the mantle of Black Panther for herself in 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. That movie also introduced Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams, who stars in her own MCU streaming series Ironheart, premiering later this month. Shuri and Riri clearly became friends during Wakanda Forever, but so far there’s no hint that Shuri and any other Wakandan characters will appear in the show.

That means as far as we know right now, Avengers: Doomsday will be the next time we see Shuri in the MCU, and crowded as it is, we can only hope she gets enough screentime. The movie is now scheduled to hit theaters on December 18, 2026. Ironheart premieres on June 24th on Disney+, and previous Black Panther movies are streaming there now.

The post Black Panther Star Breaks Silence on Avengers: Doomsday Return (& Teases Bigger Role) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Several Doctor Doom variants assemble to form the Council of Dooms in new Avengers: Doomsday fan art. Taking inspiration from the Council of Kangs (as seen in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania) and the Council of Reeds, Instagram user welove_marvel shared a design for a poster that imagines a scene where several Dooms from across the multiverse come together to discuss their plans. The variant that’s front and center is unmasked, leading the way as other iterations of the character file in behind him. Some are designed after other Marvel characters.

One variant placed over to the right is a Doom wearing an Iron Man suit, while another in the background appears to be a version of Loki who became Doctor Doom in his universe. You can check out the artwork in the space below:

Avengers: Doomsday, which was recently pushed back to December 2026, marks the return of Robert Downey Jr. to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this time playing overarching villain Doctor Doom. Details about how Doom is brought into the fold are being kept under wraps for now, but directors Joe and Anthony Russo have confirmed that Tony Stark’s death from Avengers: Endgame is part of Doom’s MCU story.

[RELATED – One MCU Hero Has More at Stake Against Doctor Doom Than Spider-Man or Reed Richards]

With all the excitement surrounding Downey’s role in Doomsday, Marvel fans have been offering their takes on what could transpire in the film. Just last week, the same artist shared artwork of what the Oscar-winning actor would look like as a comics-accurate Doctor Doom. Knowing how interested viewers are in the film, Downey has been sharing glimpses of the Doomsday set during production, which is currently ongoing.

In Marvel Comics, there’s the Parliament of Doom, which consists of a group of formerly lobotomized Doom variants. The Doom from the main Earth-616 reality is the leader. So, there is a precedent in the source material for something akin to the Council of Dooms depicted here. That would certainly be an interesting angle for Doomsday to explore, especially since the film is going to lean heavily into the multiverse elements. Seeing how there are variants of several other Marvel characters who have appeared in films and TV shows over the past handful of years, it stands reason to believe there are multiple Dooms running around in the MCU. That would be quite a threat for the heroes of Doomsday to stop, requiring the efforts of multiple teams.

With so much of Doomsday being kept under lock and key, it’s hard to say if the Russos will bring the Council of Dooms to the big screen. As intriguing as the concept is, the film might be better served if the focus is on Downey’s main version of Doctor Doom, with that character serving as the all-powerful villain of the story. Doomsday marks Doom’s MCU debut, so dedicating a bulk of the run time to establishing a primary variant could go a long way in helping the villain resonate with audiences. If multiple Dooms pop up, it might run the risk of pulling viewers in too many different directions, struggling to set up Doom as a compelling threat. Marvel has a lot riding on Doomsday, and the handling of Doctor Doom is paramount to ensuring it helps end the Multiverse Saga on a high note.

The post Avengers: Doomsday Assembles Council of Dooms in Perfect Poster Fan Art appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Marvel veteran Tom Hiddleston opens up about his casting in Avengers: Doomsday. While promoting his new film The Life of Chuck, the actor appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live and was asked about his upcoming role in the superhero blockbuster. As one might expect, Hiddleston wasn’t at the mercy to get into any specific details about the Doomsday plot, but he did briefly discussed Marvel’s record-breaking livestream event where the studio confirmed 27 actors set to star in the film. After joking about how the Thunderbolts* cast is still too afraid to say they’re in Doomsday, Hiddleston shared how he learned he was part of the movie.

“Well, I didn’t even know … there was the big thing they released with all the names on the back of the chairs,” Hiddleston said, referencing the livestream that took place in late March. “I didn’t know. I was like, ‘Oh, I guess I’m in the movie!’ [laughs] In fairness, I did know I was in the movie, but I’m so used to not ‘knowing’ that I’m in the movie … it was a relief. I had to wait a while. There were a few other chairs.”

Avengers: Doomsday will be the eighth Marvel movie Hiddleston appears in (counting his uncredited cameo in an Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania post-credits scene). He was last seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Loki Season 2, in which Loki finally realized his glorious purpose by going to the End of Time and keeping all the threads of the multiverse together. It is unknown if Hiddleston is playing that version of Loki or a different variant in Doomsday.

[RELATED – One MCU Hero Has More at Stake Against Doctor Doom Than Spider-Man or Reed Richards]

Ahead of its newly announced December 2026 release date, Avengers: Doomsday is currently in production. Marvel fans have been scouring set photos for possible clues about what the film entails. Some believe Hiddleston’s Loki co-star Sophia Di Martino will reprise her role as Sylvie after spotting a photo of the actress in the UK. Di Martino has not been confirmed for Doomsday, but Marvel has stated there are additional casting announcements to be made.

Based on Hiddleston’s comments, he knew of his involvement in Doomsday prior to the livestream (or else he wouldn’t have been confirmed), he just didn’t know when the actual announcement was going to take place. Given all the logistics and scheduling issues that can pop up when casting a Marvel movie, the studio wouldn’t have surprised Hiddleston by announcing his role without running things by him first. That they secured him well ahead of time indicates Loki could have a meaningful role in Doomsday. Other Marvel actors, like Chris Pratt, could reportedly be added to the film if their schedules open up down the line. Hiddleston knew (but didn’t “know”) ahead of time.

The multiverse will almost assuredly factor heavily into Avengers: Doomsday. Perhaps Doctor Doom wants to reach the End of Time so he can control all threads of reality himself, putting Loki in danger. It will be fascinating to see how Loki fits into the plot. Hopefully, there is some kind of interaction between him and Thor. After everything that transpired during the Infinity Saga, it would be great to see Thor cross paths with a variant of his brother, putting a fresh spin on an old dynamic. Chris Hemsworth could be retiring from Marvel after Doomsday, so the filmmakers should take advantage of that opportunity.

The post Marvel Didn’t Tell Tom Hiddleston About Avengers: Doomsday Casting (So What Does That Mean for Loki?) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Thanos is the greatest villain in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Mad Titan sets out with the goal of eliminating half the life in the galaxy to give the other half a better chance to survive. He succeeds, of course, collecting all of the Infinity Stones in Avengers: Infinity War and snapping away trillions. It takes everything the heroes of the MCU have to set things right in Avengers: Endgame and stop an alternate version of Thanos from wiping out everyone and everything. All that to say, the franchise’s next big bad, Doctor Doom, has massive shoes to fill, and the only thing he has going for him now is his face.

Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the MCU to play Victor Von Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, which is going to have a hard time avoiding his appearance. The majority of characters in the franchise, such as Spider-Man, fought alongside Tony Stark at one time or another, and those who didn’t, like the Fantastic Four, likely have history with Doom, giving them extra motivation to take down the villain. However, one character has more on the line in Doomsday than anyone else: Bucky Barnes.

Bucky Barnes Is the Source of Tony Stark’s Pain in the MCU

When Tony enters the spotlight in Iron Man, he’s the stereotypical billionaire who has everything he wants. He sells weapons to the government by day, and by night, he’s partying and drinking as much as he can. Tony eventually learns the consequences of his actions when he finds his weapons in the hands of the Ten Rings terrorist group. After building his first Iron Man suit, he breaks out of captivity and shuts down the weapons manufacturing wing of his company. Tony wants to focus on being a hero, but there’s still one thing haunting him.

