In Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel Studios will introduce some of the franchise's most powerful characters, each possessing godlike abilities. The fifth Avengers film, premiering December 18, will be packed with stars from across Marvel's long history, including regulars from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and actors from films outside of Marvel Studios. Unsurprisingly, the stakes are raised with each Avengers film, and the power level in this next installment will be off the charts.
Seven god-level Marvel characters will be cast in Marvel Studios' Avengers: Doomsday. Starting with Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom, who will be the title character. Known as one of the most powerful villains in comic book history, he is a self-taught genius who utilizes a combination of advanced human science and high-level magic, as well as possessing a virtually invincible will.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, co-director Anthony Russo hinted at Doom's power, noting that such powerful characters have «"something inside that makes them vulnerable", even if «"unlimited physical strength.". This is where he sees the most interesting moments in superhero stories:
«"Of course, with Doom, the challenge is his incredible power, which transcends reason. But that really liberates us all on a creative, artistic level, allowing us to understand the character's complexities and vulnerabilities. He may have seemingly unlimited physical strength, but there's something vulnerable inside him, something that makes him vulnerable, something where he needs to defend himself even more carefully than he does in terms of physical strength. So I think the real joy of storytelling lies in that area.".
Next up is Bob Reynolds/Sentry, introduced in the Thunderbolts comics*, played by Lewis Pullman. Often compared to DC's Superman, Sentry was the result of an experiment to create supersoldiers, which gave Reynolds «"the power of a million exploding suns", but these divine abilities are also closely related to his mental health (which sometimes manifests itself in the Void).
On the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast with Josh Horowitz, Pullman explained that Reynolds «"is in a state of inactivity"» in the final minutes of the Thunderbolts* before Judgment Day. He also spoke about the fact that «"The Thunderers might find a use for it."» and want to keep him close:
«"The only thing I've read is what we already shot, which is technically a teaser at the end of Thunderbolts*. Technically, it's part of Judgment Day. The Russo brothers directed it. All I know is that Bob is in a state of hibernation. I think the Thunderbolts don't want to let him go because they don't know what kind of chaos he'll cause, but they also want to keep him around in case they need him in the future.".
The Marvel Cinematic Universe will welcome a true god: Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston, makes his ninth appearance in live-action cinema, this time as the God of Stories. He earned this title at the end of the second season, "Loki," holding together the countless threads of the timeline and overseeing all realities from a throne at the edge of time.
In an interview with Deadline, Hiddleston named Doomsday «"monumental". He also described the plot as «"absolutely brilliant", hinting at something Marvel fans have never seen before:
«"The essence of the story is simply brilliant, and I was very surprised when I read it. No one had done this before.".
Regarding characters from the past, Sir Ian McKellen will appear as Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto for the first time since 2014's X-Men: Days of Future Past. Imbued with the power of magnetism, Magneto is recognized as an Omega-level mutant (the highest possible designation), and has mastery over magnetism and the electromagnetic spectrum; he can even manipulate the iron in human blood to control his enemies.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly at CinemaCon 2026, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige mentioned a quote McKellen made during a conversation with directors Joe and Anthony Russo about Magneto potentially destroying New Jersey. After Feige asked Russo if that would happen, Joe explained that McKellen «"maybe I misspoke"» , and added: «"I don't think he's going to destroy New Jersey.". In response, Feige noted: «"There is a presence in New Jersey!"»
Unsurprisingly, there's another god in this group: Chris Hemsworth returns as Thor for the tenth time (including a post-credits scene in Doctor Strange). Recognized as the God of Thunder, Thor has become one of the most powerful characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, defeating several all-powerful beings over the course of his career.
In an interview with BroBible, Hemsworth expressed the feeling that he «"earned a place at the table"» after seeing so many new faces on the set of "Judgment Day." Hemsworth also said that the God of Thunder «"is really felt by one of the elders", and that the team paid more attention to it than in previous films.
«"In the later films since then, I've felt like the character has earned his place at the table. Before, I felt like a newcomer. I remember sitting on the set of Doomsday with all these new characters, people for whom this was their first Avengers movie, and thinking, I have a certain amount of agency here. I, as a character, should have more of a voice or an opinion. Now that I'm a little more aware of it, he really does feel like one of the elders. He's about 2,000 years old, so we tried to emphasize that more than before.".
Professor X, played by Sir Patrick Stewart, will be the next mutant to join Doomsday's team. Charles Xavier is known as one of the most powerful telepaths in the Marvel Universe, able to read, control, and manipulate thoughts; he also possesses a genius-level intellect.
Last in line is young Franklin Richards, the son of Reed Richards and Sue Storm, who may become the most powerful character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. God-level doesn't even begin to describe Franklin's abilities, as he can create or destroy universes, manipulate cosmic energy, bend matter, and resurrect the dead (among other powers, demonstrated in Fantastic Four: First Steps).
Other superpowered characters who might appear in Avengers: Doomsday«
While these seven characters have already been confirmed to appear in Avengers: Doomsday, there may be more powerful heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe who could join the team.
One such heroine is Brie Larson's Captain Marvel, who was last seen on Earth alongside Kamala Khan at the end of the 2023 film Marvels. Considering she's considered one of the MCU's strongest characters, at least physically, she could be a great candidate for Doomsday, especially since she and Kamala are working on bringing back Monica Rambeau from another universe (Monica is also a potential option for the role).
Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange is also a potential choice, as he appears to have traveled to the Dark Dimension after the events of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Even if Doctor Strange doesn't appear, Benedict Wong's Wong could be a worthy alternative, as he currently serves as the Sorcerer Supreme in Kamar-Taj.
While cast details for the film are still under wraps, there will be no shortage of powerful heroes and villains taking center stage in the biggest Avengers film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.