Sebastian Stan Addresses Robert Downey Jr & Chris Evans Returning To The MCU For Avengers: Doomsday
Sebastian Stan shares his opinion on the Avengers: Doomsday returns of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's two biggest stars — Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans. Since 2019, the MCU has not had a single entry in its biggest franchise. However, that will change in 2026, and Marvel Studios is assembling a mighty lineup for its first Avengers film in the Multiverse Saga. Avengers: Doomsday's cast includes the MCU returns of RDJ and Evans, who will star in the upcoming MCU movie alongside the Fantastic Four, Doctor Strange, and more, including members from Thunderbolts*, which features Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Sebastian Stan commented on how RDJ and Chris Evans' MCU returns are part of Marvel's out-of-the-box ideas that lead to better movies. While the Bucky Barnes actor did not mention the names of the two MCU stars after being asked about their returns, Stan claimed it was part of Marvel's desire to always keep exploring, which is something he admires about the studio. With the multiverse as a plot device, the possibilities for the next two Avengers entries are endless, and it could lead to some of the MCU's best movies if Stan is right. Check out the full quote below:
“I think what I appreciate is that there’s always an open way of thinking. [Marvel Studios] don’t shut themselves down or put themselves in any pocket. They just want to keep exploring, and that’s what I think leads to great, better movies.”
What Sebastian Stan’s Avengers: Doomsday Returns Comments Mean
The Actor Is Excited About The MCU's Direction
Since Chris Evans' Avengers: Doomsday casting has only been reported for now, Sebastian Stan likely avoided making more specific comments about him and RDJ coming back as he waits for Marvel to officially announce Evans' return. After Robery Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom casting was announced by Marvel, Stan was one of the actors who commented on RDJ's MCU return, saying, "I hope I’m in a scene with him." Based on that and his new Avengers: Doomsday comments, the Bucky Barnes actor seems to be excited about how the next Avengers filming is shaping up.
Avengers: Endgame seemingly put an end to Evans and Downey's MCU journeys, as Captain America stayed in the past with Peggy Carter and was an old man in the present, while Iron Man sacrificed himself to stop Thanos and his army. However, Marvel did not let itself be stuck in a corner because of those decisions and has brought back both stars to the MCU. While some fans are concerned that the franchise is focusing too much on the past, Stan seems to be a fan of the move, as he views Marvel's shocking recent moves as exciting.
Our Take On Sebastian Stan’s Avengers: Doomsday Returns Comments
The Next Avengers Movie Cast Is What I Hoped It Would Be
While I understand why some might feel mixed about Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. joining Avengers: Doomsday, their returns only make me more excited about the MCU movie. I agree with Sebastian Stan, as I find it interesting to see how Marvel manages to bring back beloved actors in creative ways. Since the Multiverse Saga will end with Avengers: Secret Wars, I believe the time is perfect to have more adventures with the MCU's biggest stars before multiple veterans leave for good. And like Stan, I think the returns could lead to the best possible story in Avengers: Doomsday.

Avengers: Doomsday
- Release Date
- December 18, 2026
- Director
- Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
- Writers
- Stephen McFeely, Michael Waldron, Jack Kirby, Stan Lee
Cast
- Thor
- Vanessa KirbySue Storm / Invisible Woman
- Johnny Storm / Human Torch
- Ebon Moss-BachrachBen Grimm / The Thing
Avengers: Doomsday is the fifth Avengers film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and will bring together heroes, new and old, to face off against Victor von Doom - played by the returning Robert Downey Jr.. Avengers 5 will also mark the beginning of phase 6 of the MCU.
All Announced Upcoming MCU Movies
Captain America: Brave New World
- Release Date
- February 14, 2025
Thunderbolts*
- Release Date
- May 2, 2025
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
- Release Date
- July 25, 2025
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
- Release Date
- July 31, 2026
Avengers: Secret Wars
- Release Date
- December 17, 2027
Source: Entertainment Tonight