Marvel reveals 'Avengers: Doomsday' casting — the latest updates and every actor
Here's all the latest casting announcements from Marvel's 'Avengers: Doomsday' livestream
"Avengers: Doomsday" is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated upcoming Marvel movies. As soon as Robert Downey Jr. was revealed to be Doctor Doom, it was clear that this Avengers movie would be the MCU's next great event.
In a surprise move yesterday, Marvel started revealing the cast of the upcoming MCU movie one by one, with new reveals coming every 10-15 minutes in a livestream that lasted nearly five hours.
The names were shown on director's chairs until the last seat when Robert Downey Jr. himself appeared out of a blur to sit in his before gesturing to the long line of unveiled names.
The livestream revealed 27 actors from across Marvel’s history starting with the first X-Men movie in 2000 to the most recent phase five Marvel movies and shows. Perhaps the most surprising of the names were cast of Bryan Singer’s X-Men and X2 including Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellan James Marsden, and Alan Cumming.
It feels like an X-Men reboot of a sort that we weren’t expecting. Though with the X-Men and Fantastic Four finally back under the Marvel Studios umbrella it probably shouldn’t be a surprise that the two Marvel staples are making big appearances in the next Avengers movie, the tentpole title of Marvel flicks.
We’re certain more will be revealed in the coming months before the May 1, 2026 release date, but for now this is a loaded and extensive cast list.
'Avengers: Doomsday' cast announced
- Chris Hemsworth
- Vanessa Kirby
- Anthony Mackie
- Sebastian Stan
- Letitia Wright
- Paul Rudd
- Wyatt Russell
- Tenoch Huerta Mejia
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach
- Simu Liu
- Florence Pugh
- Kelsey Grammer
- Lewis Pullman
- Danny Ramirez
- Joseph Quinn
- David Harbour
- Winston Duke
- Hannah John-Kamen
- Tom Hiddleston
- Patrick Stewart
- Ian McKellan
- Alan Cumming
- Rebecca Romijn
- James Marsden
- Channing Tatum
- Pedro Pascal
- Robert Downey Jr.
Malcolm has been with Tom's Guide since 2022, and has been covering the latest in streaming shows and movies since 2023. He's not one to shy away from a hot take, including that "John Wick" is one of the four greatest films ever made.
Paul Rudd announced to return as Ant-Man
And we have a new casting announcement! Paul Rudd is revealed as the sixth cast member announced so far. In fitting fashion, he's given a much smaller set chair than his co-stars.
Letitia Wright announced to return as Shuri/Black Panther
#AvengersDoomsday pic.twitter.com/5Q2YlA6wUvMarch 26, 2025
Now that we're live, let's recap who has already been announced in reverse order.
Just before the reveal of Paul Rudd and his miniature chair, Letitia Wright was revealed to be returning to the MCU as Shuri/Black Panther in "Avengers: Doomsday." It's possible we'll see her twice in 2026, as she's also likely to appear in "Black Panther 3," which is current tipped for a November 2026 release date.
NEW CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT: Wyatt Russell to return as John Walker/US Agent
Another cast member revealed! Marvel has just announced Wyatt Russell will be returning to the MCU as U.S. Agent/John Walker in "Avengers: Doomsday."
Honestly, a bit disappointed to see this announced. Love Wyatt Russell, but this means his character is now a lock to survive the events of "Thunderbolts*," which lowers the stakes of that movie just a bit.
Chris Hemsworth kicks off the casting announcements — will return as Thor
While we have a moment following Wyatt Russell's casting announcement, let's go back to recapping what's already been announced.
Things got started with the reveal that Chris Hemsworth will be returning as Thor, followed by the announcements of Vanessa Kirby, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Letitia Wright and Paul Rudd.
What does this mean for the broader MCU? Well, The Invisible Woman looks set to survive the events of "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," and The Winter Soldier and U.S. Agent are both looking like they'll make it through "Thunderbolts*" alive.
It will be interesting to see what happens to Letitia Wright's Shuri, though. With "Black Panther 3" likely to come out after "Avengers: Doomsday," the next Marvel team-up movie could have major implications on her standalone MCU franchise.
NEW CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT: Namor returns!
