Marvel Studios has announced a significant lineup of stars set to join Robert Downey Jr. in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday. However, the actor playing Doctor Doom hinted that more notable additions might be revealed in the future.
The announcement occurred during an extensive livestream on YouTube on March 26, where 26 actors were confirmed for roles in this fifth installment of the Marvel Avengers series.
Among those revealed were Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby, who will first appear as Mister Fantastic and The Invisible Woman in Fantastic 4: First Steps later this year. Additionally, fans were surprised to learn that Sir Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellen would reprise their iconic roles as Professor X and Magneto, respectively.
James Marsden and Rebecca Romijn will also join the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Cyclops and Mystique from the X-Men franchise, while Channing Tatum returns as Gambit.
Noticeably absent from the Avengers: Doomsday announcement were Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. The actors known for their roles as Deadpool and Wolverine did not feature in the initial cast list, along with several others.
Chris Evans, who returned as Johnny Storm from Fantastic 4 last year and is known for his portrayal of Captain America, was not included, nor was Chris Pratt, who last appeared as Peter Quill in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
Additionally, Spider-Man, played by Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury, Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld), and Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani) were not mentioned in the cast list.
Despite their absence, it’s speculated that Reynolds, Jackman, and others might still appear in Avengers: Doomsday.
Following the livestream, Robert Downey Jr. took to Instagram to hint at potential future cast announcements.
“That’s what u call a deep bench of talent,” the Iron Man actor commented.
“Actually it’s more like a row, but an extra long one… That must be it.. right?”
Marvel’s official Instagram account responded: “There’s always room for more.”
The Russo Brothers, directors of Doomsday, added: “It’s time…”
It appears that Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios are not finished with their casting announcements for Avengers: Doomsday, adding to the excitement.
This highly anticipated superhero film is set to be released on May 1, 2026, with its sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars, planned for release in May 2027.
In the meantime, fans can enjoy Captain America: New World Order, featuring Anthony Mackie, which is currently in theaters.
Upcoming releases include Thunderbolts in May 2025, Ironheart on Disney+ in June, and Fantastic 4: First Steps in July.
Additionally, Marvel Zombies and Wonder Man are scheduled to debut by the end of the year.