'Avengers: Doomsday': Trailers, tickets, release date and 'Endgame: Encore' details

The buildup to "Avengers: Doomsday," which reunites the beloved Marvel superhero team for their first movie adventure since 2019, is well underway, with multiple trailers out, tickets officially on sale and an imminent "Endgame" re-release.

The film, out this December, will introduce one of the most iconic comic book villains of all time to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Here's what you need to know about the movie -- beware of a slight possible SPOILER for "Spider-Man: Brand New Day."

Is there a trailer?

There are two trailers so far. Marvel released the first full trailer on July 20. It gives us our first glimpse at Doctor Doom and sees a wide array of heroes including the Avengers, the Fantastic Four and the X-Men crossing paths.

We also got a "special look" during the Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23, the company's biennial exposition, on Aug. 14. It gives us hints about Doom's character, history with the Fantastic Four and objective.

Will Spider-Man be in this movie?

It's unclear if Spider-Man will play a role in "Avengers: Doomsday," but his latest movie adventure, which just cracked $2 billion at the global box office, may offer a hint. If you haven't seen it, beware of a slight SPOILER.

"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" -- the 38th MCU movie -- has an extremely brief post-credits scene that shows his location on the Spidey Tracker: space.

It suggests that we'll next see him in some off-planet location, in either "Avengers: Doomsday" or "Avengers: Secret Wars" (more likely the latter). The 1984 "Secret Wars" storyline saw Spidey get his iconic black costume, which later became the supervillain Venom.

When will 'Avengers: Doomsday' be released?

The movie will hit theaters Friday, Dec. 18, 2026.

What is the movie about?

The official synopsis gives us a hint about what to expect.

"Beloved heroes from three distinct universes will be set on a deadly collision course and face an existential threat unlike anything they've ever encountered," it reads.

Marvel Studios revealed who several of these heroes are in a series of teaser trailers late last year, showcasing Chris Evans returning as Steve Rogers (the original Captain America), Chris Hemsworth as Thor, the X-Men, the Wakandans and the Fantastic Four.

The three universes appear to be the mainline MCU (where the Avengers are from), the Fantastic Four's reality and the X-Men's world.

Who else is in 'Avengers: Doomsday'?

The movie has assembled an absolutely stacked cast, which was revealed in a 2025 livestream:

How does this fit into the wider MCU?

"Avengers: Doomsday" will be the 39th MCU movie overall and is set in the same continuity as many of the Disney+ shows.

However, newcomers shouldn't feel intimidated. It takes inspiration from the comics, but you can just jump in and enjoy this movie's story in isolation.

"Avengers: Doomsday" will also set up the events of the next MCU movie, "Avengers: Secret Wars." The latter is scheduled for release on Dec. 17, 2027.

If you want to watch a select few movies to prepare, "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," "Thunderbolts" and "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" would be good options. One show that would be worth watching is "Loki," which has two seasons.

The official Disney+ "Countdown to Avengers: Doomsday" suggested watchlist includes these and a few more:

If you prefer to get hyped in audio form, the five-episode "Countdown to Avengers: Doomsday Official Podcast" will revisit key MCU movies over five episodes.

This podcast is hosted by Iman Vellani (who plays the MCU's Ms. Marvel) and podcaster Frank Alvarez. It starts on Aug. 27, and a video version will be available to stream on Disney+ and YouTube.

Who directed 'Avengers: Doomsday'?

The film is being helmed by brothers Anthony and Joe Russo, who previously directed "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," "Captain America: Civil War," "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Avengers: Endgame."

Wasn't Robert Downey Jr. already in Marvel movies?

Yes, he played Tony Stark/Iron Man from 2008's "Iron Man" to 2019's "Avengers: Endgame."

The Oscar-winning actor, however, is taking on a different role in "Avengers: Doomsday." Victor von Doom/Doctor Doom is among the most beloved supervillains in popular culture, having debuted in the fifth issue of the "Fantastic Four" comic series in 1962.

The MCU version of the character remains a mystery, having only appeared briefly in "Fantastic Four: First Steps."

Are 'Avengers: Doomsday' tickets on sale?

Ticket sales kicked off for Infinity Vision certified theaters on July 20, and went on general sale on Friday.

Infinity Vision is a new premium format that Disney says gives audiences "an exceptional film presentation with big screens, bright images and outstanding sound."

Can we expect more details or footage any time soon?

"Avengers: Endgame" is getting a theatrical re-release on Sept. 25 -- "Avengers Endgame: Encore" -- and Disney confirmed it'll include "an exclusive look" at the upcoming movie.

The company noted that that people who see in IMAX and Infinity Vision-certified screens "will get an additional sneak peek at the film."

We also got a new trailer for the 2019 movie -- beware of 7-year-old spoilers if you haven't seen it or have forgotten what happens.

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