Another cast member revealed, and this time, it's unclear if this will be a hero or a villain.
Tenoch Huerta Mejia has been officially announced to appear in "Avengers: Doomsday." The human mutant/Atlantean hybrid made his first appearance in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," which ended in an uneasy truce between Talokan and Wakanda.
Namor is typically an antihero, and it seems unlikely he'd team up with Doom. But the ending of "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" gave no indication he'll quickly agree to become an Avenger.
NEW CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT: Ebon Moss-Bachrach to reprise as The Thing
Ebon Moss-Bachrach is the latest cast member confirmed for "Avengers: Doomsday" and to that we say "Yes, chef!"
The star of "The Bear" and "Andor" season 1 will make his MCU debut in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" this summer. Now it seems he and castmate Vanessa Kirby are confirmed for at least one more Marvel movie.
Scarlet Witch confirmed to miss 'Avengers: Doomsday'
Sadly, it looks like we won’t be getting a Scarlet Witch casting announcement anytime soon, as Elizabeth Olsen recently confirmed in an interview she won’t be appearing in “Avengers: Doomsday” or “Secret Wars.”
Yes, that’s right — my favorite Marvel character (and arguably one of the best) won’t be in the upcoming “Avengers” movies, and it genuinely pains me to say that.
That said, Marvel is notorious for keeping secrets, and plenty of actors have denied their involvement in past projects only to show up anyway. Maybe I’m just in denial, but I’m holding out hope for at least a small cameo.
Or better yet, Olsen’s name being revealed last in the live announcement. Now that would break the internet. - Alix Blackburn
NEW CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT: Simu Liu returns as Shang-Chi
Another member of the Avengers revealed! Simu Liu is officially announced by Marvel to reprise his role as the titular Shang-Chi from "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings."
This will be Shang-Chi's first live action appearance since that 2021 movie, meaning we'll have gone half a decade without the martial arts expert.
Personally, I'm glad he's back. It's been a notable absence from the MCU.
Rumored 'Avengers: Secret Wars' concept art debunked by Russo brothers
Earlier this year, a concept art leak started floating around the internet. It was a notable leak in large part because it seemingly came from a Marvel artist.
But in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, "Avengers: Doomsday" directors Joe and Anthony Russo confirmed that the concept art was not theirs. "Nothing spoiling in there. That’s not our concept art." Anthony told the industry outlet.
NEW CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT: Florence Pugh confirmed for 'Avengers: Doomsday'
Another member of the Thunderbolts has been confirmed for "Avengers: Doomsday." This time, it's Florence Pugh, who looks set to reprise her role as Yelena Belova in the next Avengers movie.
It also means that yet another star from "Thunderbolts*" is going to survive the events of that movie. Marvel spoiling its own films is an ... interesting choice.
Will She-Hulk return for 'Doomsday'? Rumors indicate Tatiana Maslany is expected on set
Like Simu Liu's Shang-Chi, Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk has been noticeably absent from the MCU following a debut appearance.
But a recent rumor indicates that this could all be according to plan for Marvel.
Comic Book Movie reported this week that Maslany has to skip out on Comic Con Liverpool in May due to filming conflicts. The working theory is she'll be too busy with "Avengers: Doomsday," though no sources have corroborated this theory.
NEW CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT: Kelsey Grammer is our first shock announcement of the day
Kelsey Grammer is the latest casting announcement for "Avengers: Doomsday," and it's a shocking reveal.
Admittedly, this isn't Grammer's first rodeo in the MCU. After portraying Dr. Hank McCoy/Beast in the X-Men movies, he reprised the role in 2023's "The Marvels." Still, I'd be lying if I said I was expecting his name to appear today.
NEW CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT: Lewis Pullman joins the growing list of 'Thunderbolts*' cast members to reprise in 'Doomsday'
Lewis Pullman is the latest casting announcement from Marvel. He'll be reprising his role as Sentry, an ultra powerful figure from Marvel comics lore.
However, Pullman now marks a third "Thunderbolts*" cast member revealed to appear in the next Avengers movie, and it's risking spoiling Marvel's next movie before it even comes out.
Who is currently left to reveal for 'Avengers: Doomsday?'
