The recent cast announcement for Avengers: Doomsday has sent ripples through the Marvel community, revealing an impressive lineup of 27 distinct characters slated for appearance in the upcoming film. With additional heroes hinting at potential inclusion, fans are buzzing with excitement about the team-ups and rivalries that the fifth installment of the Avengers saga will likely showcase.
Directed once again by the Russo Brothers—known for their skillful direction of earlier Marvel hits—the film marks Robert Downey Jr.’s return as Doctor Doom, which adds to the significance of this major crossover. Marvel Studios’ live-stream event confirmed that the characters will include both heroes and villains hailing from the primary Earth-616 universe and beyond, as the Multiverse Saga builds to its thrilling conclusion. Considering this context, we’ve compiled a list of 10 highly anticipated team-ups and rivalries fans are eager to see in Avengers: Doomsday.
10 Winter Soldier & Captain America
Bucky and Sam Together Again
The excitement for Anthony Mackie’s Captain America and Sebastian Stan’s Winter Soldier is palpable, as their side-by-side chairs in the live-stream presented a clear indication of their significance. Marvel Studios is well aware of the duo’s popularity, and fans are eager to see Sam and Bucky reunited to fight alongside each other once again, reminiscent of their incredible partnership seen in 2021’s Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
9 Thor & Loki
Making Good On An Infinity War Promise
Before his untimely demise at the hands of Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War, Loki made a poignant promise to Thor that they would see brighter days ahead. The confirmed return of Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston is thrilling, especially with Hiddleston reprising his role as the 2012 variant of Loki, who was intricately involved in the events of Avengers: Endgame and subsequently recruited by the TVA. This new iteration of Loki now has a deeply layered character arc, having evolved into a significant hero by the conclusion of Loki season 2. Therefore, Avengers: Doomsday presents a timely opportunity to reflect on the poignant words Loki uttered to his brother, potentially fostering a moment of reconciliation between the Sons of Odin.
8 Nightcrawler & Mystique
Mother and Son?
One thrilling aspect of Avengers: Doomsday is the return of actors Alan Cumming and Rebecca Romijn as Nightcrawler and Mystique, respectively, from the beloved Fox X-Men universe. This film may finally clarify their complex mother-son relationship, a detail previously left vague in the films.
7 Professor X & Magneto
United Once More?
The inclusion of Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen as Professor X and Magneto, respectively, marks an exciting return for these iconic characters. After last appearing together in 2014’s Days of Future Past, it’s possible they may reunite in Avengers: Doomsday to confront threats to their universe. It would also be visually captivating to see Magneto adorned in a comic-accurate costume, similar to the portrayal of Professor X in his iconic yellow hover chair in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
6 Namor & The Invisible Woman
Reed Richards Better Be Careful…
With Namor’s anticipated presence in Avengers: Doomsday, the MCU’s focus on the Fantastic Four is set to intensify following their upcoming film scheduled for 2025. Given the intriguing romantic history between Namor and Sue Storm in the comics, it’s likely that Reed Richards may have reason to keep a close eye on his wife to ensure she remains safe from Namor’s charming advances.
5 The Thunderbolts & Sentry?
I Have Some Doubts…
Nearly the entire cast of the upcoming Thunderbolts has also been confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, including Lewis Pullman’s portrayal of Sentry, expected to embody the dark corrupted version of the character known as The Void. However, it’s likely that this inclusion serves to generate intrigue and misdirection ahead of the film’s release, sparking speculation on character survival and alliances.
4 Cyclops & Captain America
Avengers and X-Men Leaders
The confirmation of James Marsden’s Scott Summers (Cyclops) adds yet another layer of excitement. As a pivotal leader within the X-Men, fans are eager to see Cyclops collaborate with Sam Wilson’s Captain America, potentially strategizing ways for their teams to confront the formidable Doctor Doom. However, the dynamics between the Avengers and X-Men could complicate their interactions.
3 Nightcrawler & Gambit
Fan-Favorite X-Men
As a fan favorite duo, the collaboration between Nightcrawler and Gambit in Avengers: Doomsday has raised anticipation among audiences. Their offline camaraderie in the comics surely resonates with fans, and with Alan Cumming and Channing Tatum reprising their iconic roles, viewers will likely enjoy witnessing Nightcrawler and Gambit battle alongside one another.
2 Doctor Doom vs The Fantastic Four
The Original Marvel Comics Rivalry
Custom Image by Milica Djordjevic
Set for a debut in 2025’s Fantastic Four: First Steps, Marvel’s First Family will be facing off against none other than Doctor Doom, a storyline that fans are eagerly awaiting. The inclusion hints at a classic rivalry that will play a significant role in the events of Avengers: Doomsday, especially since Reed Richards was notably the last character revealed in the Marvel cast live stream before Robert Downey Jr.’s chair was unveiled. This tease could signal a burgeoning conflict between the Fantastic Four and their greatest adversary.
1 Avengers vs X-Men
A Classic Comics Crossover (With A Multiversal Twist)
Although officially titled Doomsday, the fifth Avengers film seems to draw inspiration from one of Marvel’s classic storylines, specifically the iconic Avengers vs. X-Men crossover. With the introduction of numerous X-Men characters from the Fox universe, speculation is rampant that the Avengers and their X-Men counterparts from alternate realities may find themselves in direct conflict to protect their respective worlds. This narrative twist may lead to an intriguing multiversal confrontation reminiscent of the themes explored in the Marvel comics.
In comic canon, the multiverse has seen various universes collide due to catastrophic events, raising the stakes for these characters in a new light. As such, the very concept of incursion and exploration of alternate characters may further amplify the excitement surrounding Avengers: Doomsday.
Scheduled for release on May 1, 2026, Marvel Studios anticipates that Avengers: Doomsday will provide fans with a cinematic experience like no other.