The Marvel Cinematic Universe has spent years expanding its multiverse, but the first full Avengers: Doomsday trailer makes one thing unmistakably clear: the next chapter is built just as much on familiar faces as it is on new heroes.
Marvel Studios packs the footage with long-awaited reunions, unexpected returns and legacy characters whose reappearances reshape the stakes, from Robert Downey Jr.‘s transformation into Doctor Doom to the comeback of Steve Rogers and several iconic X-Men alongside the Fantastic Four.
Which MCU Heroes Return After Long Absences?
Several beloved MCU heroes return in the Avengers: Doomsday trailer after years away from the franchise, with Steve Rogers, Thor, Loki, Ant-Man and multiple legacy characters from Marvel’s Fox-era films all making major appearances. Rather than focusing only on the current generation of Avengers, Marvel uses the trailer to reunite heroes from different eras as the multiverse begins to collapse.
One of the biggest surprises is Chris Evans’ return as Steve Rogers. After passing the Captain America shield to Sam Wilson in Avengers: Endgame, he had largely stepped away from the MCU. The trailer reveals him back in action wielding Mjolnir once again, confirming that the original Captain America still has a role to play in the franchise’s biggest multiversal conflict.
Chris Hemsworth also returns as Thor, continuing the story left open after Thor: Love and Thunder. Paul Rudd reprises his role as Scott Lang (Ant-Man), while Tom Hiddleston’s Loki is once again tied to the fate of the multiverse following the events of the Disney+ series.
Anthony Mackie’s Captain America, Letitia Wright’s Black Panther, Namor, Shang-Chi and members of the New Avengers are also featured throughout the footage. The reunion extends beyond the MCU itself…
Why Is Robert Downey Jr. Back as Doctor Doom?
Robert Downey Jr. returns to the MCU as Doctor Doom instead of Iron Man because Marvel has reimagined him as the Multiverse Saga’s central villain. The trailer confirms his first full appearance as Victor Von Doom, replacing Tony Stark’s legacy with one of Marvel Comics’ most dangerous antagonists.
Marvel first announced Downey’s casting as Doctor Doom at San Diego Comic-Con, but until now fans had only seen brief teasers and promotional images. The new trailer finally showcases the character in action, revealing his armor, powers and imposing presence as he confronts Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
The film deliberately leaves unanswered why Doom has the same face as Tony Stark. Marvel has not confirmed whether this version is an alternate-universe Stark who became Doom, the traditional Victor Von Doom with Downey’s likeness, or another multiversal variation entirely. That mystery appears to be one of the movie’s central storylines and is intentionally preserved in the trailer.
Downey’s casting also reunites him with directors Anthony and Joe Russo, who previously worked with him on Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Their return signals Marvel’s effort to bring back many of the creative forces behind the Infinity Saga while launching a new era built around Doctor Doom.
Are There Any Surprise Cameos in the Avengers: Doomsday Trailer?
The trailer is packed with surprise appearances, including Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers, several original X-Men actors and unexpected team-ups that had never been seen in the MCU before. While Marvel avoids revealing every major secret, the footage contains enough unexpected returns to fuel extensive fan speculation.
Perhaps the biggest shock beyond Doctor Doom is Steve Rogers’ return. Many fans believed Evans’ journey had ended with Endgame, making his reappearance one of the trailer’s defining moments. His reunion with Thor immediately recalls one of the Infinity Saga’s most memorable scenes while suggesting Steve will once again play a pivotal leadership role.
The trailer also brings together Patrick Stewart’s Professor X and Ian McKellen’s Magneto, continuing Marvel Studios’ integration of Fox’s X-Men universe into the MCU. Alongside them are members of the Fantastic Four, creating interactions between franchises that previously existed in completely separate cinematic worlds.