Despite the call sheet now 13 names deep, there are still a lot of potential cast members for "Avengers: Doomsday" yet to be revealed.
Here are just some of the names we think could still appear during Marvel's livestream:
- Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Stephen Strange
- Tom Holland as Peter Parker / Spider-Man
- Tenoyah Parris as Monica Rambeau
- Robert Downey Jr. as Victor von Doom / Doctor Doom (confirmed casting)
- Pedro Pascal as Reed Richard / Mr. Fantastic
NEW CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT: Danny Ramirez returns as Falcon
Another cast member revealed, this time from Marvel's most recent movie, "Captain America: Brave New World."
Danny Ramirez is confirmed to return as Joaquin Torres / Falcon, serving once again as Cap's new sidekick.
NEW CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT: Joseph Quinn to return as The Human Torch
Another member of Marvel's first family is revealed to be in "Avengers: Doomsday."
Joseph Quinn will make his MCU debut in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" as Johnny Storm / The Human Torch. But his following appearance in a Marvel movie won't be a long wait, as he's now confirmed to be in the next Avengers movie.
Only Pedro Pascal remains to be announced from the Fantastic Four superhero team.
NEW CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT: David Harbour to return as Red Guardian
David Harbour will officially return to the MCU as Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian in "Avengers: Doomsday" following his appearance in May's "Thunderbolts*." He first appeared in "Black Widow."
NEW CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT: Winston Duke to return as M'Baku
Winston Duke will reprise his role as M'Baku in "Avengers: Doomsday." His last Marvel film was "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," and he debuted in the first "Black Panther."
NEW CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT: Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost
Hannah John-Kamen is returning as Ava Starr / Ghost in "Avengers: Doomsday."
Ghost first appeared in Ant-Man and the Wasp and is expected to be in the upcoming Thunderbolts* movie.
NEW CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT: Tom Hiddleston as Loki
Tom Hiddleston is still in the MCU as Loki.
He first appeared as Loki Laufeyson in the first "Thor" movie released in 2011. His most recent appearance as Loki was in post-credit scene in "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" and season two of the Loki TV show on Disney Plus.
NEW CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT: Patrick Stewart as Professor X
With the X-Men finally in the MCU fold, big names from older X-Men movies are making their way over.
Now, it's Professor Charles Xavier himself Patrick Stewart who first debuted as the leader of the mutant team in 2000's "X-Men."
He last played Professor X in "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness."
NEW CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT: Ian McKellen as Magneto
Ian McKellen joins his friend Patrick Stewart in reprising his X-Men role for "Avengers: Doomsday."
Like Stewart, he debuted as Magneto in the "X-Men" movie from 2000.
He last appeared as Magneto in "X-Men: Days of Future Past" next to Michael Fassbender's version.
NEW CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT: Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler
Alan Cumming is taking a break from The Traitors to return as Nightcrawler / Kurt Wagner.
Nightcrawler was supposed to be appear in some of Matthew Vaughn's X-Men films but hasn't been seen on screen since "X2."
NEW CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT: Rebecca Romijn as Mystique
Rebecca Romijn is returning as Mystique / Raven Darkholme in "Avengers: Doomsday."
This isn't the X-Men reboot we were suspecting but it is interesting to see.
We last saw Romijn in the role of Mystique in an uncredited cameo in "X-Men: First Class," though the last full role was in "X-Men: The Last Stand" from 2006.
Is 'Avengers: Doomsday' an 'X-Men' reboot?
So far, we have quite a few factions within Marvel filling the "Avengers: Doomsday" roster. But the most interesting has to be the return of the early 2000s "X-Men" cast.
Kesley Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming and Rebecca Romijn are all returning to play the roles that made them famous to comic book nerds everywhere. Who will be next? Surely ... not Hugh Jackman?
NEW CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT: James Marsden returns to Marvel as Cyclops
The return of the "X-Men" cast continues. James Marsden is officially returning to Marvel and joining the MCU as Cyclops.
