Marvel has officially revealed the star-studded cast of Avengers: Doomsday, featuring returning heroes like Captain America (Sam Wilson), Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, and Shang-Chi, marking a bold new chapter for the MCU’s next-generation Avengers.

 

Robert Downey Jr. at the "Marvel Studios" Panel at the 2024 San Diego International Comic-Con on July 27, 2024 in San Diego, California.

 

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is officially back in full swing, and with the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday installment on the horizon, fans finally have something to obsess over: the cast.

After months of speculation, rumors, and cryptic teases, the curtain has been pulled back—and it’s bringing together an epic lineup that’s already sending shockwaves across the fandom.

Set for release on May 1, 2026, Avengers: Doomsday promises to be one of Marvel’s most ambitious ensemble films yet. As the next chapter in the post-Endgame saga, this movie isn’t just about flashy battles or multiverse chaos—it’s about legacy, transition, and the birth of a new era of heroes.

Among the most exciting confirmations is Anthony Mackie, who returns as Sam Wilson, a.k.a. the new Captain America. Since taking up the shield in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Mackie’s Cap has been at the center of Marvel’s vision for the future, and this marks his first time leading the Avengers on the big screen.

For fans who were once unsure about anyone replacing Steve Rogers, Mackie’s portrayal has now become a cornerstone of the MCU’s evolving identity.

Also returning is Brie Larson as Carol Danvers, a.k.a. Captain Marvel. Though her solo sequel, The Marvels, sparked mixed reviews, her presence in the universe remains critical. Her cosmic-level power and growing leadership role make her a natural fit for the next-generation team.

 

Chris Hemsworth as Thor in 'Thor: The Dark World' (2013).

 

Perhaps the most talked-about return is Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. After the emotionally intense No Way Home, Peter Parker’s story was left on a surprisingly quiet note.

Now, Holland’s comeback in Doomsday signals a new chapter, possibly one where Spider-Man grows into a more mature and central role within the Avengers. There are already whispers that Doomsday could be the film that officially cements him as one of the Avengers’ key leaders.

Adding to the mix is Benedict Cumberbatch, once again stepping into the chaos as Doctor Strange. After opening multiple multiverses and surviving countless timelines, Strange remains one of the MCU’s most complex and essential characters.

With Doomsday reportedly involving high stakes beyond Earth, his presence is more than welcome—and very necessary.

Florence Pugh, the breakout star as Yelena Belova, returns to the fight too. After winning hearts (and laughs) in Hawkeye and Black Widow, she’s becoming a fan favorite, blending humor, combat skill, and emotional weight.

Her inclusion feels like a nod to the new wave of characters who are bringing fresh energy to the franchise.

Also back in action is Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi. His solo debut was a standout hit, and fans have been eager to see him interact with the larger MCU. His mystical background and martial arts mastery could prove crucial in whatever multiversal or supernatural threat the Avengers face next.

 

Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America in Marvel Studios' CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD

 

Hailee Steinfeld is reportedly reprising her role as Kate Bishop, continuing her rapid ascent in the franchise after her memorable debut in Hawkeye. She brings youthful energy and quick wit, and her chemistry with Yelena hints at a possible Young Avengers setup in the future.

And, of course, Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner—the original Avenger still standing—rounds out the crew. Banner’s presence acts as a link between the old and new generations, especially following his Smart Hulk transformation.

It’s unclear how much of his powers or intellect will be central to the plot, but his inclusion alone carries emotional weight for long-time fans.

Notably absent from the confirmed list are some of the previous heavy hitters like Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Ant-Man (Paul Rudd), and the Guardians.

With Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 wrapping up their arc and Thor: Love and Thunder leaving the God of Thunder in a strange place, their roles in this chapter remain a mystery.

What is clear, though, is that Doomsday is setting the stage for a very different kind of Avengers team. This isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about passing the torch.

While the title itself suggests something catastrophic, it also hints at rebirth, transformation, and possibly even redemption.

 

Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man in 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' (2022).

 

Behind the scenes, director Destin Daniel Cretton (known for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) is at the helm, and expectations are sky-high.

He’s proven his ability to balance character depth with visual spectacle, and with a script penned by top Marvel writers, Doomsday is shaping up to be not just a blockbuster but a turning point for the franchise.

Marvel has remained tight-lipped about the plot, but rumors suggest that the story will involve a massive threat that unites these heroes—likely tied to the multiverse saga and Kang the Conqueror, the time-manipulating villain introduced in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

However, with recent shakeups and controversy surrounding actor Jonathan Majors, the villain’s future remains uncertain, leaving the door open for a surprise twist or a new major antagonist.

What fans do know is that Avengers: Doomsday has a lot riding on it. After a few uneven releases and an evolving post-Endgame landscape, Marvel needs a win—a film that captures the heart, humor, and heroism that made the original Avengers such a phenomenon.

And with this cast, that win feels entirely within reach. One thing’s for sure: the next era of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes is here, and it’s not what anyone expected—but it just might be exactly what the MCU needs.

 

Letitia Wright in 'Black Panther' (2018).

 

Tom Hiddleston as Loki in the series 'Loki'.

 

Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova in 'Black Widow' (2021).

 

Wyatt Russell in 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier' (2021).

 

David Harbour as Red Guardian in 'Thunderbolts' (2025).