Marvel, Downey Jr. Tease More 'Avengers' Cast News

Following the announcement of 26 additional cast members for Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel Studios and Robert Downey Jr. have hinted that more surprises are coming.

Yesterday's lengthy livestream revealed numerous actors joining Downey Jr. in the superhero epic while confirming production has begun. Among the surprises, Channing Tatum returns as X-Men favorite Gambit. View the complete Avengers: Doomsday cast lineup here.

Notably absent from the roster are several MCU mainstays. Tom Holland's Spider-Man is missing, as is Chris Evans—despite reports claiming he'd appear in either Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars. Evans later denied these rumors.

The list also excludes Hulk, Hawkeye, Nick Fury, and War Machine. From the X-Men universe, Deadpool, Wolverine, Storm, and Jean Grey remain unconfirmed.

While fans voiced disappointment over missing favorites, hope persists. In a post-reveal Instagram post, Robert Downey Jr.—who transitions from Iron Man to Doctor Doom—teased further announcements.

Major Marvel Absences in Doomsday Casting

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"That’s what u call a deep bench of talent," Downey Jr. quipped. "Actually it's more like a row, but an extra long one... That must be it.. right?"

Marvel responded cryptically in the comments: "There's always room for more." Directors the Russo Brothers added: "It's time..."

Clearly, Marvel has more casting news in store. Who else might join the battle? Share your predictions below.

Earlier this month, the Russo brothers described Avengers 5 and 6 as a "new beginning" establishing Phase 7's foundation.

"We love villains who believe they're heroes of their own stories," Joe Russo noted. "That dimensionality becomes compelling. With an actor like Robert Downey, crafting a layered character is our priority."

Avengers: Doomsday arrives May 1, 2026, followed by Secret Wars in May 2027. Upcoming releases include Thunderbolts* (May 2025), Ironheart (June), and Phase 6's kickoff with The Fantastic Four: First Steps (July).

Marvel Studios recently added three untitled 2028 films (February 18, May 5, and November 10), with growing speculation that one will introduce the X-Men.