The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is charging toward its next epic chapter, and Avengers: Doomsday is officially underway! Directors Joe and Anthony Russo, the masterminds behind Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, have marked the start of production with a tantalizing behind-the-scenes tease. Shared via Instagram, the first set photo—a director’s chair emblazoned with “Victor Von Doom”—signals the return of Robert Downey Jr. to the MCU, this time as the iconic villain Doctor Doom. Here’s everything you need to know about this thrilling milestone, from the cast to the stakes of this multiversal showdown.
Why Avengers: Doomsday Is a Big Deal
The announcement of Avengers: Doomsday sent shockwaves through the fandom, not just because of the Russo Brothers’ return but because of Downey’s pivot from Iron Man to one of Marvel’s most complex antagonists. With filming now in progress, the anticipation is palpable. Here’s why this movie is poised to reshape the MCU:
- A New Era for the MCU: After the emotional high of Avengers: Endgame, Doomsday introduces Doctor Doom as the central threat, replacing Kang the Conqueror following Jonathan Majors’ exit. This shift sets the stage for a darker, more cerebral conflict.
- Robert Downey Jr.’s Transformation: Downey, who defined the MCU as Tony Stark, is diving into the role of Victor Von Doom with intense preparation, reportedly crafting backstory and costume ideas to make the character uniquely his.
- The Russo Brothers’ Vision: Known for delivering blockbuster spectacles, the Russos aim to outdo their past work, promising a story that matches the scale and emotional weight of Infinity War and Endgame.
Filming Details and What We Know So Far
The Russo Brothers’ Instagram post, captioned simply “Day one…,” confirms that Avengers: Doomsday has begun principal photography in London. The image of a chair labeled “Victor Von Doom” is a subtle but powerful tease, hinting at Downey’s looming presence as the Latverian monarch. Here’s a breakdown of the production details:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Filming Location | London, with additional shoots planned across the U.K. |
| Start Date | Spring 2025, as confirmed by Joe Russo in a Collider interview. |
| Directors | Joe and Anthony Russo, returning after their success with Endgame. |
| Writer | Stephen McFeely, a longtime Russo collaborator, is penning the screenplay. |
| Release Date | May 1, 2026, with Avengers: Secret Wars following in May 2027. |
- Concurrent Shooting: The Russos have revealed that Doomsday and Secret Wars will be filmed back-to-back over six months, a strategy that echoes their approach to Infinity War and Endgame.
- A Star-Studded Cast: Marvel’s recent livestream revealed a massive ensemble, including Anthony Mackie (Captain America), Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange), Pedro Pascal (Mister Fantastic), and returning X-Men stars like Channing Tatum as Gambit.
Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom: A Villain Like No Other
Downey’s return as Doctor Doom is the heart of Avengers: Doomsday’s buzz. After a decade as the MCU’s moral compass, he’s now stepping into the shoes of a villain who believes he’s the hero of his own story. Here’s what makes this casting choice so compelling:
- Intense Preparation: Joe Russo told Entertainment Tonight that Downey is “so immersed” in the role, developing a rich, three-dimensional character by contributing to the backstory and costume design.
- A Multiversal Twist: The Russos have hinted that the multiverse allows for creative possibilities, suggesting Downey’s Doom might be a variant tied to Tony Stark, adding layers to his confrontation with the Avengers.
- Connection to The Fantastic Four: Doom is expected to debut in The Fantastic Four: First Steps (July 2025), setting up his rivalry with Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) before Doomsday.
What to Expect from the Story
While plot details remain tightly guarded, the Russos have dropped hints about the narrative’s ambition. Stephen McFeely’s script, which finally convinced the directors to return, is described as “explosive” and “powerful.” Here’s what we can infer based on available information:
| Story Element | Speculated Details |
|---|---|
| Main Conflict | Doctor Doom vs. a new Avengers team, led by Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie). |
| Key Players | The Fantastic Four, Doctor Strange, Thor (Chris Hemsworth), and more. |
| Tone | A mix of high-stakes action and emotional depth, akin to Endgame. |
| Multiverse Impact | Ties to Secret Wars, potentially reshaping the MCU’s reality. |
- A Villain’s Perspective: Joe Russo emphasized to The Independent that they love villains who see themselves as heroes, suggesting Doom’s quest for world domination will be driven by a warped sense of righteousness.
- Cliffhanger Setup: Anthony Mackie has teased that Doomsday will end on a cliffhanger, leading directly into Secret Wars.
How Avengers: Doomsday Fits into Marvel’s Phase Six
Avengers: Doomsday is a cornerstone of Marvel’s Phase Six, building on the multiversal chaos introduced in Loki and Spider-Man: No Way Home. Its release follows The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which will likely establish Doom’s origins. Here’s how it connects to the broader MCU:
- Post-Fantastic Four Fallout: The Fantastic Four’s battle against Galactus (Ralph Ineson) in First Steps may weaken Earth’s defenses, paving the way for Doom’s rise.
- Thunderbolts Crossover: Stars like Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova) and Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes) from Thunderbolts (May 2025) will appear, hinting at a team-up against Doom.
- A New Avengers Lineup: With legacy heroes like Tony Stark gone, Doomsday introduces a fresh roster, blending veterans like Loki (Tom Hiddleston) with newcomers like Shang-Chi (Simu Liu).
Final Thoughts
Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be a game-changer for the MCU, with the Russo Brothers and Robert Downey Jr. at the helm of a story that promises to rival their past triumphs. The first set photo is just a taste of what’s to come—a multiversal epic that pits Earth’s mightiest heroes against a villain who’s as brilliant as he is ruthless. As filming ramps up, expect more teases and casting reveals to fuel the hype. Mark your calendars for May 1, 2026, because Doomsday is coming, and it’s bringing the full weight of the MCU with it.