Iron Man 2 sees Tony wrestle with his complicated relationship with his late father, Howard Stark. The old man leaves his son a message, and he deciphers it to discover a new element that saves his life. After that, Tony puts his past behind him until Captain America: Civil War brings it all back to the surface. A Sokovian baron, Helmut Zemo, learns the truth behind Howard and Maria Stark’s deaths and uses it to tear the Avengers apart. He shows Tony the video of Bucky, acting as the Winter Soldier, crashing the car that Howard is driving and killing its occupants. Steve Rogers tries to calm his ally down, but Tony loses it and goes after Bucky.

Captain America has no choice but to defend his friend, making the rift between him and Tony grow larger. The movie concludes with Steve taking Bucky to Wakanda to get Hydra’s dirty work removed from his brain and Tony feeling conflicted about what happened. Fortunately, Steve and Tony get the chance to make up in Endgame before heading back in time to collect the Infinity Stones. Bucky doesn’t get the same opportunity, making the fight in Doomsday his last chance to make up for his past.

[RELATED – Could Thunderbolts’ Sentry Have Beaten Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War?]

Bucky Can Make Things Right With Tony in Avengers: Doomsday

At Tony’s funeral in Endgame, Bucky seems more upset than most. Sam Wilson even puts his hand on Bucky’s shoulder to comfort him. The movie doesn’t have time to explore Bucky’s feelings at the time, but it’s clear he feels guilty about how Tony lost his life to save his and so many others. Bucky probably has so much he wants to say to Tony, and he’ll never get the chance to have another conversation with him. However, the threat of Doctor Doom gives Bucky the opportunity to ensure that Tony’s legacy isn’t damaged by a villain who looks just like Iron Man.

At the end of Thunderbolts*, Bucky becomes part of the New Avengers, put together by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. While he’s not usually a team player, he takes to his new role quickly, operating as one of the leaders of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes for over a year. It ruffles some feathers, specifically Sam Wilson’s, who doesn’t believe a group of former criminals should use the Avengers name, but the most important thing is that the Earth is safe. However, when Doom arrives, it won’t be, and it’ll be up to Bucky to squash the beef between the two Avengers teams and take the fight to their common enemy.

Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 18, 2026.

Do you think Bucky will have extra motivation while fighting Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday? What kind of role do you think he’ll have in the movie? Let us know in the comments below!

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In the ever-evolving Marvel Cinematic Universe, where beloved characters frequently make unexpected comebacks, a recent social media post has sent ripples of excitement and speculation through the fandom. Kat Dennings, known for her sharp wit and scene-stealing performances as Darcy Lewis, recently shared a photo on Instagram that has many believing her character, last seen in the reality-bending events of WandaVision on Disney+, might be poised for an unexpected return. The image, featuring Dennings holding a recreation of Captain America’s iconic shield, has fans meticulously dissecting every detail, hoping to uncover clues about Darcy’s potential return to the sprawling MCU. Darcy Lewis was first introduced in the 2011 film Thor, and has appeared in multiple projects since. With her unique blend of comedic timing and scientific intellect, the character has always been a fan favorite, and the tease of her return on the heels of Avengers: Doomsday has significant implications for the MCU.

Darcy Lewis’ Whereabouts Are Still Unknown

The last time audiences saw Darcy Lewis, she was playing a crucial role in Westview, New Jersey, assisting S.W.O.R.D. in understanding Wanda Maximoff’s hex. Once she learned of the true nature of S.W.O.R.D.’s interest to use Vision as a weapon of war, Darcy teamed up with another standout supporting characters – Jimmy Woo (Randall Park) – to infiltrate the hex and help Wanda. Her journey from Jane Foster’s (Natalie Portman) intern to astrophysicist with a keen understanding of energy fields was a remarkable arc. Many wondered what her future in the MCU would hold after the events of WandaVision, particularly given Darcy’s connection with larger organizations within the MCU. However, since the series concluded in 2021, Darcy has been conspicuously absent from subsequent Marvel projects, leaving her fate ambiguous. This makes Dennings’ recent Instagram post all the more intriguing. 

The photo depicts Dennings holding a recreation of Captain America’s shield with the caption “Don’t get excited. I was just sampling the hardware.” While the caption plays coy, fans are now re-examining it through the lens of recent MCU developments. The timing of her post, especially given the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday that is slated to bring back the majority of MCU characters, including Robert Downey Jr., has fueled speculation that this isn’t just a random throwback.

RELATED: Doctor Doom Gets a Comics-Accurate Unmasking In Avengers: Doomday Fan Art

Additionally, Darcy plays a significant part in the current landscape of Marvel Comics, specifically in Steve Orlando’s Scarlet Witch and the newly released The Vision and the Scarlet Witch. In these comics, Darcy is inherently connected to Wanda Maximoff, operating Wanda’s magic shop — The Emporium — in upstate New York. Darcy’s appearance could seemingly integrate with the long-anticipated and rumored return of Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch, particularly given Wanda and Darcy’s familiarity from WandaVision.

The subtle nature of Dennings’ post, rather than an overt announcement, lends itself to the kind of speculative breadcrumbs Marvel often leaves for its dedicated fanbase. While it remains to be seen if this is indeed a clever tease for Darcy Lewis’s return, or simply a cheeky social media share, the mere possibility has certainly reignited excitement for one of the MCU’s most endearing supporting characters. Her return would undoubtedly be welcomed by fans eager to see what new adventures await the always-entertaining Darcy Lewis.

Avengers: Doomsday has a new release date of December 18, 2026.

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Benicio del Toro has just given his most encouraging update yet regarding a potential return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, suggesting his time as the fan-favorite cosmic entity, The Collector, may not be over. Speaking with Josh Horowitz on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, the Academy Award-winning actor offered a hopeful outlook on his MCU future, a significant tonal shift from very recent comments where he expressed doubt about being invited back into the franchise. While del Toro was clear that the decision is not up to him, his optimistic statement that “there’s more on the table” is sure to ignite fresh speculation that The Collector could play a role in the universe-shattering events of upcoming films like Avengers: Doomsday.

“There’s definitely more on the table,” del Toro stated. “I mean, it’s not up to me, but I think there is.” This comment stands in stark contrast to remarks he made just a few days prior while promoting his new film, The Phoenician Scheme. In that interview with ComicBook, the actor was more uncertain about a return. “You gotta get invited to play in that international tournament, and I’d love to play in it, but fingers crossed that’ll happen soon,” del Toro said. He added, “I haven’t been invited yet for a second round”.

[RELATED: Avengers Delays Could Mean Big Changes for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, MCU Fans Speculate]

The shift from expressing hope for an invitation to suggesting a return of the Collector is a tangible possibility, which could indicate that conversations with Marvel Studios are progressing. Likewise, it may simply be the actor’s growing optimism about the character’s potential fit in the Multiverse Saga. Regardless, del Toro’s willingness to return is now clearer than ever, and the MCU has two perfect opportunities to make it happen.

The Collector’s MCU History and His Path Back to the Franchise

Taneleer Tivan, The Collector, made his memorable debut in the mid-credits scene of Thor: The Dark World, where Asgardians entrusted him with the Aether, aka the Reality Stone, for safekeeping. After that, he became a major supporting character in Guardians of the Galaxy, operating out of his vast museum of interstellar fauna, relics, and species on the celestial head known as Knowhere. His last canonical appearance was in Avengers: Infinity War, where Thanos (Josh Brolin) arrived on Knowhere to claim the Reality Stone. The Collector is seemingly trapped in that scene, but this was revealed to be an illusion created by the Mad Titan to lure the Guardians into a trap. As a result, his actual fate after his meeting with Thanos was left ambiguous. He later sold Knowhere to the Guardians of the Galaxy, a fact revealed in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, and his current whereabouts in the universe are unknown.

With Avengers: Doomsday recently delayed to accommodate its massive scale and ambition, Marvel Studios has more time to finalize its sprawling cast, potentially creating an opening for fan-favorites like The Collector to return. As an ancient being obsessed with collecting the rarest specimens in the cosmos, The Collector would have an undeniable interest in the unique variants of heroes and villains emerging from the multiversal incursions. As such, he could serve as a vital, if opportunistic, source of information in the upcoming conflict against Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom.

