Doomsday is coming. What do we know so far?

After 37 films, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) needed an antidote to “superhero fatigue.”

Over the past few years, the franchise has experienced a series of lukewarm reviews and occasional success, as well as a complicated spin-off. an actor who plays a key role.

After testing potential treatments, bosses delved into the MCU’s vast source material and summoned villain Doctor Victor von Doom as the focal point of its future.

His debut, Avengers: Doomsday, will show whether the superhero universe can attract the attention of loyal fans as well as casual moviegoers.

So who has the star power to pull off a series that has grossed more than $30bn (£26bn) in total worldwide box office?

Robert Downey Jr.

According to bosses, he was “the only person who could play” the role. I introduced him on stage At Comic Con in San Diego in 2024.

This statement sparked deafening celebrations from the audience in the hall.

Downey Jr., who played Iron Man Tony Stark in 10 films, is a guaranteed draw for many with the trilogy of his signature character. $2.4bn (£1.7bn) worldwide.

However, critics saw recasting him as a different character as a sign that those in charge were losing their wits.

As for who will be joining Downey Jr. in Doomsday, it’s almost easier to name a celebrity who isn’t involved, given that the call sheet is so long.

Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Pedro Pascal, Tom Holland.

Florence Pugh, Hayley Atwell, Letitia Wright, Vanessa Kirby.

(Excuse me while I take a deep breath.)

Sir Patrick Stewart, Sir Ian McKellen, Benedict Cumberbatch, Channing Tatum.

You get the idea.

As Doomsday teasers drop, momentum and speculation are building for the MCU’s next big event, which will hit theaters on Friday, December 18, with the sequel scheduled for next year.

So what do we know so far?

Warning: The following contains what anyone not up to date with the MCU may consider spoilers.

Doomsday’s teasers are creating such a stir that their “will be back” ending has become a meme.

First came confirmation from Chris Evans that Steve Rogers would “return”.

Evans’ “Cap” became the cornerstone of the MCU’s biggest box office successes after making his debut in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger.

But the self-proclaimed owner of “America’s ass” has spent more time sitting on the world than saving it since Avengers: End Game.

At the end of the 2019 blockbuster, we saw Steve slow dancing with his beloved Peggy Carter, traveling back to the mid-1900s.

A later flash-forward image showed him in an elderly state, symbolically handing over his iconic shield to his former wingman Sam Wilson.

But in the new Doomsday teaser, Steve looks to be at his best; But will Doomsday reunite his youth with the rest of Earth’s mightiest heroes?

There’s also a brief glimpse of her holding what we assume is her baby.

Speaking of childhood, Doctor Doom certainly appeared to be interested in Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) and Sue Storm’s son Franklin in a brief but ominous scene at the end of 2025’s Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Could Doom’s plan include this growing group of ultimate nepo babies?

Let’s hope Steve isn’t around if he needs a babysitter when his career is over.

Parenting problems are increasing.

It’s Thor’s turn; In the second teaser for Doomsday, Thor tearfully prays to his father to help him protect his adopted child.

Here, our catch-up with Thor begins with the God of Asgardia, which feels like a much-needed mental health walk.

It seems he is afraid of a threat to Love, who has been with him since the 2022 movies Love and Thunder.

As he prays, he pleads for the strength of “All the Fathers” so that he can “fight once more.”

Thor has taken many hammer blows in the past.

As beloved Jane Foster passes through the pearly gates of Valhalla into the afterlife, her brother Loki veers wildly from ally to foe.

Oh, brother.

Thor is literally on his knees and Doom is just getting started.

It’s been a long time coming.

Beginning in 2000, the original X-Men film series enjoyed varying success across 13 entries.

Overall, they were a powerful force, raking in billions in box office revenue with a cast of big names.

Disney’s deal to acquire 20th Century Fox In 2017, he also included the film rights to the X-Men characters, reuniting them with the Marvel collection he already owned.

The bosses waited to unleash their mutants, but now the shackles are off as the latest teaser confirms they’ll be making their way into the MCU.

The X-Mansion could be cleaned up, right?

However, the full power of the energy gushing from Cyclops’ visor will destroy these spider webs.

Professor X and Magneto, played by Sir Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellen respectively, return.

The characters’ relationships are complicated at best.

It is poisonous and explosive at its worst.

Here they share tired smiles and philosophical thoughts on death and legacy.

History tells us that Magneto’s intrusive thoughts often won; So if Doom came, whose side would he side with?

Nightcrawler, played by Alan Cumming, and Mystique, played by Rebecca Romijn. also come backHugh Jackman proved that Wolverine is still one step superior. Collaboration with Deadpool in 2024.

Doomsday, carefully chosen by fans, seems to spark the MCU’s big plans for the X-Men.

Fake Doomsday trailers and rumors of leaks are rampant on the internet.

So are fan theories that the fourth will “return”; some predict we will return to Wakanda, the homeland of the Black Panther.

Super Bowl commercial breaks are perfect for airing trailers, but is Judgment Day approaching on Sunday, February 8?

Spider-Man: All-New Day is perhaps more likely to have its moment at one of the most watched events in the world.

Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker and it hits theaters on Friday, July 31, ahead of Judgment Day hitting screens in December.

The sequel, Secret Wars, is scheduled for release in December 2027.

It’s been a long time since the MCU hit its peak of box office and critical success, but Fantastic Four: First Steps has helped it get back on its feet, earning more than $500 million (£372 million) worldwide.

And if Marvel brings Spider-Man and Robert Downey Jr. into the fray in villain mode, it could soon find itself marching towards the top of the box office.

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