• 'Avengers: Doomsday', the MCU's multiverse saga finale, is set to release in 2026 with a star-studded cast.
• Ana de Armas and Chris Evans are rumored to join, while Hayley Atwell and Anthony Mackie will reprise their roles.
• Robert Downey Jr. will return to the MCU, this time as the villainous Doctor Doom.
• Despite concerns about Downey Jr.'s return, 'Avengers: Doomsday' promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the MCU's multiverse saga.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is preparing to wrap up its multiverse saga with the highly anticipated blockbuster, 'Avengers: Doomsday', set to hit theatres in 2026. The film is already creating a stir in the industry with rumors of potential cast members, including the Cuban-American actress Ana de Armas, known for her role in the James Bond film 'No Time To Die'. According to 'Female First UK', de Armas is currently in negotiations for a secret part in the film, although the specifics of her role remain undisclosed.

The film is also rumored to feature Chris Evans, who famously portrayed Captain America from 2011's 'Captain America: The First Avenger' to 2019's 'Avengers: Endgame'. Despite his previous role as Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, in 'Deadpool and Wolverine', it is yet to be confirmed which character Evans will be portraying in 'Doomsday'.

In addition to de Armas and Evans, 'Female First UK' has confirmed that Hayley Atwell and Anthony Mackie will reprise their respective roles of Agent Peggy Carter and Sam Wilson. Other actors slated to appear in the movie include Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.

Robert Downey Jr. Returns as Doctor Doom

One of the most exciting revelations about 'Avengers: Doomsday' is the return of Robert Downey Jr., who portrayed Iron Man from 2008 to 2019. Downey Jr. is set to play the villainous Doctor Doom, a role that was first pitched to him by Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige. The actor shared details of this conversation on 'The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter' podcast, expressing his excitement about the character and Feige's creative vision.

Downey Jr. recalled, Susan and I were sitting down with Feige at one point, and he said, 'It just keeps occurring to me that, if you were to come back'. And Susan was like, 'Wait, wait, come back as what?' And then we both realized, over time, that it was another thing that just disproves any doubt anyone could ever have about that guy". He further praised Feige's ability to exceed expectations and his commitment to getting the character of Victor von Doom right.

The upcoming 'Avengers: Doomsday' and its sequel 'Avengers: Secret Wars' will be directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, who previously helmed 'Endgame' and 'Infinity War', as well as 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' and its follow-up 'Civil War'.

Industry Reactions and Concerns

The casting of Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom has been met with enthusiasm from industry insiders. James Gunn, while a guest on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, called it "a smart move," adding that it was a way to turn heads and generate interest in the future of the franchise. Jeff Goldblum also responded positively to the news, expressing excitement about how Marvel Studios will handle Doctor Doom's story arc in the MCU.

Downey Jr.'s return to the MCU is not without its concerns. Some fans worry that his return may detract from the finality of Tony Stark's sacrifice during the Infinity Saga. However, Downey Jr. has expressed his commitment to the role and his desire to continue developing his interest in the future of entertainment.