Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious Marvel films ever made, boasting what could be the largest ensemble of characters seen in any film in the franchise’s history. With the Russo Brothers back in the director’s chair and a cast spanning the MCU, the Fantastic Four, and even Fox’s X-Men characters, the film promises a superhero team-up on a scale we haven’t seen before. Marvel has confirmed that the film will arrive on 18 December 2026, with Robert Downey Jr. leading the cast as Doctor Doom and not Iron Man.
While familiar Avengers such as Thor, Sam Wilson’s Captain America, and Ant-Man are reprising their roles, Doomsday is also bringing a host of new characters into an Avengers movie for the first time. Some have headlined their own projects, while others are making the leap from separate corners of the Marvel universe. Here’s a look at the most exciting first-timers joining the franchise’s flagship team.
From the X-Men to Shang-Chi: Marvel characters making their Avengers debut in Doomsday
The Fantastic Four are finally joining an Avengers film
After years of anticipation, Marvel’s First Family will officially appear in an Avengers movie.
Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic
The leader of the Fantastic Four is set to play a major role in Doomsday. Although he debuted in The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025), this will be his first appearance alongside Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman
One of Marvel’s most powerful heroes is finally getting her place in an Avengers line-up. Sue’s powers and leadership skills could prove vital against Doctor Doom.
Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch
The fiery (pun not intended) fan favourite is also making his Avengers debut with Doomsday.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing
Every Avengers film needs muscle, and The Thing will be bringing plenty of it.
Shang-Chi finally gets his Avengers moment
Simu Liu as Shang-Chi
Ever since Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) concluded with clear ties to the wider MCU, fans have been expecting Simu Liu to join an Avengers film. Doomsday will finally make that happen.
The Thunderbolts will bring fresh faces to the saga
Several characters associated with the Thunderbolts* (2025) will be making their first appearance in an Avengers movie.
Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova
Yelena has become one of the MCU’s most popular newer heroes, and Doomsday will mark her first Avengers adventure.
Lewis Pullman as Robert “Bob” Reynolds/Sentry/Void
One of Marvel’s most powerful characters is making the jump from the Thunderbolts* corner of the MCU to the biggest stage possible.
Wyatt Russell as John Walker/U.S. Agent
John Walker’s complicated relationship with heroism should add an interesting dynamic to the team.
David Harbour as Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian
Alexei Shostakov finally gets the chance to stand alongside the heroes he has spent years talking about.
Hannah John-Kamen as Ava Starr/Ghost
Ghost’s unique abilities could make her one of the most useful players in a multiversal conflict.
Namor and Wakanda expand their presence
Tenoch Huerta Mejía as Namor
The ruler of Talokan made a huge impression in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). Doomsday will be his first appearance in an Avengers film.
Winston Duke as M’Baku
A fan favourite from the Black Panther films, M’Baku is finally joining the franchise’s biggest crossover event.
The X-Men enter the Avengers arena
Perhaps the most exciting development is the arrival of classic X-Men characters in an Avengers movie. Those making an appearance include:
- Patrick Stewart as Professor X
- Ian McKellen as Magneto
- James Marsden as Cyclops
- Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler
- Rebecca Romijn as Mystique
- Kelsey Grammer as Beast
- Channing Tatum as Gambit
India Rose Hemsworth as Love
Introduced at the end of Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), Love is returning in Avengers: Doomsday. While her exact role remains under wraps, this will mark her first appearance in an Avengers movie and could further expand the cosmic side of the MCU.
And of course, Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom
We’ve saved the best for last.
Although Robert Downey Jr. was the face of Iron Man and the Infinity Saga, this will be the first time that Victor Werner von Doom appears in an Avengers film. Marvel has confirmed that Downey is playing Doom rather than a variant of Tony Stark, making this one of the most anticipated character introductions in the MCU’s history.
Watch the trailer for Avengers: Doomsday below:
Main and featured image credit: IMDb
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
