Credit: Marvel StudiosMarvel Studios is preparing to return the Avengers to the big screen with what is shaping up to be one of the most far-reaching projects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Avengers: Doomsday is currently slated for a December 2026 theatrical release and will serve as the fifth Avengers film in the franchise.
The project has undergone a notable transformation during its development. Originally conceived as Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, the film shifted direction following the studio’s move away from the Kang storyline tied to Jonathan Majors’ character. Marvel ultimately dropped the subtitle and rebuilt the concept around a different central figure—Victor Von Doom.
That new direction was unveiled during San Diego Comic-Con in 2024, when Marvel confirmed that Robert Downey Jr. would return to the MCU in a surprising new role. Instead of reprising Tony Stark, the actor is set to portray Doctor Doom. Downey’s history with Marvel dates back to Iron Man in 2008, but the studio has not clarified whether this version of Doom shares any Multiversal connection with Stark or exists as a completely separate character.
Marvel appears to be aiming for a crossover on a scale comparable to Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019). Avengers: Doomsday will pull characters from across the MCU as well as the Marvel properties once held by 20th Century Studios, including the X-Men universe. Anthony and Joe Russo have returned to direct the film and will also helm its direct follow-up, Avengers: Secret Wars, which is scheduled to arrive in December 2027.
Although Marvel has revealed very little about the film’s storyline—despite multiple teaser trailers circulating online—fan theories have already begun circulating about what the central conflict could be. One widely discussed idea suggests that Doctor Doom’s motivations may be connected to Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers.
The theory traces back to the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame (2019), when Steve chose to remain in the past with Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) after returning the Infinity Stones. Some fans believe that decision may have fractured the Multiverse in ways that destroyed Doom’s reality, potentially setting the stage for a deeply personal confrontation between the two characters.
The cast list alone has fueled anticipation. Several familiar MCU figures are expected to appear, including Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, also known as the Winter Soldier. They will be joined by newly introduced characters such as Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic and Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm/Invisible Woman. A livestream reveal in 2025 that confirmed many of the performers sparked intense discussion online, signaling that Doomsday could become one of the most expansive Marvel productions to date.
While Marvel Studios prepares its next Avengers film, Marvel Comics is launching a massive storyline of its own. This summer’s crossover event, “Avengers: Armageddon,” will bring together numerous heroes for a storyline centered in the fictional nation of Latveria.
Scheduled to debut in June 2026, the five-issue series is written by Chip Zdarsky, with artwork by Frank Alpizar and Delio Diaz. The storyline continues threads from the recent “One World Under Doom” arc and Zdarsky’s “Captain America” run, expanding them into a much larger narrative.
The story places Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross—also known as Red Hulk—at the center of the conflict. In the series, Ross seizes control of Latveria, dramatically shifting the political balance of the Marvel Universe. His takeover triggers a worldwide crisis that forces the Avengers to mobilize.
They will not be the only heroes drawn into the battle. The Fantastic Four, Wolverine, and several other prominent figures across Marvel’s roster are also expected to join the conflict as the situation escalates.
Marvel’s official description sets the tone for the storyline:
“ARMAGEDDON HAS ARRIVED!
Red Hulk’s devastating tear across the globe must be stopped…but it will take a colossal gathering of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to do it! Calling in the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, Wolverine and more…but who will survive this super-powered cataclysm?! There will be a pre-Armageddon Marvel Universe and a post-Armageddon Marvel Universe. Be here to bear witness to the transformation.”
That reference to a “pre” and “post” Armageddon era suggests the consequences of the storyline could extend far beyond Latveria itself. Marvel has indicated the event will also intersect with the larger Multiverse narrative tied to the Ultimate Universe, hinting that the publisher may be preparing significant changes to its core continuity.
Zdarsky, however, has downplayed the traditional “event” label often associated with large Marvel crossovers. “I don’t really consider it an event… I just wrote a story that I thought was big and cool and interesting… And then Marvel’s like, ‘Oh, wow. This is a cool event.’… so it feels like a big thing,” the writer said (via Comic Book Movie).
His comments suggest that, despite the high stakes, the narrative may place equal emphasis on the characters themselves. With Red Hulk controlling Latveria, the Avengers may find themselves forced to make difficult choices as they attempt to stop him.