The subsequent film, Avengers: Secret Wars, offers an even more fitting playground. The comic book storyline of the same name involves Battleworld, a patchwork planet constructed from the remnants of dead universes. A being of The Collector’s stature and obsession would thrive in such an environment, perhaps ruling his own domain comprised of his prized collection or holding onto powerful artifacts from destroyed realities. 

Marvel Studios’ head, Kevin Feige, confirmed that more Avengers: Doomsday cast members will be revealed. Summed with Del Toro’s newly hopeful comments, that may be the strongest sign yet that Taneleer Tivan will be part of those future plans.

Avengers: Doomsday is currently scheduled to hit theaters on December 18, 2026.

How would you like to see The Collector make his return to the MCU? Let us know in the comments!

The post Major Marvel Star Teases MCU Return: “Definitely, There’s More on the Table” appeared first on ComicBook.com.

What will Robert Downey Jr. look like as Doctor Doom? That’s one of the biggest questions hanging over the Marvel Cinematic Universe right now. Avengers: Doomsday will put the villain center-stage (as the title implies), and fans are wondering about some of the key logistics of that choice. Will Marvel Studios really keep Downey confined to Doom’s iconic mask for the majority of his performance (and not show that iconic face)? And will the MCU Doom really look like his comic counterpart, or will there be some kind of bold reinvention for the world of live-action film?

We don’t actually have the answers to any of the questions above, right now, so instead let’s enjoy some fan art that can spark our imaginations!

Fan artist Mohd Haris has posted this artwork imagining RDJ as Doom. It’s clear that Haris is leaning toward the concept of Downey eschewing the traditional Doom costume, with its metal helmet and facemask, instead letting Downey’s famous face shine (so to speak), albeit being disfigured and burned in the way that’s part of Doom’s origin. That part aside, the rest of the costume looks spot-on with its Latverian (read: Eastern European) aesthetic, and the image of Downey’s Doom standing in an intimidating pose, flanked by Doombots, is the kind of “sell” we need to make sure the general public knows: this is the next great MCU big bad.

The question of Doom’s headpiece still looms large over all of this, though. Doom being the proverbial “Man in the Iron Mask,” is a touchstone element of his character. If the MCU changes the costume concept to make Doom’s mask something more akin to Tony Stark’s Iron Man helmet and facemask (able to open and close on a whim), it would make sense, logically, if this Doom is a Stark variant. That said, it would also be a substantial change to Doom’s character that hardcore Marvel Comics fans may have a hard time abiding.

Anthony and Joe Russo (Avengers: Infinity War & Endgame) are returning to the MCU to direct Avengers: Doomsday and have started principal photography a Disney’s Pinewood Studios in England. The extensive cast (so far) includes Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson/Captain America), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier), Letitia Wright (Shuri/Black Panther), Paul Rudd (Scott Lang/Ant-Man), Wyatt Russell (John Walker/U.S. Agent), Tenoch Huerta Mejia (Namor), Simu Liu (Shang-Chi), Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova/Black Widow), Kelsey Grammer (Beast), Lewis Pullman (Bob Reynolds/Sentry), Danny Ramirez (Joaquin Torres/the Falcon), David Harbour (Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian), Winston Duke (M’Baku), Hannah John-Kamen (Ava Starr/Ghost), and Channing Tatum (Gambit).

Marvel Studios has moved Avengers: Doomsday to December 18, 2026. Avengers: Secret Wars was also delayed to December 17, 2027.

The post Doctor Doom Gets a Comics-Accurate Unmasking In Avengers: Doomday Fan Art appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is currently in a transitional period. With half of the original Avengers gone, other heroes have to step up and fill their shoes. Figures like Doctor Strange, Captain Marvel, and Spider-Man have all been doing a wonderful job, fighting world-ending threats and living to tell the tale. However, those heroes really have no desire to be part of a team at the moment. Captain America, on the other hand, very much wants to restart the Avengers after the events of Captain America: Brave New World. He recruits the new Falcon, Joaquin Torres, and looks well on his way to following in Steve Rogers’ footsteps.

The ending of Thunderbolts* throws Sam Wilson for a loop, though, with Valentina Allegra de Fontaine announcing to the world that the titular team is actually the “New Avengers.” The reformed bad guys accept their new posts and spend a year operating as Earth’s Mightiest Heroes before Sam comes knocking. But he shouldn’t be the only one to have questions, as another major MCU figure has just as much skin in the game.

The Avengers & New Avengers Aren’t Getting Off on the Right Foot

There are layers to Sam’s problem with the New Avengers. For starters, the name means something, and Valentina throws it around willy-nilly to save herself after her Sentry project terrorizes New York. Sam’s not going to let that slide, so he trademarks the name, which upsets Yelena Belova and her friends because they’re just trying to do good. Bucky Barnes is more hurt than anyone because Sam and he are good friends, but they don’t see eye-to-eye in this situation.

While Bucky doesn’t get into the specifics of the issues they’re having in the Thunderbolts* post-credits scene, another member of the New Avengers, John Walker, is likely the cause of some of them. The United States government made Walker the new Captain America in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier after Sam relinquished the shield, which caused numerous problems. Walker stuck his nose where it didn’t belong, and after losing his friend in a fight with the Flag-Smashers, he killed an unarmed man in broad daylight.

Sam’s time with Steve, interactions with Walker, and battle against the Red Hulk give him reason to distrust the government. People like Valentina are only out for themselves, wanting to use the Avengers as a way to climb the government ladder. However, there is one person who has government ties that deserves to have a say in the Avengers vs. New Avengers debate.

Nick Fury Knows What It Takes to Put an Avengers Team Together in the MCU

After S.H.I.E.L.D.’s destruction and being turned to dust, Nick Fury has had an interesting couple of years. He fights off a group of radical Skrulls in Secret Invasion and helps Captain Marvel fight Dar-Been from the comfort of the S.A.B.E.R. space station. He runs the orbital defense program, which deals with all kinds of extra-terrestrial threats to Earth. Despite being busy with that, Fury still keeps up with super-powered individuals such as Monica Rambeau, who works with him on the space station.

Fury’s need to have heroes around stems from his time with S.H.I.E.L.D. After learning about Captain Marvel and the existence of the Skrulls, he starts the Avengers Initiative to bring together a group of remarkable people. He succeeds, of course, with Tony Stark and Co. saving the world on multiple occasions. Sadly, Fury has his hands full when the team splits apart in Captain America: Civil War, so he’s unable to play mediator and try to salvage the situation. He doesn’t have an excuse this time, however, especially because S.A.B.E.R. is likely aware of the Fantastic Four’s ship, which appears during Thunderbolts*.

[RELATED – New Avengers Fan Theory May Reveal Bad News for Secret Wars’ Ending]

With a new enemy on the way, Fury must return to Earth in Avengers: Doomsday to meet with the heroes. He won’t have time for petty squabbles and will remind everyone about the dangers that exist in the Sacred Timeline and beyond. At that point, it’ll be up to Sam’s group and the New Avengers to do the right thing and join forces.

Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 18, 2026.

Do you think Nick Fury will appear in Avengers: Doomsday? What advice will he have for the Avengers and New Avengers? Let us know in the comments below!

The post One Major MCU Character Is Missing From the Avengers vs. New Avengers Debate appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Marvel fans think they may have spotted some major heartbreak coming down the pike with Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. The two films will be the culminating events of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s current “Multiverse Saga” storyline, and a lot of fans thought they already knew that the two-part story would play out a lot like Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, but suddenly that expectation is not so certain. Because if this long-running fan theory is right, Marvel Studios has already put a coded foreshadowing in front of us that Secret Wars will have a dark ending.

Here’s how the theory about Avengers: Secret Wars‘ ominous ending breaks down:

Do Avengers Movie Logos Hide A Secret?

This Reddit thread from “EntertainmentEast729” breaks down how Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and Avengers: Endgame all had title logos where the “A” in “Avengers” was flanked by a full circular curve. However, the logo for Avengers: Infinity War only had a half-circle around it, which some interpreted as a secret hint that the Avengers squad wouldn’t make it out of the film alive.

