Hot on the heels of announcing 26 more cast members for the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel and Robert Downey Jr. have hinted that the casting announcements are far from over. In a recent livestream, Marvel unveiled a star-studded lineup set to join Robert Downey Jr., who will transition from Iron Man to the iconic villain Doctor Doom, marking the beginning of production for this superhero blockbuster.
Among the exciting reveals, fans were thrilled to learn that Channing Tatum will reprise his role as the beloved X-Men character Gambit. You can explore the full cast list here. However, the absence of some major Marvel characters from the announcement has stirred a mix of curiosity and concern among fans. Notably missing are Tom Holland's Spider-Man, Chris Evans' Captain America, and other key figures like Hulk, Hawkeye, Nick Fury, and Rhodey. On the X-Men front, stalwarts like Deadpool, Wolverine, Storm, and Jean Grey were also absent from the initial reveal.
Despite the initial disappointment, there's a glimmer of hope. Robert Downey Jr. took to Instagram to tease fans, suggesting that more announcements are on the horizon. "That’s what u call a deep bench of talent," he posted. "Actually it’s more like a row, but an extra long one… That must be it.. right?" Marvel echoed this sentiment in the comments, stating "there's always room for more," while the Russo Brothers, the film's directors, cryptically added, "It’s time…"
The Most Surprising Avengers and Marvel Characters Not Announced for Doomsday
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With these teasers, it's clear that Marvel has more surprises in store for Avengers: Doomsday. The big question remains: which other heroes and villains will join the fray? Share your predictions and hopes in the comments below.
Earlier this month, the Russo brothers shared their vision for Avengers 5 and 6, describing them as a "new beginning" that will set the stage for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Phase 7. Joe Russo emphasized their focus on creating villains who believe they are the protagonists of their own stories, adding depth and complexity to characters like Doctor Doom, especially when portrayed by an actor of Robert Downey Jr.'s caliber.
Avengers: Doomsday is slated for release on May 1, 2026, followed by Secret Wars in May 2027. Leading up to these epic films, fans can look forward to Thunderbolts* in May 2025, the TV series Ironheart in June, and the launch of Phase 6 with The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July. Additionally, Marvel Studios has added three untitled movie projects to its 2028 release schedule, with dates in February, May, and November, hinting at potential new ventures, including the much-anticipated X-Men film.