Marvel fans have an incredible year to look forward to in 2026, as the studio prepares to release two major films: Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Avengers: Doomsday. With new cast members, shocking returns, and ambitious multiverse storylines, the MCU is entering a bold new era. Here’s everything we know so far about these upcoming releases.
Sadie Sink Joins Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Stranger Things star Sadie Sink has officially joined the cast of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, bringing fresh energy to the Spider-Verse. In a recent interview, Sink described her excitement about the role:
“Oh, it was crazy. Spider-Man has always been my favorite. I love Tom’s Spider-Man, especially. To be a fan of something and then join it is a familiar feeling for me.”
The film is set to hit theaters on July 31, 2026, picking up after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), which erased the world’s memory of Peter Parker. Sink expressed that keeping her Marvel secrets has been a challenge, joking that Stranger Things spoilers are easy to keep in comparison.
She also shared that working with director Destin Daniel Cretton was a full-circle moment, having collaborated with him on one of her first films at age 14. While her character details remain under wraps, fans can expect her to join a cast that includes Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, and Jon Favreau.
Tom Holland Wraps Filming Spider-Man: Brand New Day
In December 2025, director Destin Daniel Cretton confirmed that Tom Holland had completed filming for his fourth Spider-Man installment. Cretton praised Holland’s “relentless work ethic, fearless performances, and kind, generous leadership on and off screen.”
Filming began in Glasgow, Scotland, in August 2025, and despite a brief pause due to a mild concussion, Holland returned to finish his scenes. Fans caught glimpses of the production on social media, with Holland sharing behind-the-scenes content from the set.
Returning Cast and New Additions
Alongside Holland and Zendaya, the film will see newcomers Sadie Sink and Liza Colón-Zayas join the Spider-Man universe. Returning favorites include:
- Jacob Batalon as Ned
- Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan
With the Spider-Verse storyline evolving, Brand New Day is expected to explore Peter Parker’s life post-No Way Home, focusing on the challenges of balancing his identity as both Peter Parker and Spider-Man.
Avengers: Doomsday – Chris Evans Returns as Captain America
In December 2025, fans were shocked when the first teaser for Avengers: Doomsday revealed that Chris Evans will reprise his role as Steve Rogers. The brief teaser, shown before screenings of Avatar: Fire and Ash, features Evans cradling a newborn baby—a surprising twist for Captain America’s story.
The film is scheduled for release on December 18, 2026, and marks a major development in the MCU’s Multiverse Saga. The teaser confirmed that Steve Rogers will once again take a central role in the Avengers’ fight against new threats.
Doctor Doom Returns – Robert Downey Jr. as the Villain
The main antagonist of Avengers: Doomsday will be none other than Doctor Doom, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr.. Downey first appeared as Iron Man in the MCU, sacrificing himself in Avengers: Endgame (2019). Now, he returns as a villain, likely an alternate-universe version of Tony Stark turned Doom, setting up a multiverse clash.
At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Downey revealed the character’s iconic silver mask, saying:
“New mask, same task. What did I tell ya? I like playing complicated characters.”
Fans are speculating that this version of Doctor Doom may leverage the multiverse to challenge the Avengers in unexpected ways, potentially intertwining storylines across multiple films.
Star-Studded Cast of Avengers: Doomsday
The film will feature a massive ensemble, combining returning heroes, new faces, and multiverse favorites:
Returning Avengers
- Chris Hemsworth as Thor
- Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America
- Paul Rudd as Ant-Man
- Tom Hiddleston as Loki
- Letitia Wright as Shuri
- Winston Duke as Black Panther
- Simu Liu as Shang-Chi
Fantastic Four
- Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic
- Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman
- Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing
Thunderbolts
- Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes
- Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova
- David Harbour as Red Guardian
- Wyatt Russell as U.S. Agent
- Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster
- Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine
- Lewis Pullman as Bob
X-Men Multiverse Integration
- Patrick Stewart
- Ian McKellen
- Alan Cumming
- Rebecca Romijn
- Kelsey Grammer
This casting hints at massive crossover events that could define MCU Phase 6.
Plot Expectations
While Marvel has not released a full plot for Avengers: Doomsday, comic book lore offers clues. The Ultimate Comics: Doomsday storyline featured the Fantastic Four teaming up with other Marvel heroes to stop a villain who turned out to be a familiar hero gone rogue in an alternate timeline. Fans speculate that Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom could follow a similar arc.
The teaser suggests that personal stakes, including family dynamics, will play a role, as seen with Steve Rogers holding a baby—potentially adding emotional depth to the high-octane multiverse battle.
Behind the Scenes – Directors and Writers
The Russo brothers, Anthony and Joe Russo, are back at the helm for Avengers: Doomsday, returning after directing Winter Soldier, Civil War, Infinity War, and Endgame. The script is being penned by Stephen McFeely, who co-wrote all four of the Russos’ previous Marvel films.
This reunites the team that guided the MCU through its most successful phases, signaling that Doomsday aims to deliver both spectacle and story depth.
Release Dates and Future MCU Projects
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day: July 31, 2026
- Avengers: Doomsday: December 18, 2026
- Avengers: Secret Wars: December 2027
These releases mark a significant year for Marvel, as the studio expands the Spider-Verse, integrates X-Men, and introduces new threats like Doctor Doom, setting the stage for a multiverse showdown in Phase 6.
What Fans Should Watch For
- Sadie Sink’s Role in Spider-Man: Her character could tie into the larger Spider-Verse narrative.
- Tom Holland’s Spider-Man Evolution: Post-No Way Home, Peter Parker faces new challenges.
- Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers: Emotional storylines and new responsibilities.
- Doctor Doom’s Impact: Downey Jr.’s alternate-universe Stark could redefine villainy in the MCU.
- Multiverse Crossovers: X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Thunderbolts all intersecting in a shared narrative.
Marvel 2026 is shaping up to be an epic year, promising action, surprises, and multiverse chaos across both Spider-Man and Avengers franchises.
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