The upcoming Avengers movies, Doomsday and Secret Wars, have recently received an exciting production update from Anthony Mackie, the star of Captain America: Brave New World. In an interview with Deadline, Mackie revealed key details about the filming schedule and hinted at potential cast members for these highly anticipated sequels. He confirmed that principal photography for Doomsday, which will feature Robert Downey Jr. returning as Doctor Doom, is expected to begin in March or April 2025. This timeline aligns with previous statements made by directors Joe and Anthony Russo in 2024. Additionally, Mackie noted that filming for Secret Wars is set to start next year.
Mackie explained, “We shoot in London through the summer and then the following summer we shoot the next one [Avengers: Secret Wars]. It’s going to be a full slate.” This information adds to the excitement surrounding these projects and underscores the magnitude of the MCU’s plans going forward.
The production of Doomsday will see the return of Robert Downey Jr., a fact that has Mackie buzzing with anticipation. The actor, who plays Sam Wilson and embodies Captain America in this new era, expressed his curiosity about which original Avengers will return alongside him. “I don’t know how many are coming back. RDJ [Robert Downey Jr.] made the big announcement that he’s coming back,” he stated, further adding, “Other than him, I don’t know who of the original crew will be coming back, but I know he will be.”
Excitement continues as Mackie prepares to share the screen with Downey Jr., describing the opportunity to work alongside the iconic actor as “a once-in-a-career experience that’s as amazing as working with Harrison Ford, because he’s a legend.” He proudly regards himself as the “OG” of the Avengers, tasked with leading this new faction into uncharted territory. “I’m the Avenger from the old group that brings in the new group. So it’ll be a changing of the guard,” Mackie shared, encapsulating the transformative phase the franchise is entering.
Joining Mackie in Doomsday will be Benedict Cumberbatch, who reprises his role as Doctor Strange, alongside characters from The Fantastic Four — currently the only other confirmed heroes for the movie. Meanwhile, fans are eagerly speculating about the return of Chris Evans, who portrayed the previous Captain America, Steve Rogers. Although Evans has publicly denied involvement, whispers of his return continue to circulate within the fandom.
Mackie’s portrayal of Captain America in Brave New World offers an additional layer of intrigue as it directly connects to the future of the Avengers. The film, which acts as a pivotal entry in Phase Five of the MCU, has teased the return of the supergroup in its preview. U.S. President Thaddeus E. “Thunderbolt” Ross, played by Harrison Ford, expressed his aspirations for Wilson to rejuvenate the iconic team, echoing sentiments shared by director Julius Onah, who insists that this installment will “cement” Wilson’s leadership role.
Following the billion-dollar success of Deadpool & Wolverine, Brave New World is projected to perform well at the box office, with estimates of $80 million domestically and $190 million globally during its opening weekend. However, early feedback has been mixed due to extensive reshoots and varied test screenings. Mackie shares the screen with a talented cast that includes Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres/Falcon, Giancarlo Esposito as Seth Voelker/Sidewinder, Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns/Leader, and Liv Tyler as Betty Ross. The film is set to hit theaters globally on February 14.
