Marvel has dropped the bombshell lineup for its next blockbuster, "Avengers: Doomsday," and it's a mix of old-school X-Men legends and fresh faces ready to take the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) by storm.

Fan favorites Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Anthony Mackie (Captain America), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes), Paul Rudd (Ant-Man), and Tom Hiddleston (Loki) are making their return to the Avengers roster. But the real shocker? Marvel's bringing back some iconic X-Men alumni from Fox’s early 2000s films. Yes, you read that right.

Patrick Stewart, 84, will reprise his role as Professor X alongside Ian McKellen, 85, as Magneto—a pairing that feels like a nostalgic fever dream for Marvel fans. Joining them are Kelsey Grammer as Hank "Beast" McCoy, Rebecca Romijn as Mystique, James Marsden as Cyclops, and Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler. Looks like Disney’s acquisition of Fox is paying off big time.

Of course, this raises a zillion questions about timelines and multiverses, but isn't that the Marvel way? The inclusion of these senior superheroes is bound to spark some serious fan theories, and honestly, who isn't ready for a little cinematic chaos?

The "Doomsday" cast isn’t stopping there. Vanessa Kirby, set to debut as Sue Storm in this July’s "Fantastic Four: First Steps," will also join the Avengers lineup, alongside Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards. Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm/The Thing) and Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm/Human Torch) are also confirmed for both films.

Simu Liu (Shang-Chi), Tenoch Huerta Mejía (Namor from "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever"), Letitia Wright (Shuri), and Winston Duke (M’Baku) are stepping back into their superhero shoes for "Doomsday." Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, along with David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Hannah John-Kamen, and Lewis Pullman from "Thunderbolts," are also gearing up for the action.

Danny Ramirez, who’s taken over the mantle of Falcon, is another exciting addition to the roster. But conspicuously missing from the 27 names announced are Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine and Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool—Marvel might be saving those aces for later. Meanwhile, Channing Tatum’s Gambit, introduced in last year’s "Deadpool & Wolverine," did make the cut.

Another notable absence? Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. Marvel’s complicated dealings with Sony might explain why Spidey isn’t swinging into this one—yet. And let’s not forget Robert Downey Jr., who revealed he’ll return as Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers saga. Now that’s a villain worth waiting for.

"Avengers: Doomsday," scheduled for release in May 2026, marks the fifth installment in the Avengers series and the first since "Endgame" shattered box office records in 2019. With Marvel struggling to recapture the magic of its golden era, all eyes are on this ensemble cast to revive the cultural dominance that once ruled cinema.

Avengers News

Marvel Unveils Star-Studded Cast for 'Avengers: Doomsday,' Featuring Original X-Men