[RELATED: Marvel Comics Moments We Need to See in Doomsday & Secret Wars]

Well, if you look at the official logos for Doomsday and Secret Wars that Marvel Studios has previously displayed, it’s clear that it is the Secret Wars logo that only has a half-circle, while Doomsday‘s logo is flanked by a full circle. Ergo, in keeping with the line of Marvel fan theory, Marvel Studios is allegedly letting us know that Avengers: Secret Wars will end in tragedy for the superhero team… which fans should kind of expect.

It must be said: this entire theory could arguably get debunked based on font and formatting. “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Secret Wars” are the longest titles in the franchise: the size of the circle flanking the “A” may depend on how much space there is between the “A” in “Avengers” and wherever the subtitle is positioned. For instance, single-word subtitles like “Endgame” and “Doomsday” get centered, leaving much more design space for that larger circle; “Infinity War” and “Secret Wars” stretch longer across that bottom row, perhaps cutting the circle down in size. It really depends on how you interpret the design of the “Age of Ultron” subtitle: if it was reduced in size to accommodate the circle, or if it was done to keep this coded messaging alive.

How Will Avengers: Secret Wars End?

Avengers: Secret Wars is expected pick up the fragments left over (literally and figuratively) from Avengers: Doomsday, with Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom presumably following the villain’s comic storyline and pulling together his own “Battleword” reality from the destroyed fragments of the Marvel Multiversal, after mass incursions wipe out all realities. In the 2010s “Secret Wars” event, the surviving Avengers, Fantastic Four, X-Men and other Marvel heroes (and villains) fought God-Emperor Doom and his forces to ultimately recreate a new Big Bang that birthed a new prime Marvel Universe, with various alternate universe elements (like Miles Morales, or Reed Richard’s villainous variant, “The Maker”) mixed into the main Marvel Universe.

Assuming the MCU follows a similar arc with its version of Secret Wars, the reboot of the “Sacred Timeline” will be a death of sorts of the MCU as we’ve known it. Narratively, the entire reality the characters of the MCU knew will shift, change, and expand in different ways to accommodate characters like the Fantastic Four, X-Men, and more (Miles Morales?) now existing alongside the Avengers. Behind the scenes, it’s also clear that veteran stars of the franchise could move on, while newer actors who may have expected big arcs in the franchise have to also say goodbye to those hopes, as bigger franchise characters like the X-Men step into the spotlight. In that sense, the Avengers’ “winning” at the end of Secret Wars is a hard concept to envision in the traditional sense, as defeating Doom (or whomever else is in the way) means also saying goodbye to the universe they (and we) knew.

So, maybe this Avengers logo theory isn’t so crazy after all – what do you think?

Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars have been delayed. Their respective new release dates are December 18, 2026, and December 17, 2027

The post New Avengers Fan Theory May Reveal Bad News for Secret Wars’ Ending appeared first on ComicBook.com.

It’s about time. Marvel fans were thrilled when it was announced that Tom Hiddleston — whose trickster God of Mischief, Loki, died in 2018’s Avengers: Infinity War, only for his past self to escape into a branched timeline in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame — would be looped back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Avengers: Doomsday. The last time we saw this time-slipping alt-2012 Loki in his self-titled Disney+ series, he sacrificed himself to destroy the Time Variance Authority’s Temporal Loom, saving the branched realities of the multiverse that he then presided over from his throne at the End of Time.

Loki’s glorious purpose also meant saving his friends, including the Loki variant turned TVA fugitive Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino), TVA agent and best friend Mobius (Owen Wilson), TVA repair guy O.B. (Ke Huy Quan), and B-15 (Wunmi Mosaku). The latter reappeared in last summer’s Deadpool & Wolverine, and it seems that Di Martino’s Sylvie will be making the jump to the Sacred Timeline as part of the ever-expanding Avengers: Doomsday cast.

“Playgrounds,” Di Martino captioned a since-deleted Instagram post (below) that fans have taken to mean Sylvie is in Doomsday. Di Martino’s Sylvie stunt double, Sarah Irwin, has also reportedly been spotted in the UK, fueling speculation that the character is set to return (presumably to reunite with the long-lost Loki).

RELATED: New Avengers: Doomsday Set Photo Shows Two Returning Characters

“I think, at this point, if anything comes back to threaten freewill in general, I feel like Sylvie will be there to fight the good fight. It kind of depends where the story goes, where the bigger picture goes,” the Loki star previously told ScreenRant about her role in the MCU moving forward.

“No one knows but Kevin Feige,” Di Martino continued of the Marvel Studios president and producer. “I mean, she could go anywhere. Again, the possibilities are limitless. That’s what’s so exciting about it. You just never know.”

The Anthony and Joe Russo-directed Avengers: Doomsday started principal photography last month at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, England. Perhaps not coincidentally, Buckinghamshire’s Pitstone Quarry doubled as the Void, a “metaphysical junkyard” at the End of Time that first appeared as a location on Loki, when Marvel Studios shot Deadpool & Wolverine there in 2023.

Along with Hiddleston, the Doomsday cast includes Robert Downey Jr. (Doctor Doom), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson/Captain America), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier), Letitia Wright (Shuri/Black Panther), Paul Rudd (Scott Lang/Ant-Man), Wyatt Russell (John Walker/U.S. Agent), Tenoch Huerta Mejia (Namor), Simu Liu (Shang-Chi), Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova/Black Widow), Kelsey Grammer (Beast), Lewis Pullman (Bob Reynolds/Sentry), Danny Ramirez (Joaquin Torres/the Falcon), David Harbour (Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian), Winston Duke (M’Baku), Hannah John-Kamen (Ava Starr/Ghost), and Channing Tatum (Gambit).

The Fantastic Four: First Steps cast members Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby (Susan Richards/Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm/Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm/the Thing) are all set to return, as will Fox’s X-Men movie alums Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), and James Marsden (Cyclops).

Marvel Studios has dated Avengers: Doomsday to open December 18, 2026 in theaters (previously May 1), followed by Avengers: Secret Wars (also delayed from May 7 to Dec. 17, 2027).

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A new photo from Marvel Cinematic Universe star Olga Kurylenko has fans believing her character Taskmaster could be returning in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. As seen on the Instagram account update_mcu, the actress shared a picture of herself in Bahrain, captioning the image “Working on a Sunday” with a flexing arm emoji. This has led to speculation that Kurylenko could be filming scenes for Doomsday, which is currently in production and seemingly has already shot some sequences in Bahrain. Recent set images detailed an on-location shoot taking place in the country.

It is important to keep in mind that this is just theorizing from MCU fans right now. Kurylenko did not detail what kind of work she was doing in her post. Check out the image in the space below:

Kurylenko made her MCU debut in 2021’s Black Widow before reprising Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster in this month’s Thunderbolts*. As many viewers suspected — due to Kurylenko’s absence from several marketing materials — Taskmaster is killed early on in Thunderbolts*. Though director Jake Schreier offered an explanation for the decision, killing Taskmaster proved to be controversial. Many fans felt Marvel missed an opportunity to further develop Antonia after her harrowing experiences in Black Widow.

[RELATED – Thunderbolts* Really Messed Up Taskmaster’s Death]

In late March, Marvel Studios confirmed 27 actors set to appear in Avengers: Doomsday. Several of Kurylenko’s Thunderbolts* co-stars were among the names revealed, but she was not announced during Marvel’s record-breaking livestream. Still, Kevin Feige has stated there are more Doomsday casting announcements to come in the future, fueling speculation about the rest of the massive ensemble.

Kurylenko has a handful of projects in pre-production listed on her IMDb page, so her trip to Bahrain may not be connected to Doomsday. Still, it feels more than coincidental that she’s in the same location where Marvel is shooting a massive blockbuster. If Kurylenko is back in action as Taskmaster, it’s unclear how she’ll be brought into the fold. The Sacred Timeline version from Thunderbolts* is clearly dead, so perhaps Kurylenko could play a Multiverse variant this time around. One possibility is that Bahrain is being used for the Void, so a version of Antonia might have been banished from her timeline for unknown reasons.

