Credit: Marvel StudiosThe Marvel Cinematic Universe is preparing for its boldest overhaul yet, with Marvel Studios setting the stage for an expansive new chapter that reshapes its trajectory. Before that, though, comes Marvel’s newest project that will see many familiar MCU names replaced.
Following a dramatic pivot in direction, Marvel has officially retired Avengers: The Kang Dynasty after Jonathan Majors’ conviction led to his exit as Kang the Conqueror. In its place comes 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday, the newly crowned flagship of the Multiverse Saga.
One of the franchise’s most shocking moves will see Robert Downey Jr. return—not as Tony Stark, but in the role of Victor Doom. The casting places him once again at the center of Marvel’s storytelling, though in a vastly different way than audiences have ever seen.
Directors Joe and Anthony Russo are also back in the fold. After spearheading Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019), their return signals Marvel’s intent to deliver another monumental blockbuster pairing, with Doomsday and its sequel designed to reshape the entire franchise.
Both films, however, will arrive later than planned. Avengers: Doomsday now debuts on December 18, 2026, with Avengers: Secret Wars landing on December 17, 2027. The delays are part of Marvel’s recently emphasized “quality over quantity” strategy, especially as the script for Doomsday continues development.
When Doomsday finally lands, the roster will be staggering. The Fantastic Four, the Thunderbolts, and legacy X-Men actors are all confirmed to appear, making it one of the largest ensemble casts ever attempted in a comic book adaptation.
The Russos have suggested that the movie won’t simply tie up threads but instead launch the MCU into a new creative frontier. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige reinforced that sentiment while hinting at how the X-Men will finally enter the fold.
Speaking earlier this year, Feige addressed the studio’s approach: “Reboot is a scary word. Reboot can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. Reset, singular timeline–we’re thinking along those lines […] X-Men is where that will happen next.”
Before audiences reach that point, Marvel has a lighter theatrical slate. The only film preceding Doomsday is Destin Daniel Cretton’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day, set for July 31, 2026. Disney+ will continue to fill the gap with projects like Ryan Coogler’s Eyes of Wakanda and the animated Marvel Zombies.
An ambitious part of Phase Six, Marvel Zombies builds on What If…? with a four-episode limited series that embraces a darker, TV-MA tone. Originally imagined as a feature film, the series is now helmed by creator Zeb Wells with Bryan Andrews serving as showrunner and director. Stellar Creative Lab leads animation production.
The show takes inspiration from but diverges from Robert Kirkman’s comics, reimagining a survival-driven universe where figures like Captain America, Scarlet Witch, and Thanos return as undead threats.
Voice talent includes Iman Vellani (Kamala Khan), Simu Liu (Shang-Chi), Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova), Hailee Steinfeld (Kate Bishop), David Harbour (Red Guardian), Dominique Thorne (Ironheart), and Elizabeth Olsen (Wanda Maximoff). Randall Park and Awkwafina join the cast as Jimmy Woo and Katy, respectively.
Opposing them are zombified versions of Captain Marvel, Ikaris, Ghost, Abomination, and more, but not all characters will feature their live-action performers.
Todd Williams steps in as Blade Knight, appearing as the daywalker before Mahershala Ali, while Hudson Thames reprises his role as Spider-Man. Kenna Ramsey will seemingly continue voicing Okoye, replacing Danai Gurira, following her What If…? Season 3 appearance.
Another character that is set to appear and has also reportedly been recast (again) is Carol Danvers, AKA Captain Marvel.
This new TV spot shows Captain Marvel locked in battle with Ikaris–Richard Madden is also not expected to return to his role here–and it will likely be Alexandra Daniels returning to the part. Though it should be noted that The Walt Disney Company, Marvel Studios, or the actresses themselves haven’t confirmed the casting.
Take a look at the TV spot here, and see the new look at Captain Marvel below.
Brie Larson Replaced by Alexandra Daniels as Captain Marvel
Marvel fans quickly noticed that Brie Larson did not reprise her role as Carol Danvers in Marvel Studios’ animated series What If…? back in 2021, and instead, actress Alexandra Daniels stepped in to voice Captain Marvel.
Daniels revealed that when she auditioned, she was told the studio was looking for a voice double for Larson, and she was given clips of the Oscar winner’s performance to match.
After booking the role, Daniels admitted she originally assumed she would remain uncredited, but was surprised to see her name listed alongside stars like Samuel L. Jackson and Mark Ruffalo when the episode debuted. “OK, this is cool, this is not a thing I expected for my life,” she shared.
Daniels also opened up about her experience in the recording booth, explaining that she often only received her own lines and had to imagine the finished animation since it wasn’t complete during production.
Working under the direction of Bryan Andrews, she recalled having little prep time for some scenes, sometimes just minutes before recording, but appreciated the freedom to explore the character. One particularly memorable moment came when Andrews asked her to react as if Thor had just taken her head off with a hammer.
While some MCU stars were unavailable for the animated project due to scheduling—including Larson, who was busy with The Marvels—Daniels embraced the opportunity and continued as the animated voice of Captain Marvel in What If…? Season 3.
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