Avengers: Doomsday Just Started Filming, And The Russo Brothers Already are Sharing a Robert Downey Jr.-Related Photo

Avengers: Doomsday has finally started filming, and the Russo Brothers celebrated the first day on set with a photo teasing Robert Downey Jr.'s new role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Downey has left his role as Iron Man behind and will now portray Victor Von Doom.

"Day one..." the Russo Brothers captioned their Instagram photo, which shows a chair with the words "Victor Von Doom" on it. Appropriately, Robert Downey Jr. and Marvel Studios were both also tagged in the post. While only time will tell if the Russo Brothers will let fans peak further behind the curtain and see more of Downey as he assumes the role of Doctor Doom, this photo from the first day on set hints that they're excited about the new film entering production.

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for a May 1, 2026, release date as part of the MCU's Phase Six, which will kick off later this year with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Doomsday is the fifth installment in Marvel's Avengers film series, following after 2019's epic Endgame. Last month, Marvel began teasing the latest Avengers movie with a surprise reveal livestreamwhich went on to break records with its viewership numbers.

While Downey's return to the MCU is one of the highlights that has fans eager to see where the story will go, Doomsday is also prepping to feature a massive ensemble cast of other Marvel legends. Those already confirmed to be starring in the new film include Chris Hemsworth, Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Letitia Wright, Simu Liu and Tom Hiddleston. The film will also see stars like the original X-Men movies' Alan Cumming, Ian McKellen, Rebecca Romijn, James Marsden and Channing Tatum joining the fray.

Marvel's Mightiest Heroes Will Unite to Face Downey's New Villainous Character

The exact plot of Doomsday remains under wraps for now, but with the introduction of The Fantastic Four into the MCU, the path is being paved for Doctor Doom's takeover. In the comics, the character has long been one of The Fantastic Four's most evil enemies, with a singular goal in mind: world domination. With the already revealed cast members for Doomsday, it's clear that Marvel heroes from across the galaxy are going to be needed in order to keep Downey's Dr. Doom under control.

The Avengers, Wakandans, Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts and the original X-Men are all likely to team up in some capacity to face Doctor Doom. It's also highly probable that Doom won't go down without a fight of epic proportions; a sequel titled Avengers: Secret Wars has already been announced to follow on May 7, 2027. The Russo brothers will also direct it, and it will conclude Phase 6 of the MCU, likely changing the landscape of Marvel movies forever.

Avengers: Doomsday is currently filming and is set for release on May 1, 2026.

Source: Instagram