Bringing Taskmaster back for Avengers: Doomsday has potential to be a nice twist from a storytelling perspective. It would be fun to see the New Avengers’ reactions to Antonia’s mysterious return. Additionally, Marvel would get a mulligan for a character who deserved much better the first time around. After so many fans were disappointed by how the character was portrayed in her previous MCU appearances, Doomsday could be an outlet for redemption, tapping into what made Taskmaster such a fan-favorite character from the comics. It’ll be interesting to see if Kurylenko is among the other actors in Doomsday. The film has so much on its plate that fixing the franchise’s handling of Taskmaster may not be on Joe and Anthony Russo’s checklist, but for now, there’s reason to have hope.

The post MCU Star’s Photo May Spoil Dead Character’s Doomsday Return (Fixing a Marvel Mistake) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

M’Baku is back. Marvel Studios already announced that Winston Duke — who played M’Baku, leader of Wakanda’s Jabari tribe in Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame before succeeding Chadwick Boseman’s late T’Challa as King of Wakanda in 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever — is among the 27 MCU stars (and counting) assembling for Avengers: Doomsday. While the Us actor has been spotted in behind-the-scenes photos with co-stars like Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Hemsworth, we’ve yet to see Duke’s M’Baku on set.

Cinematographer Newton Thomas Sigel shared a photo from Doomsday‘s on-location shoot in Bahrain, and it appears to show Duke in costume and wielding M’Baku’s club (a knobkerrie). It also appears that Letitia Wright’s Shuri, who assumed the mantle of Black Panther in Wakanda Forever, is standing next to King M’Baku.

RELATED: Hugh Jackman Has Surprising Answer About Wolverine Return With Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool in Avengers: Doomsday

Duke and Wright are among the Doomsday cast members currently on location in Bahrain. Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson/Captain America), Danny Ramirez (Joaquín Torres/Falcon), Simu Liu (Shang-Chi), Hannah John-Kamen (Ava Starr/Ghost), Mabel Cadena (Namora), Alex Livinalli (Attuma), and Tenoch Huerta Mejía (Namor) recently attended an event at Cipriani Bahrain with director Joe Russo, suggesting the worlds of Wakanda and Talokan will meet again. (Cadena, Livinalli, and Mejía made their debuts alongside the undersea kingdom in Wakanda Forever.)

If the Bahrain desert isn’t doubling as the kingdoms of Wakanda or Talokan, there may be another possibility: the Void. The barren landscape resembles the “metaphysical junkyard” at the End of Time (as seen in Loki and Deadpool & Wolverine), although the latter filmed its wasteland scenes in Buckinghamshire, UK.

Sigel, who collaborated with directors Joe and Anthony Russo on the Tom Holland-fronted Cherry and AGBO productions Extraction and Citadel, also shot 2003’s X2 and 2014’s X-Men: Days of Future Past. Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), James Marsden (Cyclops), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler), and Kelsey Grammer (Beast) are all confirmed to be reprising their roles from Fox’s X-Men movies, as part of an ensemble that includes the casts of Thunderbolts* and The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Downey (Doctor Doom), Hemsworth (Thor), Paul Rudd (Ant-Man), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier), and Tom Hiddleston (Loki) are among the MCU veterans reprising their roles, with Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova/Black Widow), Wyatt Russell (John Walker/U.S. Agent), David Harbour (Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian), Lewis Pullman (Bob/Sentry), Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby (Sue Richards/the Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm/Human Torch), Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm/the Thing), and Channing Tatum (Gambit) rounding out the cast.

Marvel Studios has slated Avengers: Doomsday to open December 18, 2026 in theaters (previously May 1), followed by Avengers: Secret Wars (also delayed from May 7 to Dec. 17, 2027).

The post New Avengers: Doomsday Set Photo Shows Black Panther Star’s Return (But Where Are They?) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

A compelling new fan theory leverages Jonathan Hickman’s revolutionary House of X and Powers of X saga to explain the absence of mutants in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Shared by redditor u/rOkBad7175 on the /marvelstudios subreddit, the theory also provides a seamless way to introduce the X-Men to the Sacred Timeline. The theory, gaining traction among MCU enthusiasts, centers on Hickman’s radically reimagined character of Moira MacTaggert, suggesting her unique abilities and desperate quest to save mutantkind could be the key to understanding why mutants are only now emerging in the MCU’s main timeline. This concept provides a lore-rich foundation that not only accounts for the mutants’ delayed arrival but also sets the stage for complex future narratives, echoing the intricate storytelling that defined Hickman’s celebrated X-Men tenure.

Hickman’s tenure on the X-Men titles initiated a bold new era known as the Krakoan Age, fundamentally altering the status quo for Marvel’s mutants. At the very center of this seismic shift was a profound retcon of Moira MacTaggert, a character traditionally known as a human geneticist and a staunch ally of Charles Xavier. Hickman revealed Moira to be a mutant herself, possessing the power of reincarnation. Upon each death, Moira returns to the moment of her conception, retaining all memories from her previous lives.

[RELATED: 10 X-Men Characters Who Would Be Perfect for the Thunderbolts* Director’s MCU Reboot]

House of X #2 detailed that Moira was living her tenth life, having experienced a myriad of timelines she helped shape by influencing the world events with her knowledge of the future. Unfortunately, she learned a grim, immutable truth through these nine previous lives: mutants always lose. Regardless of the strategies employed, whether it was through heroic sacrifice, aggressive dominance, or attempted integration, every path inevitably led to the persecution, subjugation, or outright extinction of mutantkind, often at the hands of humanity, advanced Sentinels, or other powerful cosmic or artificial intelligences.

Armed with this devastating knowledge from centuries of lived experience across her past lives, Moira X, in her tenth incarnation, resolved to break this catastrophic cycle. She approached Charles Xavier much earlier in his life than in previous timelines, revealing her mutant nature and the cyclical doom awaiting their kind. This revelation shattered Xavier’s initial dream of peaceful coexistence and pushed him toward a more radical strategy for mutant survival. Later, Magneto was also brought into this secret counsel. Together, this triumvirate, guided by Moira’s unprecedented understanding of future failures, orchestrated the establishment of a sovereign nation for all mutants, Krakoa, and, most crucially, the Resurrection Protocols. Through a group of five key mutants (The Five), deceased mutants could be reliably brought back to life, effectively neutralizing death as a significant threat to their species. This bold initiative united former X-Men, their allies, and even many of their long-standing adversaries under a single banner, all driven by Moira’s unseen hand and the desperate hope that this tenth life would finally be the one where mutants would survive and prevail.

MCU Fan Theory: Could Moira’s Cycles Explain Mutant Absence and Emergence?

Drawing inspiration from the complex legacy of Moira MacTaggert established in Hickman’s X-Men run, u/rOkBad7175 offers a fresh perspective on why mutants might have remained hidden in the MCU and how they could eventually emerge. As the user proposes, “We haven’t seen them because of Moira Mactaggert. This is her 9th life, maybe. She tried several times for the mutants to survive. Maybe the fox timeline was one of those lives? She orchestrated the major events there?” This line of thought speculates that the MCU’s Sacred Timeline could be another of Moira’s attempts to navigate the perilous path of mutant existence, potentially even trying to learn from events in other realities like the Fox X-Men cinematic universe.

A core element of this theory is how Moira might have adapted her strategy in this current MCU timeline. According to u/rOkBad7175, “Eventually she realised the key to mutants surviving is shutting up and not going public. It is working so far.” This suggests a deliberate decision by Moira to keep mutants entirely covert. The theorist also attempts to tie in the fate of another superpowered group, suggesting Moira might have actively worked to neutralize threats: “She also maybe got the Inhumans killed off, or just took away the terrigen mist (in the comics, terrigen mist gives mutants a deadly sickness). That is why we haven’t seen the Inhumans in the Sacred Timeline.”

Another commenter, u/rCaciulacdlac, provided a detailed integration of the TVA into u/rOkBad7175’s framework: “I can integrate the TVA in your story. Maybe for the sacred timeline to work, Moira needs to experience all those timelines that eventually lead to the doom of the mutants, so that she can eventually decide to go down the path of the Sacred Timeline. And those timelines in which she dies, they are immediately pruned after.” This suggestion reframes Moira’s multiple lives as a necessary, albeit harsh, process, perhaps even tolerated or managed by the TVA, with failed timelines being pruned, thus aligning with the “mutants always lose” theme until a stable path is achieved.

