Marvel Studios dropped a bombshell on Wednesday, unveiling the cast for the highly anticipated “Avengers: Doomsday.” This star-studded lineup includes none other than Robert Downey Jr. alongside over two dozen familiar faces from the MCU. However, fans quickly noted several key absentees.
The announcement video has taken social media by storm, racking up millions of views. It seems there’s no such thing as superhero fatigue, especially after “Deadpool & Wolverine” raked in over $1.3 billion. The return of these beloved Fox Marvel characters reignited excitement for alternative Marvel storylines.
The New MCU Frontier
Marvel’s Cinematic Universe has felt different post-“Avengers: Endgame,” with some arguing the shift began as far back as “Infinity War.” The visionary Kevin Feige spearheaded the brilliant move to reintroduce Downey Jr., this time as Doctor Doom. Adding to the excitement, the Russo Brothers are at the helm of both “Doomsday” and the upcoming “Secret Wars.” They recently revealed hints of a reboot, suggesting these films mark a fresh beginning for the MCU.
Who’s Who in Avengers: Doomsday?
The cast list reads like a who’s who of heroic legends, split into four iconic groups: The Avengers, X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Thunderbolts. The lineup crosses three universes. The Avengers and Thunderbolts hail from the primary MCU, while the X-Men emerge from the Fox Marvel universe, and the Fantastic Four carve out their own space. Downey’s Doctor Doom is rumored to originate from the Fantastic Four universe as well. This ambitious crossover promises an epic battle for survival.
In “The Avengers,” fans can expect Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Anthony Mackie stepping into Captain America’s shoes, Paul Rudd shrinking as Ant-Man, and Letitia Wright as the tech-savvy Shuri, now Black Panther. Other notable appearances include Tom Hiddleston’s ever-compelling Loki and Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi.
The Missing Legends
Despite the impressive roster, numerous Marvel heavyweights are conspicuously absent. Instagram teasers suggest more revelations are to come. Notably, the absence of characters like the entire “Eternals” cast raises questions. Has Marvel quietly shelved them, or is there a surprise in the making? Similarly, fans are left wondering about the elusive Guardians of the Galaxy. With James Gunn having moved on, their roles remain uncertain, despite leaked art featuring Star-Lord.
The original Avengers lineup also sees some missing figures. While Thor returns, the absence of Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk, Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers, and Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel is striking. Are they being reserved for “Secret Wars,” filming concurrently with “Doomsday” in London?
A New Chapter Beckons
As Marvel trudges through a complex web of characters and narratives, the task ahead isn’t just colossal—it’s crucial for maintaining the integrity of the sprawling universe. Whether these omissions are strategic teases or genuine closings remains to be seen. For now, Marvel sets sights on a May 1, 2026, release for “Avengers: Doomsday” and a follow-up with “Avengers: Secret Wars” on May 7, 2027. The stage is set, and while some may be missing, their stories are far from over.
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