Major 'X-Men' cast members we could still see announced for 'Avengers: Doomsday'
The number of former X-Men returning to Marvel is now staggering. Here's who else we could see be announced as an "Avengers: Doomsday" cast member:
- Famke Janssen as Jean Grey
- Halle Berry as Ororo Munroe / Storm
- Hugh Jackman as Logan / Wolverine
- Ray Park as Toad
- Tyler Mane as Sabretooth
- Anna Paquin as Marie / Rogue
- Shawn Ashmore as Bobby Drake / Iceman
- Aaron Stanford as John Allerdyce / Pyro
- Kelly Hu as Yuriko Oyama / Deathstrike
- Daniel Cudmore as Peter Rasputin / Colossus
- Vinnie Jones as Cain Marko / Juggernaut
NEW CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT: Channing Tatum returns as Gambit
Channing Tatum still hasn't gotten his shot at a standalone Gambit movie. But now he's playing the iconic mutant in a second MCU film, as he's been officially confirmed to join "Avengers: Doomsday" as Gambit.
Now, we wait for the Ryan Reynolds announcement.
NEW CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT: Pedro Pascal finally confirmed for 'Doomsday'
It seems that the X-Men portion of the livestream has ended ... for now. And we've finally gotten a casting announcement we've been waiting for the entire time.
To nobody's surprise, Pedro Pascal will appear in "Avengers: Doomsday" as Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic. This will be his second appearance in the MCU, after this July's "The Fantastic Four: First Steps."
Who is still left to announce?
With 26 cast members already announced, it's fair to wonder who is still left to be revealed.
Here are my top five names still on the board as potential additions to "Avengers: Doomsday":
- Tom Holland as Peter Parker / Spider-Man
- Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Stephen Strange
- Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson / Deadpool
- Bruce Campbell as Pizza Papa
- Mahershala Ali as Blade
NEW CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT: Robert Downey Jr. confirmed as Doctor Doom
And that's all folks! With the appearance of Robert Downey Jr., we now have the full cast of "Avengers: Doomsday." Or, more accurately, the full cast that Marvel is willing to reveal.
Stay tuned for our next post on who didn't make the cut.
Who is missing?
A number of actors weren't shown in the interminable chair teaser.
Some like Elizabeth Olsen have said that they aren't returning to the MCU anytime soon, but others like Tatiana Maslany, who played She-Hulk, are rumored to be in Doomsday.
To be fair, some might pop up in "Avengers: Secret Wars" and not "Avengers: Doomsday."
There are a lot of big names out there and it's unclear who might get a shot despite recent fizzles which are more Disney's fault than their own.
So, who else could pop up?
- Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner / The Hulk
- Tatiana Maslany as Jennifer Walters / She-Hulk
- Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff / The Scarlet Witch
- Tom Holland as Peter Parker / Spider-Man
- Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Stephen Strange
- Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson / Deadpool
- Bruce Campbell as Pizza Papa
- Mahershala Ali as Blade
- Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan / Ms. Marvel
- Xochitl Gomez as America Chavez
- Benedict Wong as Wong
- Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams / Ironheart
- Brie Larson as Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel
What we know about Avengers: Doomsday
Beyond the extensive cast list, here's what we know about the next big Avengers movie.
It will be directed by the Russo brothers, Joe and Anthony, who stepped in after The Kang Dynasty fell apart thanks to Jonathan Majors' moral and legal troubles.
Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the MCU but we know he won't be Tony Stark, instead he's playing Victor Von Doom/Dr. Doom, the long standing Fantastic Four antagonist. Chris Evans has been tipped to return as well, though perhaps not as Captain America.
Stephen McFeely is the stated writer of Doomsday. Mcfeely has written a number of Marvel films including Captain America: The First Avenger, the first two Avengers movies. Though he has also written Thor: The Dark World and recent Russo brothers flop The Electric State.
While Doomsday should start filming this spring, it won't release until May 1, 2026.
Everything Marvel coming out between now and 2026
There are so many Marvel shows and movies coming over the next few years, many confirmed and a few only speculated.
We've kept track of everything Marvel in the pipeline. Here's what you can expect to see between now and the release of "Avengers: Doomsday."
