Avengers: Doomsdayhas an official production start date according to the Russo brothers, who return to the MCU after delivering the franchise’s highest-grossing movies of all time. With the originalAvengerssequelKang Dynastyin the trash bin, Robert Downey Jr. is now set as Doctor Doom, the next big bad for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. The film was recently announced this summer during San Diego Comic-Con,but it won’t take very long forDoomsdayto start production.
In an interview withColliderat New York Comic, Joe Russo revealed to the publication thatAvengers: Doomsdaywill start filming next Spring in 2025. The quick turnaround from the project’s official announcement may raise some eyebrows, but it seems the Russos have been hard at work to make theAvengerssequel their next directing job. The filmmaking duo, who went on to make streaming movies with Apple TV+ and Netflix to mixed results, reunite with Marvel Studios after both parties struggled to find their footing while separated. And the reunion will be marked by the most exciting (and confusing?) supervillain casting of all time with the return of Downey Jr. into the MCU fold.
The development of the nextAvengerssequels has been tumultuous, to say the least. Originally titledAvengers: The Kang Dynasty, Jonathan Majors was set to be the big bad of the Multiverse Saga as Kang the Conqueror, before being fired by Marvel for being found guilty of domestic violence.Shang-Chudirector Destin Daniel Cretton was set to helm the movie before backing out of the project and eventually landingSpider-Man 4. The MCU will also reportedly be replacing the Council of Kangs with a “multiversal Masters of Evil” as the main villains ofSecret Wars, in addition to Downey Jr as Doctor Doom.
Avengers: Doomsday Loses a Key Collaborator
While the filming announcement is exciting to hear, the expedited production schedule forAvengers: Doomsdaynow means that a key franchise collaborator won’t be returning for the next installment. The Russo brothers confirmed toColliderthat screenwriterChristopher Markus, who helped pen theCaptain Americasequels, as well asAvengers: Infinity WarandEndgame, won’t be returning for the next two films. “We are right in the middle of the writing process,” Joe Russo revealed, saying they’re only working with Stephen McFeely this time around. It’s unclear exactly why Markus did not return, other than the presumed schedule conflict, but the directors confirm that the script is well on its way.
Captain Marvel Reportedly Has a Bigger Role in the New Avengers
The new Avengers are starting to take shape ahead of Doomsday in 2026.
The most uncertain aspect ofAvengers: Doomsdayiswho will be featured in its titular superhero team. Of course, we know Downey Jr. is returning, but now as a villain, leaving Tony Stark as a very, very bleak possibility. Captain Marvel, Captain America (Sam Wilson), Spider-Man, Shang-Chi are probably sure-fire inclusions, in addition to Doctor Strange and possiblya resurrected Scarlet Witch. Marvel’s first family, who will be making their MCU debut inThe Fantastic Four: First Steps, are confirmed to be a part of the two upcomingAvengersfilms. With the Multiverse Saga coming to an end soon enough, expect Marvel Studios to also unload on nostalgic cameos afterDeadpool & Wolverinelit up the box office earlier this year.
Avengers: Doomsday