The mutants will be a key MCU element in the upcoming crossover movie Avengers: Doomsday, which is scheduled for release on December 18, 2026.

What are your thoughts on this Moira-centric fan theory for introducing mutants to the MCU? Let us know in the comments!

The post X-Men Fan Theory Uses Jonathan Hickman’s Masterpiece To Explain Mutants In the MCU (& It Makes Sense) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps will introduce Marvel’s first family of superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but their highly anticipated debut carries much more significance than most fans realize. Phase 6’s first movie centers on Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they fight to protect their world against Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and Shalla-Bal/Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). The Fantastic Four: First Steps takes place in a timeline separate from the MCU’s main universe, though the heroes will eventually arrive in Earth-616, as confirmed by the post-credits scene of Thunderbolts* and the Fantastic Four members’ involvement in 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday.

Avengers: Doomsday is the real make-or-break movie in the MCU’s near future, yet The Fantastic Four: First Steps remains almost as important. Several factors relating to the Fantastic Four’s revival, the film’s release in proximity to Doomsday, and the coinciding debut of the DC Universe with Superman two weeks earlier, cement The Fantastic Four: First Steps as the MCU’s most important movie since 2019’s Avengers: Endgame. A lot is riding on its success, and the MCU cannot afford to miss.

[RELATED: Marvel Fan Finds Surprising Trend About MCU Movie Ratings (But Fantastic Four Might Break It)]

The Significance of The Fantastic Four: First Steps Cannot Be Understated

As the third live-action film iteration of the titular team, The Fantastic Four: First Steps will face endless comparisons to the previous versions put forth in Fox’s 2005 and 2015 Fantastic Four movies — the former of which was followed by 2007’s Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Neither of the aforementioned titles garnered much critical or fan praise – thus, the bar is set fairly low for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Undeniably iconic comic book heroes, the Fantastic Four have frustratingly never reached their full potential in movies. If the MCU’s Fantastic Four emerges as the best rendition of the characters, comic book fans will be delighted, and faith in the MCU’s ability to reboot beloved heroes ahead of casting its new X-Men could be restored.

Fantastic Four: First Steps is the second-to-last MCU movie to hit theaters before Doomsday, adding another pivotal layer of expectations and stakes. Charged with providing an adequate setup for the first Avengers film in seven years, First Steps needs to thoroughly develop its characters before their high-stakes showdown with Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.) while providing enough context for Doomsday’s overarching plot. A good portion of fan hype for Doomsday will rely on the audience’s reception of The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

DC Is Starting Its Own New Universe

Lastly, factoring into the immense importance of The Fantastic Four: First Steps is its release date, just two weeks after the new DC Universe’s first movie, Superman, opens in theaters. Directed by James Gunn, Superman will introduce David Corenswet as the newest portrayal of the legendary hero, beginning a long-awaited new era of interconnected DC movies. It feels like forever since Marvel and DC films had an equal impact on the box office or on the superhero zeitgeist. Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy of the 2000s and early 2010s remains DC’s only model of consistent quality, while 2017’s Wonder Woman and 2018’s Aquaman prevailed as aberrations amid the DC Extended Universe’s messy and underwhelming slate. Meanwhile, the MCU has taken advantage of DC’s failures, captivating moviegoers with the Infinity Saga from 2008 to 2019, and has mostly maintained its cultural relevancy despite some hiccups in the years following Avengers: Endgame.

But, with Superman arriving right before The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Gunn’s DCU has the chance to generate genuine competition with the MCU for years to come. There will be a box office battle between The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Superman, and the two movies will also compete for the approval of critics and audiences. Twin revivals of iconic superheroes should make for a fun duel this summer. Even though Superman is only one movie, it’s likely the start of a new era in which Marvel and DC vie for supremacy in the genre.

The MCU Could Be in Trouble if The Fantastic Four: First Steps Fails

A ton is at stake for the MCU with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Although Thunderbolts* helped breathe new life into the franchise, The Fantastic Four: First Steps must carry the momentum into Avengers: Doomsday. The MCU can neither afford a box-office bomb nor a critical reception failure here, as the countdown to its all-important next Avengers outing wanes. With Superman setting the bar for success a couple of weeks earlier, The Fantastic Four: First Steps needs to match or exceed the response to the DCU’s flagship film. If The Fantastic Four: First Steps falls short, the MCU’s will be limping into Doomsday, which already lacks sufficient buildup. The MCU has to get The Fantastic Four: First Steps right to bring the best version of the Fantastic Four to the big screen, to establish a proper preface for Avengers: Doomsday, and to prove that it still dominates the superhero genre. 

The Fantastic Four: First Steps opens in theaters on July 25th.

The post The Fantastic Four: First Steps Is More Important for the MCU Than You Realize appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Following recent speculation that more MCU veterans will be returning in Avengers: Doomsday, new fan art imagines Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson as terrifying villains. At the end of March, Marvel confirmed the first 27 actors confirmed to be cast in Avengers: Doomsday, the Russo brothers’ much-anticipated next Avengers movie. This included several returning MCU and X-Men franchise stars, spurring discussion about who could join them next. With the likes of Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, and even Robert Downey Jr. returning, the question remains as to who else will show their face.

Inevitably, there’s been significant interest in seeing the MCU’s original Avengers cast members reunite in Avengers: Doomsday. New fan art shared by welove_marvel puts a dark twist on this wish, however, as Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson are depicted as villainous versions of their former Marvel heroes. Evans suits up as the dark Captain Hydra, an evil Captain America, while Johansson is depicted as Madame Hydra – a shocking reunion, indeed.

Currently, neither Chris Evans nor Scarlett Johansson have been confirmed to be returning in Avengers: Doomsday. Evans seems to have denied rumors of his involvement in the upcoming Phase 6 crossover event, while Johansson’s sour experience in the wake of 2021’s Black Widow may make her reluctant to return. Even so, the multiverse-focused storyline of Doomsday and its 2027 sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars, mean these movies are the perfect opportunity to bring Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson back into the fray.

RELATED: Avengers Delays Could Mean Big Changes for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, MCU Fans Speculate

Only a handful of the cast of 2012’s The Avengers have been confirmed to be coming back for Doomsday, including Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, and Robert Downey Jr. himself. The latter will be debuting as iconic Marvel villain Doctor Doom, set to face the Avengers, the X-Men, the Thunderbolts, and the Fantastic Four. There has been speculation that Doom will be leading his own evil Avengers team, which creates a fantastic chance to put dark spins on some of the MCU’s most notable heroes, including Evans and Johansson’s past characters.

Chris Evans previously played Steve Rogers’ Captain America, while Scarlett Johansson took on the role of Natasha Romanoff’s Black Widow, with both departing the MCU in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame. It would be shocking yet thrilling to see Evans and Johansson return to the MCU as villains, especially if they’re joined by darker versions of Hawkeye, Iron Man, Thor and the Hulk. Avengers: Doomsday is already gearing up to be the MCU’s most exciting movie yet, and confirming this wild casting choice would only raise anticipation even more.

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for release on December 18, 2026, as part of the MCU’s Phase 6. Directing duo the Russo brothers will be returning to direct its sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars, which is set for release on December 17, 2027.

Would you like to see the original Avengers cast return as villains in the MCU? Let us know in the comments!

The post Chris Evans & Scarlett Johansson Return as Captain Hydra & Madame Hydra in Avengers: Doomsday Fan Art appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The recently announced delays for Marvel Studios’ crossover movies Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars are sending ripples across the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s release slate, prompting speculation about the narrative trajectory of upcoming films, particularly Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Initially, the fourth solo outing for Tom Holland’s Spider-Man was anticipated to slot neatly between the two colossal Avengers installments, a positioning that fueled theories of a deeply multiversal storyline, perhaps even involving the chaotic landscape of Battleworld. However, with Avengers: Doomsday now shifted from May 2026 to December 2026, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day holding onto its July 2026 release, the movie will now precede Doomsday. This significant alteration suggests that Peter Parker’s next adventure will pivot to a more street-level focus, exploring his dramatically altered life post-Spider-Man: No Way Home before he is inevitably drawn into the universe-shattering events of the Avengers sequels.

