The next Avengers: Doomsday trailer is all about the iconic Marvel villain of the story, as Robert Downey Jr. returns to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but as Doctor Doom. The Multiverse Saga will finally see the MCU tackling Victor von Doom, but with a twist in the form of Downey Jr. bringing the popular foe to the franchise.
Marvel Studios continues its trailer marketing for Avengers: Doomsday by using Avatar: Fire and Ash’s theatrical run for the third week in a row to promote the 2026 entry. The third new teaser brings the focus to the Fox-Marvel era, specifically the X-Men actors.
Throughout the teaser, the footage explores the X-Mansion, better known as Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. Sir Patrick Stewart, Sir Ian McKellen, and James Marsden, respectively, reprise Professor X, Magneto, and Cyclops from the original X-Men movies.
While Stewart’s Professor X is spotted wearing a blue jacket with a black-and-red X logo on it, McKellen’s Magneto has longer hair, making it a first for the actor after his time with the franchise since 2000.
Erik and Charles are seen reunited, while Scott Summers is revealed to be donning his costume from the comics, as he unleashes his blast against a Sentinel, before the trailer ends with the text: “The X-Men Will Return In Avengers: Doomsday,” before cutting to the same countdown as the previous teasers.
The first Avengers: Doomsday trailer revealed how Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers is part of the story, despite the actor’s denial. The second preview for the team-up film centered on Chris Hemsworth’s return as Thor in the MCU.
Downey Jr. was first revealed at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 to not only be returning to the franchise, but instead of playing Iron Man, it was announced that he would be starring as Doctor Doom. This came after it was decided to shift the Avengers: Doomsday story away from Kang, after Jonathan Majors was fired.
As the Avengers: Doomsday cast finished filming in September 2025, principal photography on Avengers: Secret Wars will start in the summer. However, additional photography on the fifth team-up film is expected to take place during the spring.
Downey Jr. will be back as Doctor Doom for the Phase 6 finale, but the full Avengers: Secret Wars cast has yet to be unveiled. The MCU also has Tom Holland’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day coming up on July 31, which will be the final film before the two Avengers installments.
Marvel Studios has scheduled Avengers: Doomsday to open on December 18, 2026.
Release Date
December 18, 2026
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