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Marvel’s multiverse is gearing up for its next big event with “Avengers: Doomsday.” While the details of the film are tightly under wraps, akin to a high-profile political scandal, we’ve pieced together some theories about what this epic team-up might entail. Check out our video above for a deep dive into our predictions.
Describing Marvel Studios’ approach to “Avengers: Doomsday” as anything less than throwing everything into the mix would be an understatement. Recent Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) projects haven’t dazzled audiences quite like they used to, and the decision to drop Jonathan Majors from his role as Kang, amid controversy, sent shockwaves through the fanbase. The studio’s response? They’ve reportedly brought back Robert Downey Jr., but not as Iron Man. Instead, he will portray Doctor Doom. Furthermore, they organized a five-hour live-streamed casting reveal, showcasing actors’ names on chairs. While this may have seemed excessive, it was certainly more entertaining than some recent MCU outings. Ba dum tss!
Helmed by the Russo brothers, with a script by Michael Waldron and Stephen McFeely, “Avengers: Doomsday” draws from various corners of the multiverse. Familiar faces from Earth-616, like Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, Anthony Mackie’s Captain America, Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, and Tom Hiddleston’s Loki, will make their return. Meanwhile, Earth-10005 will see the comeback of Patrick Stewart’s Charles Xavier, James Marsden’s Cyclops, Ian McKellen’s Magneto, and Alan Cumming’s Nightcrawler. Additionally, Earth-828, introduced in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” will have Marvel’s iconic family joining the fray as well.
Much like “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame,” which are best enjoyed as a pair, audiences should prepare to experience “Avengers: Doomsday” alongside “Avengers: Secret Wars.” The first is set to hit theaters on December 18, 2026, with its sequel following closely behind on December 17, 2027.
It’s almost certain that not every Marvel hero will make it through “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Secret Wars.” The real intrigue lies in how much the MCU will draw from the original “Secret Wars” comic series from the 1980s. While the cinematic universe has charted its own course, diverging from the comics, there’s potential for some iconic moments, such as Tom Holland’s Peter Parker finally acquiring his black suit through the symbiote Venom. This transformation hasn’t occurred in Holland’s standalone “Spider-Man” films yet, suggesting this could be the perfect opportunity.
Directed by the Russo brothers from a script by Michael Waldron and Stephen McFeely, “Avengers: Doomsday” pulls from all parts of the multiverse. Earth-616 mainstays like Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, Anthony Mackie’s Captain America, Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, and Tom Hiddleston’s Loki will be present. From Earth-10005, Patrick Stewart’s Charles Xavier, James Marsden’s Cyclops, Ian McKellen’s Magneto, and Alan Cumming’s Nightcrawler are confirmed to return. In addition, the newly minted Earth-828 from “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” will see Marvel’s First Family crossing streams too.
Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars will change the MCU forever
20th Century Studios
Much like “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame” are best experienced as a double feature to get the full picture, the same should be expected of “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars.” The former releases on December 18, 2026, while the latter arrives just a day short of a year later on December 17, 2027.
There’s no doubt that there will be Marvel heroes who don’t survive beyond “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Secret Wars” — that much is to be expected. The question is how much influence will the MCU pull from the original “Secret Wars” comic book arc from the 1980s? There will be necessary changes, since the MCU’s storyline hasn’t exactly followed the comics’ lead, instead embarking down its own narrative road. However, there could be iconic callbacks, such as Tom Holland’s Peter Parker finally receiving his black suit after bonding with the symbiote Venom. It hasn’t happened in Holland’s standalone “Spider-Man” movies yet, so this could be the best time to do it.
The storytelling possibilities for “Avengers: Doomsday” are endless, so it’s a good thing that we have spoken to Madame Web (not the Dakota Johnson version) to get insight into the MCU’s future. Watch the video above and come back in 2026 to see if we got it right.