Marvel released the first full official trailer for Avengers: Doomsday on July 20, 2026, revealing key plot points and extensive cast details [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The film features a star-studded ensemble including returning Avengers Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America, Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, Anthony Mackie as Captain America, and Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier among others [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].

The movie crosses multiple Marvel universes. Characters from The Fantastic Four (Pedro Pascal as Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm), X-Men (Patrick Stewart as Professor X, Ian McKellen as Magneto), Wakanda (Letitia Wright as Shuri), Thunderbolts, New Avengers, and Namor (played by Tenoch Huerta Mejia) all appear [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].

Robert Downey Jr. returns to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the villain Doctor Doom. His portrayal includes a Latverian accent and traditional green robes with medieval-style armor. Downey Jr. reportedly earned $100 million for his role across this film and the sequel Avengers: Secret Wars [1, 3, 7, 5].

Co-director Joe Russo described the film as a "phase zero" restart, noting, "This is starting over from scratch. We want to make sure everybody feels like this isn’t leaning on anything from the past" [1]. The story involves a multiversal collision threatening three universes: Earth-616 (Avengers, Wakanda, New Avengers), Earth-828 (Fantastic Four), and the original X-Men universe [4, 5].

The trailer paints a bleak picture with the X-Men mansion shown in disrepair and heroes bracing for an existential threat [2, 8]. Doctor Doom’s dialogue warns, "Something’s coming. Something we may not be able to deter. Before this day is done, we shall be faced with an unthinkable decision," setting a tone of dire stakes [2]. Thor urges unity, saying, "Put aside your petty squabbles and presume nothing except this: if you return, you will return as brothers and sisters. But mark my words, we’re going to need a miracle" [2].

Notably absent from the announced cast are characters like Spider-Man, Captain Marvel, Hulk, Hawkeye, Nick Fury, Wolverine, and Scarlet Witch [9]. Marvel also edited a trailer scene to remove Doctor Doom and Steve Rogers, sparking fan theories about hidden plot elements [10].

The trailer garnered mixed reactions online, with criticism directed at its chaotic action and lack of emotional buildup [11]. Marvel had to rework Phase Six plans after actor Jonathan Majors, who portrayed Kang, was fired. This led to the Russo brothers stepping in as directors and setting the stage for Avengers: Secret Wars [4].

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to release in theaters on December 18, 2026, coinciding with Dune: Part Three [1]. The follow-up film, Avengers: Secret Wars, is planned for release in May 2027 [4].