Fresh off announcing 26 additional cast members for Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel Studios and Robert Downey Jr. hint more surprises await.
Marvel unveiled the star-studded lineup for Avengers: Doomsday through an extended livestream yesterday, confirming production commencement alongside Robert Downey Jr.'s return alongside numerous co-stars.
Among notable reveals, Channing Tatum returns as the X-Men's card-throwing favorite Gambit. View the complete Avengers: Doomsday cast roster here.
However, several major MCU players remain conspicuously absent. Tom Holland's Spider-Man is missing entirely, as is Chris Evans - despite rumors claiming he'd appear in either Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars (which Evans later denied).
The roster also lacks familiar faces like Hulk, Hawkeye, Nick Fury, and Rhodey. From the X-Men universe, Deadpool, Wolverine, Storm and Jean Grey remain unaccounted for.
While fans voiced disappointment over omitted favorites, hope remains for additional reveals. Robert Downey Jr., now portraying Doctor Doom after his legendary Iron Man tenure, teased more announcements via Instagram.
Shocking MCU Absences From Avengers: Doomsday Cast
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"That's what u call a deep bench of talent," Downey Jr. posted. "Actually it's more like a row, but an extra long one... That must be it.. right?"
Marvel coyly responded: "there's always room for more." Directors Russo Brothers added: "It's time..."
Clearly, Marvel has more casting bombshells ready for Avengers: Doomsday. The burning question remains - which heroes (or villains) might yet join the fray? Share your predictions below.
Earlier this month, Russo Brothers described Avengers 5 and 6 as foundational projects ushering in MCU's Phase 7.
"We love villains who believe they're heroes," Joe Russo explained. "That complexity becomes compelling, especially with actors like Robert Downey Jr. Crafting multidimensional antagonists remains our focus."
Avengers: Doomsday premieres May 1, 2026, followed by Secret Wars in May 2027. Earlier MCU entries include Thunderbolts* (May 2025), Ironheart series (June 2025), and Phase 6 opener The Fantastic Four: First Steps (July 2025).
Marvel Studios recently added three mysterious 2028 releases (February 18, May 5, and November 10), with strong speculation pointing toward an X-Men revival.
