# Avengers: Doomsday production and MCU momentum > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/avengers-doomsday-merchandise-launch > Updated: 2026-09-11T20:00:47.000Z. Sources: 56. Developments: 12. In early September 2026, Marvel Studios began production on Avengers: Doomsday, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo. Reports indicate filming has commenced despite an incomplete script; Joe Russo described the screenplay as a “living organism,” favoring an approach based on rehearsal and improvisation to allow actors to shape their roles. Plot speculation suggests a narrative twist involving Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange, who may appear under the alias “Boris” as a right-hand wizard to Doctor Doom before revealing his true identity. The story is expected to center on a cosmic collision and an incursion between universes, including the Fantastic Four universe. This production follows the studio's pivot from Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. Simultaneously, Marvel Studios achieved a streaming record on Disney+ in August 2026, with 420 million hours viewed. This represents the franchise’s highest-performing month on the platform, driven in part by anticipation for Avengers: Doomsday, which accounted for over 200 million of those hours. This surge in viewership follows the $2.4 billion worldwide success of Spider-Man: Brand New Day and suggests a resurgence of interest in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. ## Claims - Elizabeth Olsen will not return as Wanda Maximoff in Avengers: Doomsday. (single source) - Bandai S.H. Figuarts opened pre‑orders for Captain America, Doctor Doom and Thor figures for Avengers: Doomsday. (single source) - Deadpool appears in Avengers: Doomsday, fighting Spider‑Man and other characters during an incursion. (single source) - Paul Rudd will reprise his role as Ant‑Man in Avengers: Doomsday. (single source) - LEGO will launch five Avengers: Doomsday building sets, including a Doctor Doom bust. (single source) - Hot Toys released a 1/6‑scale Gambit figure based on Channing Tatum’s role in Avengers: Doomsday. (single source) - Avengers: Doomsday will bring together heroes from the Avengers, Wakanda, Fantastic Four and X‑Men universes to confront Doctor Doom. (single source) - Avengers: Doomsday is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and produced by Kevin Feige. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-11: Marvel Studios sets Disney+ streaming record with 420 million hours viewed Marvel Studios set a Disney+ streaming record with 420 million hours viewed in August 2026, driven by anticipation for Avengers: Doomsday and recent theatrical successes. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marvel-studios-sets-disney-streaming-record-with-420-million-hours-viewed ### 2026-09-04: Marvel Studios begins Avengers: Doomsday production Marvel Studios is filming Avengers: Doomsday with directors the Russo Brothers, utilizing an improvisation-based approach without a completed script and featuring Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marvel-studios-begins-avengers-doomsday-production ### 2026-08-31: Marvel promotes Avengers: Doomsday in Japan and announces Deadpool crossover Marvel expands ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ promotions in Japan with faction-themed displays, while announcing a new comic crossover between Deadpool and the Punisher. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marvel-promotes-avengers-doomsday-in-japan-and-announces-deadpool-crossover ### 2026-08-31: Marvel Studios conducts reshoots for Avengers: Doomsday Marvel Studios is conducting reshoots for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, featuring Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. The film aims to unite the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four, with a release date of December 18, 20 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/avengers-doomsday-set-for-december-2026-release ### 2026-08-27: Marvel Studios launches podcast to countdown to Avengers: Doomsday Marvel Studios launched the ‘Countdown to Avengers: Doomsday’ podcast, hosted by Iman Vellani, to review key Infinity Saga films ahead of the new movie's release. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marvel-studios-launches-podcast-to-countdown-to-avengers-doomsday ### 2026-08-24: Marvel highlights key films and relics ahead of Doomsday Marvel highlights essential films like X-Men and The Avengers to prepare audiences for Doomsday, while noting powerful comic relics that could shape future cinematic sagas. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marvel-highlights-key-films-and-relics-ahead-of-doomsday ### 2026-08-22: Disney implements theme park changes and Marvel streaming guides Disney is managing seasonal changes at Walt Disney World, including Halloween event impacts on park hours, while preparing fans for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday via curated Disney+ content. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/disney-announces-hollywood-studios-updates-and-new-attractions ### 2026-08-21: Marvel releases official watchlist for Avengers: Doomsday Disney+ has released an official watchlist to prepare fans for “Avengers: Doomsday,” while actress Iman Vellani has sparked debate by suggesting the MCU could benefit from fewer team-up films. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marvel-releases-official-watchlist-for-avengers-doomsday ### 2026-08-18: Disney+ releases essential Marvel viewing list for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Disney+ has released a list of 15 essential Marvel movies and shows to watch before the release of ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ this winter. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/disney-releases-essential-viewing-list-for-avengers-doomsday ### 2026-08-02: Marvel Sets December 2026 Release for 'Avengers: Doomsday' and Hints at Fan Reaction Marvel's 'Avengers: Doomsday' will debut on 18 Dec 2026, uniting major heroes; Kevin Feige promises fans will be extremely satisfied and warns a year-long wait for 'Secret Wars' will be tough. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marvel-sets-december-2026-release-for-avengers-doomsday-and-hints-at-fan-reaction ### 2026-07-29: Hasbro unveils new Marvel Legends action figures at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 Hasbro revealed new Marvel Legends figures at SDCC 2026, including Avengers: Doomsday ties, exclusive Fantastic Four releases, and a Mole Man & Moloids three‑pack now available for pre‑order. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hasbro-unveils-new-marvel-legends-action-figures-at-san-diego-comic-con-2026 ### 2026-07-26: Marvel's Avengers: Doomsday film drives cast news and new merchandise releases Marvel's Avengers: Doomsday will omit Wanda Maximoff, feature Deadpool and Ant‑Man, and spurs new Bandai, LEGO and Hot Toys collectibles. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marvels-avengers-doomsday-merchandise-launch --- Cite as: Avengers: Doomsday production and MCU momentum. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/avengers-doomsday-merchandise-launch