Chris Evans and Hayley Atwell have reportedly started filming their scenes for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday movie, reprising their iconic roles as Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter. This development was shared by Daniel Richtman and marks a significant moment in the production, despite neither actor being part of the initial cast announcement. The filming is taking place under tight security, with set photos remaining scarce following early outdoor shots released in May.
Plot Speculations and Character Arcs Emerging
Though Marvel Studios has kept the plot largely secret, rumors suggest a central conflict involving Doctor Doom, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. According to speculation, Doom is targeting Steve Rogers because of his role in the Multiversal incursions triggered when Rogers went back in time after Avengers: Endgame to live peacefully with Peggy Carter. These incursions are believed to have led to a severe personal loss for Victor Von Doom, fueling his vendetta.
Chris Evans has publicly stated that he considers himself retired from playing Captain America. In an interview, he expressed mixed emotions about missing the new phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, stating,
I mean, it’s sad to be away. It’s sad to not be back with the band, but I’m sure they’re doing something incredible, and I’m sure it’s going to be that much harder when it comes out and you feel like you weren’t invited to the party.
—Chris Evans, Actor
This suggests that while Evans may not have originally planned to return, his scenes being filmed now could have important implications for the story’s direction. Fans have long speculated about Steve Rogers adopting the Nomad identity, a darker, more vigilante-oriented persona that he hinted at in Avengers: Infinity War but never fully assumed on screen. There are indications that Doomsday may show Rogers fully embracing the Nomad mantle, possibly triggered by a tragic event involving Peggy.
Potential Story Darker than Previous Installments
If the theory about Peggy’s death at Doom‘s hands holds true, it signals a much darker tone for Avengers: Doomsday. This shift would also provide a strong motivation for Rogers to take up the shield once more, setting the stage for a climactic showdown with Doctor Doom. Given the importance of their characters, the film is expected to feature intense confrontations between Evans’s Captain America and Downey’s Doctor Doom.
Release Schedule and Creative Team Overview
Avengers: Doomsday has experienced notable delays, now scheduled for release on December 18, 2026, pushing it almost two years beyond earlier projections. Avengers: Secret Wars, its follow-up, is slated for December 17, 2027. Both films will be directed by the Russo brothers, returning to the MCU after having directed notable entries like Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Civil War, Infinity War, and Endgame.
The Russo brothers commented on their anticipation to revisit Marvel’s world, saying,
Being able to create stories and explore characters within the Marvel Universe fulfilled a life-long dream of ours, and we discovered a powerful connection with audiences in each film that we made. We’re thrilled to collaborate once again with Kevin, Lou and the entire Marvel team to bring this epic adventure in storytelling to new and surprising places for both the fans and ourselves.
—The Russo Brothers, Directors
Expansive and Star-Studded Cast List Revealed
The confirmed Avengers: Doomsday cast expands far beyond Evans and Atwell, combining long-standing MCU stars with new faces. Key cast members include:
1. Paul Rudd as Ant-Man
2. Simu Liu as Shang-Chi
3. Tom Hiddleston as Loki
4. Lewis Pullman as Sentry
5. Florence Pugh as Yelena
6. Danny Ramirez as Falcon
7. Ian McKellen as Magneto
8. Sebastian Stan as Bucky
9. Winston Duke as M’Baku
10. Chris Hemsworth as Thor
11. Kelsey Grammer as Beast
12. James Marsden as Cyclops
13. Channing Tatum as Gambit
14. Wyatt Russell as U.S. Agent
15. Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm
16. Rebecca Romijn as Mystique
17. Patrick Stewart as Professor X
18. Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler
19. Letitia Wright as Black Panther
20. Tenoch Huerta Mejia as Namor
21. Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards
22. Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost
23. Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm
24. David Harbour as Red Guardian
25. Robert Downey Jr as Doctor Doom
26. Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing
27. Anthony Mackie as Captain America
This lineup bridges generations of Marvel heroes, villains, and mutants, promising a sprawling ensemble narrative.
What This Means for the Marvel Universe
The return of Chris Evans and Hayley Atwell brings significant emotional stakes to Avengers: Doomsday, especially if the storyline explores loss and revenge through characters who have long been beloved by fans. The film’s rumored dark themes and interweaving of the multiverse storyline hint at a bold new chapter for the MCU. With the Russo brothers at the helm, audiences can expect high-impact storytelling and visually spectacular sequences as the saga builds toward future crossovers, including Avengers: Secret Wars.
