In a thrilling announcement for Marvel fans, X-Men stars Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart have been confirmed to reprise their iconic roles in the upcoming Marvel film, Avengers: Doomsday, set for release in May 2026. Sir Ian will return as Magneto, a role he hasn’t played since X-Men: Days of Future Past in 2014, while Sir Patrick will reprise his role as Professor Charles Xavier, last seen in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness in 2022.
Marvel Studios teased the new movie’s cast through a video on social media, showcasing a row of chairs with the names of the cast members, including Robert Downey Jr. who will play the villainous Doctor Doom. Other familiar names in the cast list include Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, and Anthony Mackie, alongside newer faces like Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova) and Simu Liu (Shang-Chi). The video also highlighted the participation of Sebastian Stan, Letitia Wright, Paul Rudd, Wyatt Russell, Tenoch Huerta Mejia, David Harbour, and Kelsey Grammer.
The film will feature an ensemble cast including members from the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot, such as Pedro Pascal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, adding another layer of excitement to the project. Additionally, Channing Tatum, known for his role as Gambit in Deadpool & Wolverine, is also mentioned in the cast lineup.
Last summer, Marvel revealed Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe after a five-year hiatus, not as Iron Man but as the iconic Doctor Doom. During an appearance at Comic Con in San Diego, Downey Jr. appeared on stage wearing Doctor Doom’s iconic mask and cloak before revealing himself to the enthusiastic audience. When speaking to the press, Downey Jr. expressed his fondness for playing complex characters, a virtue he has showcased throughout his career.
Celebrated for his role in launching the Marvel movie universe with Iron Man in 2008, Downey Jr. was last seen in a Marvel film in Avengers: Endgame in 2019. Additionally, the acclaimed actor received an Oscar for his role in Oppenheimer last year, further solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s most respected and accomplished actors.
