Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart, renowned for their iconic roles as Magneto and Professor Charles Xavier respectively, are set to make a triumphant return in the much-anticipated Marvel film, Avengers: Doomsday. Scheduled for release in May 2026, this film promises to bring together a star-studded cast that has fans buzzing with excitement. Notably, Robert Downey Jr. has already been confirmed to portray the formidable villain, Doctor Doom.
Fans have eagerly awaited the return of Sir Ian McKellen, who last portrayed Magneto in 2014's X-Men: Days of Future Past. His return to the role signifies a nostalgic revival for many followers of the franchise. On the other hand, Sir Patrick Stewart reprised his role as Professor Charles Xavier in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness back in 2022, marking his last appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) until now.
Marvel Studios recently revealed the cast of Avengers: Doomsday through an engaging video showcasing a row of chairs labeled with the actors' names. In addition to McKellen and Stewart, the impressive lineup includes Chris Hemsworth, known for his role as Thor, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, and Anthony Mackie, who takes on the mantle of Captain America. The video also featured Florence Pugh, reprising her role as Yelena Belova, and Simu Liu, who portrays Shang-Chi.
Moreover, the cast list boasts names like Sebastian Stan, Letitia Wright, Paul Rudd, Wyatt Russell, Tenoch Huerta Mejia, David Harbour, and Kelsey Grammer. The upcoming reboot of the Fantastic Four also contributed to the ensemble, with actors like Pedro Pascal from The Last of Us and Ebon Moss-Bachrach from The Bear joining the cast. Notably, Channing Tatum, who made waves playing Gambit in the Deadpool and Wolverine films, is also included in this star-studded affair.
Last summer, Robert Downey Jr. was confirmed to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe after a five-year hiatus, albeit not in his celebrated Iron Man role. During Comic Con in San Diego, he made a dramatic appearance on stage, concealed behind the iconic mask and green cloak of Doctor Doom. When asked about his return, he expressed, "I like playing complicated characters," hinting at the depth of his new role.
The actor, who played a pivotal role in launching the Marvel franchise with Iron Man in 2008, last graced the screen in a Marvel film with Avengers: Endgame in 2019. His recent performance in Oppenheimer earned him an Oscar, adding to his illustrious career.
The excitement surrounding Avengers: Doomsday continues to grow as beloved characters from the X-Men saga reunite with the current Marvel roster. With a compelling storyline, a talented cast, and the return of fan-favorite actors, this film is poised to be a significant entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Fans can mark their calendars for May 2026 as the release date approaches, bringing with it high expectations and thrilling adventures.
