
Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange
So far, we've witnessed the multiverse break loose on three different occasions: When Loki and Silvie killed He Who Remains in the first season finale of Loki, when Doctor Strange attempted to help Spidey with a secret identity crisis, and when Doctor Strange and America Chavez went against Wanda Maximoff. See the common denominator in two out of those three events? That's right, it's the soon-to-be Sorcerer Supreme himself. So it doesn't come as a shock that he'll have a big role to play in a movie that will involve the multiverse.
Back in December 2024, Benedict Cumberbatch himself revealed he'd be back in Avengers: Endgame by expressing his excitement to work with the Russo brothers once again. It's worth remembering the last time we saw Stephen Strange, he teamed up with Clea to stop an incursion — an apocalyptic-level event when two different universes collide and one is destroyed in the process (or maybe even both).
An incursion is what set in motion the events of the Secret Wars (2015) comic book storyline, so chances are we'll see a similar story structure on the big screen as well. With that in mind, Doctor Strange's mission could be more important than initially expected.

Robert Downey Jr as Doctor Doom
If it isn't the latest villain in town. During Comic-Con 2024, Marvel officially announced Robert Downey Jr would be back in the MCU after a long hiatus. However, he won't play the role of the genius, playboy, billionaire, and philanthropist this time around. No. Instead of being a hero (and a very iconic one, for that matter), Robert will get to be the new man to fear. Fans have been eager to see Victor Von Doom join the MCU for a long time now, and in 2026 that dream will finally become a reality.
Of course, there are rumors and speculations that we could see him even sooner than Avengers: Doomsday. After all, Fantastic Four: First Steps would be the ideal place for him to make his debut — especially considering his close and iconic rivalry with Mr. Fantastic. Besides, Marvel needs to start to build him up as the next big threat much like they teased Thanos' characters throughout the years. Time is running out for the ruler of Latveria to show up and inflict fear on audiences' hearts. So fingers crossed we won't have to wait until 2026 to see him.