In brief
Both actors previously starred in the X-Men franchise, bringing their legendary characters back to the superhero universe.
In an exciting development for Marvel fans, X-Men stars Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart are confirmed to join the cast of the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday, which is slated for release in May 2026. The film will also prominently feature Robert Downey Jr. in the role of the villainous Doctor Doom, marking a significant shift for the actor as he steps away from his iconic Iron Man role.Sir Ian McKellen last portrayed Magneto in the 2014 film X-Men: Days of Future Past, while Sir Patrick Stewart returned as Professor Charles Xavier most recently in 2022’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Their addition to the cast was revealed through a Marvel Studios video showcasing a row of chairs, each with the names of the stars behind them, creating a wave of excitement among fans.Alongside McKellen and Stewart, the prominent roster includes Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, and Anthony Mackie as Captain America. Joining them are Florence Pugh in her role as Yelena Belova, and Simu Liu, who portrays Shang-Chi. The video also highlighted chairs reserved for familiar faces such as Sebastian Stan, Letitia Wright, Paul Rudd, and Wyatt Russell, among others.Key figures from the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot, including actor Pedro Pascal and The Bear’s Ebon Moss-Bachrach, will join this expansive cast. Additionally, Channing Tatum, known for his portrayal of Gambit in prior X-Men films, is also listed, hinting at possible crossovers.Robert Downey Jr.'s surprising return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, unveiled at Comic Con in San Diego last summer, has fans buzzing. Concealing himself behind Doctor Doom's iconic mask, the actor expressed his enjoyment in portraying complex characters, seemingly signaling a thrilling narrative ahead. Downey Jr. played a pivotal role in establishing the Marvel franchise, first appearing in Iron Man back in 2008, and made his last appearance in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame. Notably, he won an Oscar in the past year for his performance in Oppenheimer, adding a crowning achievement to his storied career.
