Avengers 5, now called Avengers: Doomsday, is officially on its way. And, after months of uncertainty, we now have some clues as to what direction the upcoming Marvel movie is heading.
Originally Avengers 5 was a film centered around the Marvel villain Kang. However, Jonathan Majors has been officially dropped as Kang going forward, and after some director changes and script flips, the MCU decided to go with another big bad altogether. During San Diego Comic-Con 2024, it was revealed that Doctor Doom is entering the Marvel timeline and will be played by none other than Robert Downey Jr.
So, what does this mean for the future of the Sacred timeline? Well, the Marvel Phase 6 movie Fantastic Four will have a big part to play going forward. We also know the Avengers 5 release date as well as some of its casting plans, and have gathered all the latest news. Read our full guide to Avengers 5 below.
Avengers 5 release date
Currently, Avengers 5 has a release date of May 1, 2026.
Originally, Kevin Feige confirmed that it would be released in 2025, with Secret Wars to follow in 2026 during Marvel's 2022 San Diego Comic-Con panel. Now, Secret Wars is due on May 7, 2027.
So, why such a long wait between Avengers: Endgame and Avengers 5? "When we were doing Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3, there were [fewer] projects over more years," Feige previously explained. "They were smaller projects and individual character stories, and it felt appropriate at that point, that after every two or three years that it took for a phase, we would do an Avengers film.
"As [Phases] 4, 5, and 6 were coming together, there are more projects in less years – because of all the amazing stuff we're now allowed to do on Disney Plus, and getting characters from Fox – Fantastic Four, and Deadpool – that it felt like, certainly after Infinity War and Endgame, that we thought Avengers movies aren't cappers."
Avengers 5 cast
Thanks to a surprise casting reveal during SDCC 2024, we know that Robert Downey Jr. is coming back to the MCU as Doctor Doom. This is obviously a big shock and has tons of timeline implications, as Downey Jr. famously played Iron Man until the character’s death in Avengers Endgame (aka one of the best Marvel movies of all time).
But continuity questions aside, for now, we also know a decent chunk of stars who will be popping up with the ex-Tony Stark. It was also revealed during the event that the casts of Fantastic Four (Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach) and the Thunderbolts* (Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, and more) would be part of Avengers 5.
As for other cast members for Avengers: Doomsda, no one has been confirmed yet. However, it seems likely many familiar faces will crop up. Considering the multiverse storyline that needs to clear up Downey Jr’s change to Doctor Doom, Doctor Strange is not a bad shout.
The new Avengers could also include Shang-Chi, the new Black Panther, Ironheart, Daredevil, and (surprisingly) Deadpool, as each hero has a solo project in the Multiverse Saga. Then there's the young Avengers, who we saw begin to come together in The Marvels ending. Kate Bishop, Yelena Belova, Kamala Khan, Cassie Lang, Skaar, and Echo could all be part of that.
However, the final line-up will probably not be known until much closer to release—and we'll keep you updated when names are confirmed.
Avengers 5 director and writer
SDCC 2024 announced that the Russo brothers will be directing both Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. The two are something of marvel legends as they helmed Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, so it’s welcomed news to see their return.
"Joe and I truly believed Endgame was the end of the road for us," Anthony Russo said during the event. "In the time since, through a special story, we have come to potentially see a road to take with you all."
Initially, Shang-Chi mastermind Deston Daniel Crettin was down to direct the next Avengers movie. However, in November 2023, it was confirmed that he was stepping down to focus on other Marvel projects, including Wonder Man.
In November 2022, it was confirmed that Michael Waldron will be penning the script, taking over from Jeff Loveness. Waldron, known for his work on Loki and Doctor Strange 2, was already down to write Avengers: Secret Wars.
Avengers 5 plot
Plot details for Avengers: Doomsday are currently in flux. As we mentioned above, Robert Downey Jr’s casting as Doctor Doom means some multiverse antics need to be explained. So, we will likely see the TVA from Loki fame make an appearance at some point.
However, the film that sounds like it will give us the most clues about the Avengers 5 plot is The Fantastic Four. As many comic book fans know, Doctor Doom made his first appearance in The Fantastic Four comics back in the ‘60s. Since then, he has been their greatest foe, so it makes sense that he’ll be introduced as the MCU’s next greatest threat during the Marvel Phase 6 movie.
We also know that Avengers 5 will likely have to address the Kang plotline that Marvel has seemingly chosen to abandon for now. Throughout Marvel Phase 4 and Marvel Phase 5, Kang was set up as the next Thanos figure in the MCU. He made an appearance in Ant-Man: Quantumania and has been a steady presence in the Disney Plus series Loki. So yeah, Marvel Studios needs to clear up that massive character drop before they leave Kang in the Void for good.
We’ll keep you updated as more plot details come our way. For now, you can also check out our guide on how to watch all the Marvel movies in order.
And that's everything we know about Avengers 5. For much more action check out our guide to all the upcoming superhero movies and all the upcoming movies heading our way this year.
