Marvel fans have another huge movie to look forward to. Avengers: Doomsday is coming to theaters on December 18, 2026, and it is expected to bring together many of Marvel’s biggest heroes and Villains. With characters from different Marvel teams and movies appearing together, there is a lot for fans to be excited about.

 

One of the biggest parts of the movie is Robert Downey Jr., who is returning to the MCU. However, he will not be playing Iron man. Downey will play Doctor Doom, one of Marvel’s most powerful villains. This has made many fans curious about how he will play a character so different from Tony Stark.

 

“I’m most excited to see Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom because it is so different from Iron Man,” said Edward Monero, senior

 

Doctor Doom is expected to be a major part of the story. He is a famous Marvel villain who is connected to the Fantastic Four. His role in Doomsday could make him one of the biggest threats the Avengers have faced.

 

The movie will also include the Fantastic Four, who were introduced in the Fantastic Four first steps. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon MossBachrach are expected to return to the team. Watching their movies before Doomsday could help viewers understand who they are and why they are important to the story.

 

“I think people should watch some of the other Marvel movies first because there will probably be a lot of things to understand,” said Meghan Lamm, senior. 

 

Endgame is especially useful because it shows how the original Avengers team changed and introduces events that helped lead Marvel toward its current Multiverse Saga. Marvel is also bringing Endgame back to theaters with extra material before Doomsday, giving fans another chance to watch the movie on the big screen. 

 

Another movie that viewers should consider watching is The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The movie introduces the Fantastic Four and their world. Since the team will be involved in Doomsday, watching their movie can help viewers understand who they are and why they are important. 

 

The X-Men are another major reason fans are talking about Doomsday. Several actors from the older x-men movies are returning, including Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen and James Marden. Their return could connect the older X-Men movies with the MCU in a way that fans have been waiting to see. 

 

“The X-Men being involved makes me want to watch it even more… I want to see how they fit into the MCU,” said Lamm, senior. 

 

The X-Men have been an important part of Marvel movies for years,  but they have not always been part of the same movie universe as the MCU’s Avengers. The Multiverse Saga gives Marvel a way to bring different versions of characters and teams together. 

 

Because of this fans may see characters from different Marvel movies sharing the screen for the first time. It also means there could be surprises throughout the movie, which is one reason fans may want to avoid spoilers before seeing it. 

 

Avengers Doomsday is not just another superhero movie. Doomsday will help set up the next major chapter of the MCU. The movie will lead into Avengers: Secret Wars, which continues a larger Dr. Doom storyline, Battleworld. 

 

The large cast is also a major part of the excitement. The movie includes characters from different parts of Marvel, including the Avengers, Fantastic Four and X-Men. Bringing all of these characters together gives Marvel the chance to tell a much bigger story than a movie focused on one superhero.

 

“I think this could be one of Marvel’s biggest movies because there are so many characters coming back,” said Edward Monero, senior. 

 

With such a large cast, viewers may want to refresh their memory before going to the theater. Watching Avengers: Endgame and The Fantastic Four: First Steps would be a good start. Fans who want to understand more about the X-Men can also watch some of the older X-Men movies. 

 

Fans should also consider staying through the credits. Marvel movies often include extra scenes that can give clues about future movies. Doomsday is expected to help set up Avengers: Secret Wars, making those extra scenes potentially important.

 

Whether someone has followed Marvel for years or is just getting into the MCU, Doomsday is shaping up to be an important movie. Watching Avengers: Endgame and The Fantastic four: First Steps is a good way to prepare without having to watch every marvel project.

 

With Doctor Doom, the Avengers, Fantastic Four and X-men all involved, Avengers Doomsday could become one of Marvel’s biggest crossover movies yet. Fans can see it in theaters on December 18, 2026.