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Credit: Marvel Studios / D23The Marvel rumor mill is spinning faster than ever, and this time it’s not just speculation—it’s a leak with fans buzzing. A recent interview has dropped some massive details that further confirm Robert Downey Jr.’s new role in the MCU and hint at major scenes with unexpected heroes in Avengers: Doomsday.
This leak pulls back the curtain on Downey Jr.’s surprising character and teases a wild mix of heroes joining the fight. From Avengers veterans to long-anticipated newcomers, the stage is set for what could be Marvel’s most ambitious ensemble yet.
The Doomsday Setup
Avengers: Doomsday has already been billed as a high-stakes entry, the kind of film designed to rival Infinity War and Endgame. The difference this time is the sheer scope of characters involved. Fans aren’t just waiting for the Avengers lineup we know and love—they’re expecting teams like the Thunderbolts, the Fantastic Four, and possibly even X-Men members to enter the spotlight.
Each of these groups brings its own set of powers, personalities, and potential conflicts. With a villain as formidable as Doctor Doom at the center, Marvel seems to be stacking the deck with every hero it can gather.
Who’s Returning to the Fight
The returning roster reads like a roll call for Marvel’s most beloved and influential heroes. Sam Wilson’s Captain America (Anthony Mackie) is expected to lead with a very different style than Steve Rogers—more grounded, less superhuman, but brimming with determination. Meanwhile, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) brings god-level strength and experience, though fans wonder what headspace he’ll be in after the events of Love and Thunder.
Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) remains an essential piece of the puzzle, providing mystical firepower and a gateway into the Multiverse that could explain how some of these new characters arrive. Ant-Man’s (Paul Rudd) knack for quantum trickery may be key to navigating timelines or dimensions, while Shuri’s Black Panther (Letitia Wright ) offers vibranium technology and Wakandan leadership.
Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) is still one of the most powerful forces in the MCU, despite the fandom backlash against the character. More than likely, the cosmic heroine will make an appearance.
And then there’s Loki (Tom Hiddleston)—an unpredictable ally at best, but one whose knowledge of variants and timelines may be precisely what the Avengers need, even if his motives remain murky.
The Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four
The Thunderbolts are expected to step in as a wildcard team. While they’re often branded as anti-heroes or villains, their skills and ruthlessness could tilt the balance when traditional Avengers fall short. Marvel hasn’t revealed much about how they’ll be used, but their presence alone promises internal tension and uneasy alliances.
On the other hand, the Fantastic Four are shaping up to be central figures. With Reed Richards’ (Pedro Pascal) intellect, Sue Storm’s (Vanessa Kirby) invisibility and force fields, Johnny Storm’s (Joseph Quinn) fiery bravado, and Ben Grimm’s (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) raw strength, the team could be Marvel’s ultimate counterweight to Doom’s reign. Considering Doctor Doom is traditionally their greatest nemesis, it makes sense they’d take on a key role.
Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom
Now, to the big twist, Robert Downey Jr. returns not as Iron Man but as Doctor Doom. For many fans, the idea is both thrilling and surreal. Tony Stark’s sacrifice in Endgame was one of the most emotional moments in the MCU; bringing Downey back as another character feels like a gamble.
But that’s precisely why it could work. Seeing a familiar face embody a ruthless villain flips everything on its head. Instead of the selfless genius who saved the universe, audiences will get a darker, power-hungry scientist cloaked in armor.
Doom’s intellect, mastery of sorcery, and political might could make him an even greater threat than Thanos. And with Downey’s charisma, Marvel might just pull off the most memorable villain performance in the franchise’s history.
A Big Reveal
The real bombshell came from Channing Tatum (Gambit) during a recent interview. Known for his surprise turn as Gambit in Deadpool & Wolverine, Tatum casually confirmed that he sustained a serious leg injury while filming a “big fight” scene in London—for none other than Avengers: Doomsday. According to him, the fight was against Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom.
Tatum revealed that while his injury sidelined him for a few months, stunt doubles were stepping in to cover action sequences that didn’t require close-ups. He also admitted he’d be toning down Gambit’s heavy Cajun accent for the new film, aiming for a more serious tone in line with Doomsday’s darker narrative. The days of Gambit cracking unintelligible jokes may be behind us—at least for this chapter.
What This Means for Doomsday
If Gambit is appearing, fans are now wondering which other X-Men might follow. Professor X (Patrick Stewart) and Magneto (Ian McKellen) have already been a confirmed part of the Doomsday cast. Considering his fan-favorite status and connection to Deadpool, Wolverine’s (Hugh Jackman) involvement feels like a given.
And speaking of Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), his presence could either elevate the film with meta-humor or risk throwing off the darker tone—potentially even nudging the rating closer to R. However, that seems unlikely for a mainline Avengers movie.
Most theories point toward these characters showing up in a climactic battle, joining forces with the Avengers, Fantastic Four, and others to face Doom in an all-out showdown. It’s the crossover spectacle Marvel fans have been waiting years to see.
The Bigger Picture
Leaks like these are always taken with a grain of salt, but the consistency across interviews and reports makes it hard to dismiss. With Robert Downey Jr. stepping into Doom’s armor, the Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four poised to join the fight, and even X-Men characters sneaking in, Avengers: Doomsday could redefine what an ensemble superhero movie looks like.
The MCU has always thrived on its ability to surprise, and this leak suggests the surprises are only getting bigger. For fans who thought they’d seen the peak of Marvel with Endgame, Doomsday may prove that the real battle is still ahead.
All Roads Lead to Doom
The latest leaks and interviews confirm that Marvel isn’t playing it safe with Avengers: Doomsday. Bringing Robert Downey Jr. back as Doctor Doom is already a game-changer, but adding Gambit, hints of the X-Men, and the promise of an unprecedented roster of heroes makes this film one of the most anticipated blockbusters in years.
The Avengers have faced gods, titans, and multiverse-breaking threats, but the challenge has never been greater with Doom at the helm. And if these leaks hold, fans are about to witness a cinematic event that could rival anything the MCU has ever delivered.