At the conclusion of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter Parker asks Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) to cast a spell that makes the entire world forget he ever existed, sacrificing his identity to save the world from a multiversal collapse. This act left him utterly alone, stripped of his relationships with MJ (Zendaya), Ned Leeds (Jacob Batalon), Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau), and the Avengers. With no personal history or support system, Peter was last seen embracing his solitary path, having crafted a new, comic-accurate suit and starting over from scratch in a dingy apartment, ready to continue his mission as the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

[RELATED: After Daredevil: Born Again, the Next Spider-Man Movie Has Some Explaining to Do]

Spider-Man’s new operational environment has been further altered by the events of Daredevil: Born Again. In the TV show, Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio), as the Mayor of New York City, officially outlawed all vigilante activities in the city, even explicitly referencing Spider-Man as one of the “troublesome” costumed figures he intended to stop. This anti-vigilante stance confirms Spider-Man is currently operating as a street-level hero within an openly hostile New York. With Spider-Man: Brand New Day now releasing before Avengers: Doomsday, the film is logically positioned to delve into Peter’s struggles navigating this dangerous new status quo, rather than immediately thrusting him into the multiversal events that its original placement between the Avengers films had suggested.

Everything We Know About Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, known for his work on Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The film’s title, Brand New Day, is taken from a major 2008 Marvel Comics storyline where Peter Parker’s marriage was erased, his secret identity was globally forgotten due to a deal with Mephisto, and he returned to more classic, street-level adventures with a new supporting cast and challenges. This comic narrative of restored anonymity and altered personal relationships mirrors Peter’s current MCU circumstances post-Spider-Man: No Way Home.

In addition to Holland, Brand New Day will star Sadie Sink, of Stranger Things fame. While details of her role remain under wraps, prominent rumors suggest Sink will portray May “Mayday” Parker. In the comics, Mayday is the daughter of an alternate universe Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson, who inherits her father’s abilities as Spider-Girl. If this rumor proves true, her inclusion could subtly weave multiversal threads into Peter’s primarily street-level ordeal. Another key new cast member is Liza Colón-Zayas from The Bear, whose role has also yet to be confirmed. Speculation heavily points to her playing Rio Morales, the mother of Miles Morales, as both the actress and the character are of Puerto Rican descent, and the MCU already alluded to Miles with Aaron Davis’ (Donald Glover) cameo in Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Finally, leaks from a Disney Blockbuster Consumer Products presentation reportedly revealed three villains: Tombstone, Boomerang, and the Scorpion. The MCU has already laid the groundwork for the Scorpion, with Mac Gargan (Michael Mando) being established in Spider-Man: Homecoming on a path towards becoming the venom-tailed villain. Plus, Tombstone is a significant character in the Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man animated series, which could mean Marvel Studios is giving the character more awareness before his live-action debut.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is scheduled to swing into theaters on July 31, 2026.

Would you prefer the next Spider-Man movie to tie into Avengers: Doomsday or remain a street–level adventure? Let us know in the comments!

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Angela Bassett wants to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Queen Ramonda in the upcoming Black Panther 3. Speaking on Good Morning America, the acclaimed actress not only expressed strong enthusiasm for reprising her role but also suggested a viable pathway for her character’s reappearance despite Ramonda’s fate in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, mentioning Wakanda’s Ancestral Plane. It would certainly be a treat to see the powerful Queen Mother grace the screen once more, and given the mystical elements already established within Wakandan lore, it wouldn’t be too hard to tap into Basset’s incredible star power for the threequel. Plus, considering how Black Panther 3 is a long way from release, Marvel Studios has plenty of time to figure out the best way to bring her back.

“That would be wonderful,” Bassett stated directly about returning for Black Panther 3. She elaborated on the how, saying, “Listen, the Ancestral Plane? I could be there. You know? It could happen. I would, absolutely.” Finishing her thoughts on the matter, Bassett added, “Everyone wants it to happen,” which sounds like an accurate statement.

[RELATED: Marvel Wanted a Different Director for X-Men (But They’re Making Another MCU Movie)]

Queen Ramonda tragically died during Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, sacrificing herself to save Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) when Namor (Tenoch Huerta Mejía) flooded the throne room. Her death was a pivotal moment in the film, deeply impacting Shuri (Letitia Wright) and fueling her initial desire for vengeance before she ultimately chose a different path as the new Black Panther. Fortunately, the very same film laid the groundwork for how deceased characters can still play a significant role. Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), who died at the end of the first Black Panther, made an emotional appearance in Wakanda Forever when Shuri journeyed to the Ancestral Plane after ingesting the synthetic heart-shaped herb. This established precedent is precisely what Bassett alluded to, offering a perfect narrative opportunity for Queen Ramonda to continue offering guidance to Shuri from beyond the mortal coil.

Everything We Know About Black Panther 3

Development for Black Panther 3 is underway, though fans may need to exercise patience before returning to Wakanda. Before tackling the Marvel threequel, director Ryan Coogler prioritized his original vampire horror film, Sinners, indicating a desire to create a personally driven story rather than primarily serving existing narratives or universes. The strategy paid off, as Coogler’s Sinners keeps winning big at the international box office.

While there’s little information on the plot of Black Panther 3, Denzel Washington has been cast in an undisclosed role. Coogler openly talked about his strong desire to collaborate with the legendary actor, provided Washington remains interested in participating despite the project’s long gestation period. Washington had previously mentioned that Coogler wrote a role for him, though details remain scarce.

Recently, Captain America: Brave New World introduced adamantium as a metal surpassing vibranium in strength, with President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) presenting it as a resource not controlled by an “isolationist nation”. This sets up a potential conflict where Wakanda’s technological supremacy and its most precious resource are directly threatened, possibly leading to an adamantium versus vibranium war, a theme that would naturally evolve the franchise’s exploration of Wakanda’s place in a rapidly changing world. Namor even predicted at the end of Wakanda Forever that nations would turn against Wakanda, positioning Talokan as a key ally when that happens, a plot thread that Black Panther 3 could follow.

Black Panther 3 is not expected to hit theaters until after the upcoming Avengers films, likely placing its debut sometime in 2028 or beyond.

Would you like to see Angela Bassett return as Queen Ramonda in Black Panther 3 via the Ancestral Plane? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Black Panther 3: Angela Bassett Addresses Possible MCU Return (But Could It Happen?) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are probably disappointed that Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars have been delayed, but both films should benefit as a result. According to Deadline, Disney/Marvel Studios decided it would be best to push the films back considering their massive scope and scale. As directors Joe and Anthony Russo look to bring the Multiverse Saga to a satisfying conclusion, it was determined they need more time to complete work on the movies. In addition, the two Avengers films are now set to bow in a rather lucrative window that Marvel Studios has benefited greatly from before.

“Insiders noted that these two films are among the biggest ever made, and the delays simply allow more time to execute on a gargantuan vision,” reads a report from Deadline. “Disney/Marvel elected for December dates, given the success they’ve had in the holiday corridor with titles like Spider-Man: No Way Home. Avengers: Doomsday is in production now.”

Earlier this week, Disney officially announced the delays for Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. Previously, the films were scheduled to premiere in May 2026 and May 2027, respectively. They will now debut in December 2026 and December 2027 over the pre-Christmas weekend that’s housed blockbuster properties like Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Avatar over the years.

[RELATED – Top 8 Marvel Comics Moments We Want to See in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars]

Avengers: Doomsday is going to be a monumental undertaking for Marvel. In late March, the studio announced 27 actors who will appear in the film, bringing together multiple Avengers teams, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men. Shortly after, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige confirmed there are additional Doomsday casting announcements to come at a later date. Secret Wars will be equally as sprawling, as the films pit the heroes of the Multiverse against Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom.

