The Avengers: Doomsday cast is shaping up to be a major event in the MCU, featuring a combination of familiar faces from the original X-Men films, new heroes, and some highly anticipated Marvel debuts. Among the latest surprises is the return of Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler, a fan-favorite character from the early X-Men films. Here’s a look at the A-list cast that’s set to make this movie one of the most anticipated MCU events.
Alan Cumming Returns as Nightcrawler
Alan Cumming is reprising his role as Nightcrawler, a character he first portrayed in X2: X-Men United (2003). Cumming’s take on Kurt Wagner, the blue-skinned teleporter, quickly became a fan favorite. Although the character has appeared in subsequent X-Men films, Cumming has not played Nightcrawler since the 2003 sequel.
Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart Are Back
Magneto (Ian McKellen) and Professor X (Patrick Stewart) are two of the biggest names from the X-Men franchise making their returns. Both characters have had a profound impact on the MCU and are poised to bring their iconic portrayals into the fold for Avengers: Doomsday.
James Marsden, Rebecca Romijn, and Kelsey Grammer Reprise Roles
James Marsden returns as Cyclops, Rebecca Romijn as Mystique, and Kelsey Grammer as Beast, all original X-Men stars who will reprise their roles in the upcoming film. These characters have deep ties to the foundation of the X-Men series and their inclusion adds another layer of nostalgia and excitement.
New Faces and MCU Expansions
New heroes and teams will also play key roles in the upcoming film, including Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), who returns following the success of his solo film. Letitia Wright’s Shuri will be stepping into a much bigger role as the new Black Panther, joined by M’Baku (Winston Duke) in a powerful team-up.
The Thunderbolts Assemble
The Thunderbolts, Marvel’s team of antiheroes, also make a strong return in Avengers: Doomsday. Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, and David Harbour’s Red Guardian will all be involved, while the absence of Olga Kurylenko’s Taskmaster is notable.
The Fantastic Four Make Their MCU Debut
Marvel’s First Family, the Fantastic Four, will officially make their debut in the MCU with Avengers: Doomsday. Actors Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach will play Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm, respectively, setting the stage for the future of the MCU.
Surprising Villains: Robert Downey Jr. as Victor Von Doom
Perhaps the most shocking return is Robert Downey Jr., not as Tony Stark, but as Victor Von Doom, the villainous Doctor Doom. Downey Jr.’s return to the MCU will mark his first appearance since his heroic sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame.
Who’s Missing from the Avengers: Doomsday Cast?
While the star-studded roster for Avengers: Doomsday is impressive, some notable absences include X-Men favorites Halle Berry (Storm), Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), and Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool). MCU heavyweights such as Spider-Man (Tom Holland), Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), and Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) are also notably missing.
With a huge ensemble cast, Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be a monumental moment in the MCU, offering an exciting mix of legacy characters and fresh faces, as well as some shocking surprises. The movie is set to hit UK cinemas on May 1, 2026.