- Captain America: Brave New World - Out Now
- Daredevil: Born Again - Airing now
- Thunderbolts* - May 2, 2025
- Ironheart - June 24, 2025 on Disney Plus
- The Fantastic Four: First Steps - July 25, 2025
- Eyes of Wakanda - August 6, 2025 on Disney Plus
- Marvel Zombies - October 3, 2025 on Disney Plus
- Wonder Man - December 2025 on Disney Plus
- Vision Quest - 2026(?) on Disney Plus
Who we'd like to see
As mentioned previously, there a number of actors we didn't see announced and some that probably aren't in the movie that we'd be curious to see.
A number of old-school X-Men actors are reprising their roles and it would be nice to see more like Anna Paquin's Rogue or Famke Janssen's Jean Grey/Dark Phoenix.
Or perhaps some of the cast of Matthew Vaughn's run of X films, though I'm not certain Fassbender, McAvoy, Lawrence or Holt would come through for Marvel, but you never know.
Of course, it's unclear if Ryan Reynold's Deadpool will ever make the main MCU timeline. He might no fit, but Hugh Jackman's Logan/Wolverine would.
Mostly, what I'm saying is I'd like more X-Men please.
There *will* be more
It's the day following the official announcement and the internet is awash with speculation over the cast members that weren't announced as part of yesterday's reveal. According to a tweet from the Hollywood Reporter's Borys Kit, Marvel isn't finished with casting reveals for the upcoming blockbuster.
Sources tell THR that while 26 or so actors were announced for #AvengersDoomsday, Marvel is not done with reveals, however they come. There *will* be more actors in this. Marvel Unveils ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Cast with MCU Mainstays and ‘X-Men’, ‘Fantastic Four’ Stars…March 26, 2025
Benedict Cumberbatch has already confirmed he will return in "Avengers: Doomsday" as Doctor Strange, and several outlets have reported that Tom Holland's Spider-Man will also make an appearance.
End of the road for Deadpool?
Given that "Deadpool vs Wolverine" was one of the most successful of the recent Marvel movies, we have to wonder what the future holds for Wade Wilson. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ryan Reynolds claimed any appearance with the Avengers would mark the end of the character's journey.
"I think Deadpool works so well appearing with the X-Men and Avengers, but he always needs to stay an outsider," Reynolds said.
"His ultimate dream is to be accepted and appreciated. But he can’t be accepted. His coping mechanism of deflecting shame through humor works only when used to pave over his many inadequacies. If and when he does become an Avenger or X-Man, we’re at the end of his journey."
The outlook for Chris Evans
One of the most crucial actors in the early days of the Avengers was, of course, the OG Captain America: Chris Evans.
With the torch passed to Anthony Mackie for "Captain America: Brave New World", there's an open-ended debate about whether Evans will return.
Could Captain Marvel return?
Ahead of the release of "Avengers: Endgame" in 2019, Carol Danvers (aka Captain Marvel) was talked about as a future stalwart of the superhero team, so her absence from the current "Doomsday" cast is a little conspicuous.
We last saw Danvers in 2023's "The Marvels," and we know at least one character from that movie is going to return (Monica Rambeau) so while Brie Larson may have been absent from yesterday's casting call, she could still make an appearance in "Avengers: Doomsday."
Taylor Swift in talks to join MCU...really?
In what may seem like an early April Fools gag, one rumor currently doing the rounds is that Taylor Swift is in negotiations to join the MCU in an undisclosed role (per ComicBookMovie.com).
Swift is no stranger to acting having appeared in several movies over the years including "The Giver," "Amsterdam" and "Cats" but a Marvel role would mark her most high-profile cinematic appearance yet.
While this is a fun rumor to speculate on, the smart money says not to bet on Swift popping up in "Avengers Doomsday," and even if she did join the Marvel Cinematic Universe I'd bet it would only be a small cameo.
My dream casting for 'Doomsday'
The "Avengers: Doomsday" cast might not be fully assembled yet, which means more superheroes could be joining the lineup.
There's already speculation online about who could be revealed in the next announcement, and I've already put together my dream casting. This includes Doctor Strange, Guardians of the Galaxy, Daredevil, Spider-Man, the Young Avengers, and of course, Scarlet Witch (still in denial).
It might be some time until we see a new announcement, but for now we'll just have to wait. "Doomsday" is now in production so it shouldn't be too long!
