‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Footage Shows Off a “Broken” Doctor Doom
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A new trailer for "Avengers: Doomsday" was unveiled at D23, giving audiences their first widely available look at Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom, marking the actor's return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe since "Avengers: Endgame". The footage, previously shown to San Diego Comic-Con attendees last month, puts the villain front and centre and comes amid a wave of promotional material building anticipation for the film ahead of its release.
The presentation, which took place on Friday night, also featured a video clip of Hugh Jackman being coached off-screen by Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) to ask for a role in the film, continuing a running gag after Reynolds crashed the Doomsday panel at Comic-Con in character. Directed by the Russo brothers, the film boasts an extensive ensemble spanning original X-Men stars Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen, Avengers veterans Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth, and newer MCU figures including Simu Liu, Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby, among many others. It is due for release on 18 December, following earlier character teasers and a trailer released in July.
- New "Doomsday" trailer shows Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom in full
- Hugh Jackman clip teases possible Deadpool/Wolverine cameo involvement
- Film, directed by the Russo brothers, releases 18 December 2026
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Doctor Doom is one of Marvel’s best-known villains, traditionally associated with the Fantastic Four. He is usually portrayed as a powerful ruler and inventor who wears a metal mask, combining advanced technology with mystical abilities.
Robert Downey Jr. previously played Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man, in many Marvel films. His return in a different role is notable because Iron Man’s story appeared to end in Avengers: Endgame, making Doom a separate character rather than a continuation of Stark.
Avengers: Doomsday is being positioned as a major crossover film, bringing together characters from several parts of the Marvel universe. The Russo brothers, who directed earlier Avengers films, are returning to oversee a story involving heroes from the Avengers, X-Men, Fantastic Four and other teams.
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