“Avengers: Armageddon #1” arrives in comic shops on June 3, 2026, months before Avengers: Doomsday premieres in theaters that December. The debut issue features a cover by Dike Ruan and could mark a turning point in Marvel Comics storytelling. But who is in this upcoming Avengers roster?
Wolverine
Logan joins the Avengers lineup as a representative of the mutant corner of the Marvel Universe, bringing his trademark aggression and resilience to the team. His involvement in “Avengers: Armageddon” ties directly into the prelude comic “Wolverine: Weapons of Armageddon,” which explores the arrival of a mysterious new mutant tied to the Weapon X program.
While Wolverine has yet to formally join the main Earth-616 timeline, the character has already reappeared on the big screen through Multiverse storytelling. Hugh Jackman returned as Wolverine alongside Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), marking the character’s first official step into Marvel Studios’ broader cinematic universe.
Captain America (Sam Wilson)
Sam Wilson’s Captain America enters “Avengers: Armageddon” with a reputation for making bold decisions, including forming an uneasy alliance with villains during the “One World Under Doom” storyline to draw Doctor Doom into the open. That willingness to take risks may prove crucial as the Avengers face Red Hulk’s takeover of Latveria.
In the MCU, Sam officially embraced the Captain America mantle after Avengers: Endgame and continued leading the next generation of heroes. His most recent appearance came in 2025’s Captain America: Brave New World, where Anthony Mackie’s hero confronted both the Leader (Tim Blake Nelson) and Red Hulk (Harrison Ford), helping cement his position as the leader of the Avengers going forward.
Vision
Vision returns as a core Avenger in the “Armageddon” roster, bringing his analytical mind and powerful abilities—including density manipulation and energy projection—to the fight. His history with both heroic and villainous factions in the comics adds a complicated layer to his place on the team.
On screen, Vision’s last major storyline unfolded in WandaVision (2021), where the synthezoid was resurrected in a new form known as White Vision. The character will continue his story in the upcoming Disney+ series VisionQuest, which will explore his identity and future role in the MCU.
Iron Man
Tony Stark remains one of the central figures guiding the Avengers as public trust in superheroes begins to erode following the events of “One World Under Doom.” In “Avengers: Armageddon,” Stark finds himself once again leading the charge as the team attempts to stop Red Hulk’s violent campaign across the globe and repair the Avengers’ reputation.
In the MCU, Stark’s story concluded in Avengers: Endgame when he sacrificed himself to defeat Thanos (Josh Brolin). However, Robert Downey Jr. is set to return to Marvel in Avengers: Doomsday—this time portraying the villain Victor Von Doom, a dramatic twist that reconnects the actor to the franchise he helped launch.
Spider-Man
Peter Parker remains one of the Avengers’ most recognizable heroes and plays a key role in the “Armageddon” storyline. In the comics, Spider-Man is expected to help rebuild public trust in the Avengers after Doom’s fall and the chaos that followed, using his relatable image as a bridge between the team and the public.
In live-action, Tom Holland’s Spider-Man last appeared in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), where the Multiverse collided, and the world ultimately forgot Peter Parker’s identity. The character will return in the upcoming 2026’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which may set up new conflicts and alliances before the next Avengers film.
Invisible Woman
Sue Storm represents the Fantastic Four’s involvement in the “Armageddon” conflict, stepping onto the battlefield even as Reed Richards pursues a more strategic approach behind the scenes. Her powerful force-field abilities make her one of the most valuable members of the Avengers’ expanded roster during the fight against Red Hulk.
The character recently made her major MCU debut. Vanessa Kirby portrayed Sue Storm in Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025), which introduced the iconic superhero family before they inevitably collide with the Avengers and Doctor Doom in future crossover events.
Captain Marvel
Carol Danvers continues to serve as one of the Avengers’ most powerful heroes in the Armageddon storyline. As a veteran Avenger with cosmic experience, she provides leadership and heavy firepower during the escalating battle against Red Hulk’s global rampage.
In the MCU, Captain Marvel most recently appeared in The Marvels (2023), where Brie Larson’s character teamed up with Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) and Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) in a cosmic adventure that further expanded the universe’s space-faring side.
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