With the arrival of a new year, Marvel fans are thinking about how they are now just over one year out from Avengers: Doomsday. The heavily-anticipated film arrives in movie theaters on May 1, 2026, and it will mark the beginning of the end of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Multiverse Saga, all while kicking off its final storyline. To do that, it will bring back some familiar faces.
After the film's reset from its original incarnation as The Kang Dynasty, the fifth Avengers movie has been at the center of a number of reports about potential comebacks and cameos. Both of those things aren't unusual to MCU fans, but after it was confirmed that Robert Downey Jr. would return to the franchise in the new role of Doctor Doom, a.k.a. the Multiverse Saga's new primary villain, the returns have continued to flow.
While the reports have come from credible outlets, they have yet to be confirmed by Marvel Studios or the actors themselves. That is, until now, as one of the MCU's biggest stars has recently confirmed his involvement in the upcoming film.
Anthony Mackie confirms he will be in Avengers: Doomsday
Anthony Mackie has officially confirmed that he will return to the world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Avengers: Doomsday. The actor, who plays Sam Wilson / Captain America, is one of the names who had been attached to the project the longest, popping up in various rumors and reports over the past few months. However, now he has officially addressed that comeback in a new interview.
Speaking to Empire Magazine, the The Falcon and the Winter Soldier star discussed his excitement to reunite with the Russo Brothers, as well as Robert Downey Jr.'s monumental return, saying:
"I’m really looking forward to getting back on set with the Russos, they understand this Marvel world in a very unique way. And just having him back adds so much. To see what he brings to the table is just a huge opportunity."
Mackie's character is expected to play a major role in the MCU going forward, which will likely extend beyond the Multiverse Saga. Sam Wilson initially held the mantle of The Falcon, debuting in 2014's Captain America: The Winter Soldier before reprising the role in that film's 2016 sequel and three Avengers movies. He then co-led Disney Plus series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which saw him officially take up the mantle of Captain America after best friend Steve Rogers handed it over to him in Avengers: Endgame.
Now, as the franchise's new Cap, he stars in this year's Captain America: Brave New World, which will see him go up against the Red Hulk (played by Harrison Ford) and the returning Incredible Hulk villain The Leader (Tim Blake Nelson). After that, he is expected to become one of the primary members of the new Avengers whenever the team reunites.
At least that is what Marvel's own Nate Moore sees for him, telling Empire that "Avengers teams are best when they are led by a Captain America". And it sounds like he'll be there whenever Avengers: Doomsday comes calling!