It’s no secret that the Multiverse Saga has been uneven, a stark contrast from the consistent quality that was on display during the Infinity Saga. Over the past handful of years, there have been multiple Marvel projects that underwhelmed critically and commercially. With that in mind, it’s easy to understand why the studio is giving the Russo brothers extra time to make these two Avengers movies. The idea here is to end the Multiverse Saga on a high note. Some have questioned whether or not that’s possible given all the ups and downs and lack of cohesion in the overarching narrative, but the Russos have a better chance to accomplish their goal if the movies aren’t rushed. Every movie requires the proper amount of time and care to get things right — these two even more so.

Delaying the upcoming Avengers movies is another sign of Marvel Studios dedicating itself to getting back on track. Feige is well aware the MCU has had its struggles in the post-Endgame era and he’s making strides to course correct. It isn’t a coincidence the Avengers delays were announced in conjunction with multiple Marvel movies being pulled from the release schedule. Rather than overdoing things and flooding the big and small screens with more Marvel projects than casual viewers can keep up with, the studio is going to be patient and slow its output down to a more palatable rate.

The post Why Marvel Delayed Avengers: Doomsday & Secret Wars Revealed (& It’s a Good Thing) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Sam Wilson is reportedly recruiting a lineup of heavy-hitters for Avengers: Doomsday. Anticipation continues to build for the next big Avengers flick, especially after the success of Thunderbolts*. The knowledge that the Thunderbolts are actually the New Avengers, and that they’re feuding with Sam Wilson’s Captain America over the “Avengers” name, adds some extra spice to the drama in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Knowing that Cap has an Avengers team behind him raises the larger question of who the members are. We know many of the cast members in Avengers: Doomsday, and now a scooper is dishing out possible names for the roster of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

Alex Perez of TheCosmicCircus recently held a Q&A where fans could ask questions about the MCU. A couple of fans asked who was on Sam Wilson’s Avengers team. “Right now, Joaquin Torres, Captain Marvel, Bruce Banner, Wong, and Shang-Chi are the ones officially on his team. I’ve heard they may recruit She-Hulk as well,” Perez said.

The actors who play these characters were included during the five-plus-hour casting announcement for Avengers: Doomsday, so it’s not too much of a surprise to see them rumored for one of the two Avengers lineups. Thunderbolts* stars Sebastian Stan, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Hannah John-Kamen, and Lewis Pullman are returning as the New Avengers, after Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Valentina Allegra de Fontaine officially announced them to the world at the end of the Marvel film. They’ll be joined by the cast of The Fantastic Four: First Steps and many of the original X-Men actors.

[RELATED: One MCU Character Could Change Everything in the Avengers vs. New Avengers Fight]

Photos and videos captured on the set of Avengers: Doomsday have offered a sneak peek at the returning X-Men and their iconic villains. Fans captured what appears to be pieces of giant Sentinels scattered across the set. Photos and a video compiling everything show what looks to be the torso and leg of a Sentinel, with portions of the body parts covered by a blue tarp, possibly to allow for visual effects to be added later on. It’s unknown if this takes place at the X-Men Mansion or some other location. None of the X-Men cast members can be seen in the photos, so all fans are left with is endless speculation.

We’ve also seen James Marsden and Ian McKellen reprising their roles as Cyclops and Magneto, respectively. McKellen was wearing part of his Magneto costume in the set photo, while Marsden was in plain clothes wearing Cyclops’ ruby quartz sunglasses. It’s not clear what they were discussing in the photo, and the backdrop doesn’t give anything away either. However, it is good to see the two stars back in their iconic roles.

Earlier this week, Marvel Studios pushed back the release dates of Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Avengers: Doomsday was moved from May 1, 2026, to December 18, 2026, with Avengers: Secret Wars moving from May 7, 2027, to December 17, 2027. Multiple outlets reported that the seven-month delay for both films is due to the scope and scale of what insiders describe as the biggest movies Marvel has ever made. The last MCU movie to premiere in December was 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, which grossed $1.92 billion at the global box office to become Sony’s highest-grossing film and the third highest-grossing Marvel movie behind only Avengers: Infinity War ($2.05 billion) and Avengers: Endgame ($2.79 billion), released a year apart in April 2018 and 2019, respectively.

Who do you think will be on the Avengers with Sam Wilson’s Captain America? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

The post MCU Rumor Reveals Sam Wilson’s Avengers Lineup (& the New Avengers Don’t Stand a Chance) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Doomsday is delayed. Marvel Studios on Thursday pushed back the release dates of the next two Avengers movies, moving Avengers: Doomsday from May 1, 2026, to December 18, 2026, and sequel Avengers: Secret Wars from May 7, 2027 to Dec. 17, 2027. Multiple outlets reported that the seven-month delay for both films is due to the scope and scale of what insiders describe as the biggest movies Marvel has ever made.

Disney shifted 20th Century’s The Devil Wears Prada 2 onto the Doomsday date, and the fifth Avengers movie will now open opposite Disney’s own Ice Age 6 (also currently slotted for Dec. 18). That’s one week after the Dwayne Johnson-fronted Jumanji 3 from Sony, and another week before Universal and Illumination’s Shrek 5 in the Christmas corridor of Dec. 23. Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures previously staked out the Dec. 18 release date for the Denis Villeneuve-directed Dune 3.

RELATED: Hugh Jackman Has Surprising Answer About Wolverine Return With Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool in Avengers: Doomsday

2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home was the first Marvel Studios movie to release in December (Disney typically slots its superhero blockbusters in the summer months of May-July). The Sony Pictures-Marvel Studios co-production swung into theaters on Dec. 17, 2021, and grossed $1.92 billion at the global box office to become Sony’s highest-grossing film and the third highest-biggest Marvel movie behind only Avengers: Infinity War ($2.05 billion) and Avengers: Endgame ($2.79 billion), released a year apart in April 2018 and 2019.

The new Avengers: Doomsday release date comes a month after principal photography got underway in the UK.

In March, during a five-and-a-half-hour livestream, Marvel announced the 27 actors so far confirmed to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In addition to former Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr. donning the metal mask of Doctor Doom in the lead role, Doomsday will reunite Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Tom Hiddleston (Loki), and will feature franchise regulars like Anthony Mackie (Captain America) and Paul Rudd (Ant-Man). Letitia Wright (Black Panther), Simu Liu (Shang-Chi), Danny Ramirez (the Falcon), Tenoch Huerta Mejía (Namor the Sub-Mariner), and Winston Duke (M’Baku) are also confirmed to return.

The Thunderbolts* cast — which includes New Avengers Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes), David Harbour (Red Guardian), Hannah John-Kamen (Ghost), Wyatt Russell (John Walker/U.S. Agent), and Lewis Pullman (Bob Reynolds/Sentry) — will also be assembling alongside the stars of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, who make their MCU debuts this summer: Pedro Pascal (Mister Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby (the Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn (the Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (the Thing).

Channing Tatum (Gambit) will reprise his fan-favorite Deadpool & Wolverine role with cast members from the Fox X-Men movies, including franchise vets Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), James Marsden (Cyclops), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler), and Kelsey Grammer (Beast).

Marvel Studios president and producer Kevin Feige confirmed that the entire cast list has yet to be announced and that more actors are still to come (likely at Marvel Studios’ Hall H takeover at San Diego Comic-Con in July). Notable names missing from the initial roll call include Tom Holland (Spider-Man), Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange), Brie Larson (Captain Marvel), Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), Don Cheadle (War Machine), Benedict Wong (Wong), Iman Vellani (Ms. Marvel), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), and Chris Pratt (Star-Lord). Hayley Atwell (Peggy Carter) and Chris Evans (Steve Rogers) are also reportedly set to return.

Disney’s 2026 slate includes Pixar’s Hoppers (March 13), 20th Century’s The Dog Stars (March 27) and The Devil Wears Prada 2 (May 1), Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian and Grogu (May 22), Pixar’s Toy Story 5 (June 19), and the live-action Moana (July 10). Sony’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day, also co-produced by Marvel Studios, was previously set for July 31, with Avengers: Doomsday now earmarked for Dec. 18 in the pre-holidays slot reserved for other Disney heavyhitters like Star Wars and Avatar.

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