Simu Liu and James Marsden Getting Ready for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’

A major Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie, Avengers: Doomsday, is set to hit theaters on December 18, 2026. This fifth Avengers film, following 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, will unite a massive lineup of heroes to face a formidable enemy. It marks the 39th film in the MCU and a key part of its Phase Six.

The story centers on a coalition of heroes, including the Avengers, Wakanda’s warriors, the Fantastic Four, the New Avengers, and the X-Men. Their mission? To stop the villainous Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr., who makes a surprising return to the MCU in this new role. The cast includes Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, a skilled martial artist wielding the mystical Ten Rings, and James Marsden as Cyclops, the X-Men leader with powerful optic blasts. This film marks a historic crossover, blending X-Men characters with the MCU’s core heroes for the first time.

Filming began in April 2025 at Pinewood Studios in England, with additional scenes shot in Bahrain and other locations. Directed by the Russo brothers, who helmed previous Avengers hits, the movie was announced at San Diego Comic-Con in 2024. Downey’s casting as Doctor Doom sparked excitement but also debate among fans. Some cheer his return, while others question if Marvel is leaning too heavily on familiar faces to regain momentum after recent challenges.

Simu Liu, beloved for his role in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is preparing intensely, as seen in recent Instagram updates. Fans have eagerly awaited his return, especially since the Shang-Chi sequel remains stalled without a set production date. James Marsden, known for playing Cyclops in the Fox X-Men films, also joins the fray. Rumors of his involvement in last year’s Deadpool & Wolverine didn’t pan out, but his confirmed role in Doomsday has thrilled fans.

This epic team-up sets the stage for another MCU film, Avengers: Secret Wars, slated for December 17, 2027. With a star-studded cast and a high-stakes battle, Avengers: Doomsday aims to deliver a cinematic spectacle.

What’s my take? This movie feels like Marvel’s bold swing to rekindle fan excitement with a massive crossover and Downey’s unexpected return. While the scale is thrilling, I worry the packed roster might overshadow character depth. Still, uniting the X-Men and Avengers is a dream come true for longtime fans. What do you think about this superhero mash-up? Share your thoughts in the comments below!