Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige defended the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday cast during a fan event in Shanghai, following online criticism over the absence of several major superheroes.
Public dissatisfaction grew after Marvel released the first official concept art on July 11, 2026.
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Fans noted the omission of characters such as the Hulk, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Storm, Jean Grey, and America Chavez.
The current roster includes returning actors Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, and Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom.
New additions feature Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and Channing Tatum.
Feige Defends Ensemble Approach
Feige emphasized that the franchise's core identity relies on uniting contrasting personalities to tackle global threats.
“That’s what Marvel's all about: assembling heroes that might not get along and forcing them to do what's best for the world,” he said.
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He described seeing the X-Men, Avengers, New Avengers, and Fantastic Four together as “a dream I never thought would come true.”
Feige also expressed anticipation for the Multiverse Saga's direction, noting that after Avengers: Doomsday, the next film Avengers: Secret Wars will pave the way for mutants and X-Men in the MCU.
“I started with the X-Men many, many years ago, and to bring a new version into the MCU is going to be very exciting,” he added.
Skepticism also stems from the recent box office and critical performance of prior MCU films featuring the announced characters.
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Directors Anthony and Joe Russo are set to helm the film from a script by Stephen McFeely, with a theatrical release scheduled for December 18.
