Marvel’s Avengers are preparing to assemble once again on the big screen, but the franchise’s next chapter has already taken an unexpected turn behind the scenes.
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to arrive in theaters in December 2026, marking the fifth Avengers installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the film was originally introduced as Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, the project was reworked after Marvel Studios stepped away from the storyline centered on Kang, the character previously portrayed by Jonathan Majors.
Marvel ultimately removed the Kang subtitle and shifted the narrative toward another major Marvel villain: Victor Von Doom.
That pivot became official during San Diego Comic-Con 2024 when the studio confirmed that Robert Downey Jr. would return to the MCU in a surprising capacity. Rather than reprising Tony Stark, the actor is now set to portray Doctor Doom. Downey first launched the MCU with Iron Man in 2008, but Marvel has not revealed whether this version of Doom will have any Multiversal connection to Stark or if the character will exist independently.
Marvel appears to be aiming for a crossover event on the scale of Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019). Avengers: Doomsday is expected to bring together characters from across the MCU, while also incorporating heroes from Marvel properties once owned by 20th Century Studios, including the X-Men universe.
Anthony and Joe Russo have returned to direct the project. The duo will also helm Avengers: Secret Wars, the follow-up film currently scheduled for release in December 2027.
Story details remain tightly guarded despite teaser footage circulating online, but speculation about the plot has already taken hold among fans. One theory links Doctor Doom’s motivations to Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers.
That idea traces back to the ending of Avengers: Endgame (2019), when Steve Rogers decided to remain in the past with Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) after returning the Infinity Stones. Some fans believe that choice may have fractured the timeline in ways that erased Doom’s reality, potentially creating a personal conflict between the two characters.
The film’s cast lineup has also fueled anticipation. Familiar MCU figures expected to return include Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, also known as the Winter Soldier.
They will share the screen with newly introduced characters such as Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic and Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm/Invisible Woman. A livestream presentation in 2025 confirming several cast members generated major online conversation, hinting that Doomsday could become one of the largest ensemble projects Marvel has attempted.
While Marvel Studios prepares its next Avengers blockbuster, Marvel Comics is launching a major storyline of its own.
This summer, the publisher will release a crossover event titled “Avengers: Armageddon,” which centers on a massive conflict unfolding in the fictional nation of Latveria.
The five-issue series begins in June 2026 and is written by Chip Zdarsky, with artwork by Frank Alpizar and Delio Diaz. The storyline continues narrative threads from the “One World Under Doom” arc and Zdarsky’s Captain America run, expanding those ideas into a larger story.
In the series, Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross—also known as Red Hulk—takes control of Latveria, dramatically shifting the political balance within the Marvel Universe. His takeover sparks a global crisis that forces the Avengers to respond.
They will not be alone. The Fantastic Four, Wolverine, and other well-known Marvel heroes will also become involved as the conflict spreads.
Marvel’s official description outlines the scale of the event:
“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.”
The mention of a “pre” and “post” Armageddon Marvel Universe suggests the storyline could lead to sweeping consequences beyond Latveria. Marvel has also indicated the event will connect with the Multiverse narrative tied to the Ultimate Universe, hinting at major changes ahead.
Even so, Zdarsky has suggested the story wasn’t originally conceived as a typical crossover spectacle.
“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).
Despite the large-scale stakes, the series also focuses heavily on its characters, particularly as the Avengers confront Red Hulk’s grip on Latveria.
“Avengers: Armageddon #1” will debut in comic shops on June 3, 2026, months before Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters that December. The issue features a cover by Dike Ruan and could represent a significant turning point for Marvel’s comic storytelling.
But who will make up the Avengers team in this new event?
Wolverine
Logan joins the Avengers roster as the team’s representative from the mutant side of the Marvel Universe. Known for his aggressive fighting style and regenerative abilities, Wolverine’s role in “Avengers: Armageddon” connects directly to the lead-in comic “Wolverine: Weapons of Armageddon,” which introduces a mysterious mutant tied to the Weapon X program.
The character has also returned to live-action storytelling. Hugh Jackman reprised Wolverine alongside Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), marking his first appearance within Marvel Studios’ wider cinematic continuity.
Vision
Vision returns as a key Avenger in the “Armageddon” lineup, bringing his strategic thinking and abilities such as density control and energy projection. His past connections to both heroic and antagonistic factions complicate his place within the team.
In the MCU, Vision’s last major storyline took place in WandaVision (2021), which introduced the rebuilt White Vision. The character will continue his story in the upcoming Disney+ series VisionQuest.
Iron Man
Tony Stark remains an influential figure within the Avengers as the team works to rebuild public trust after the events of “One World Under Doom.” In “Avengers: Armageddon,” Stark again leads efforts to stop Red Hulk’s destructive campaign and restore confidence in Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
In the MCU, Stark sacrificed himself in Avengers: Endgame to defeat Thanos (Josh Brolin). However, Robert Downey Jr. will return to the franchise in Avengers: Doomsday as Victor Von Doom.
Captain America (Sam Wilson)
Sam Wilson’s Captain America enters the Armageddon storyline with a reputation for bold leadership. During the “One World Under Doom” arc, he even formed a temporary alliance with villains to draw Doctor Doom into the open.
In the MCU, Sam officially assumed the Captain America mantle following Avengers: Endgame. He most recently appeared in Captain America: Brave New World (2025), where Anthony Mackie’s hero faced both the Leader (Tim Blake Nelson) and Red Hulk (Harrison Ford), solidifying his position as the Avengers’ leader.
Spider-Man
Peter Parker continues to serve as one of the Avengers’ most recognizable heroes and will play an important role in the “Armageddon” storyline. In the comics, Spider-Man helps repair the team’s public reputation after Doom’s fall and the chaos that followed.
Tom Holland last appeared as Spider-Man in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), which concluded with the world forgetting Peter Parker’s identity. The character will return in Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026).
Invisible Woman
Sue Storm represents the Fantastic Four during the “Armageddon” storyline, stepping into battle while Reed Richards pursues a more strategic approach. Her force-field powers make her a critical ally in the fight against Red Hulk.
Vanessa Kirby recently introduced the character to the MCU in The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025), setting up future crossovers between Marvel’s First Family and the Avengers.
Captain Marvel
Carol Danvers remains one of the Avengers’ most powerful members in the “Armageddon” storyline. Her cosmic experience and immense strength help the team confront Red Hulk’s escalating attacks. In the MCU, Brie Larson last appeared as Captain Marvel in The Marvels (2023), alongside Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) and Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani).
With “Avengers: Armageddon” arriving months before Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel fans will see major developments unfold across both comics and film as the franchise builds toward its next era.
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