Marvel Studios used Disney’s D23 Entertainment Showcase in Anaheim to roll out a major tease for its next cinematic event, Avengers: Doomsday, while Disney executives and stars offered quick updates on other franchise projects.
Avengers: Doomsday — a multiverse event with a date
A trailer shown at the Honda Center provided a first look at what Marvel described as a massive crossover, with Robert Downey Jr. appearing as Doctor Doom and a new slate of heroes assembling to face an apparently multiversal threat. The presentation included a sequence in which Thor (Chris Hemsworth) attacks Doom to no avail as Doom raises an army of iron giants.
“We are not waiting on the future. We are building it. Right now,” Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro told the crowd, thanking fans for making Disney part of their lives.
The film is scheduled for release on 18 December 2026 and is directed by brothers Anthony and Joe Russo. The showcase suggested the event will bring together characters from across Marvel’s eras — explicitly naming the Avengers, Fantastic Four and X‑Men as participants.
The presentation teased appearances by heroes from both the pre‑Disney Fox catalogue and the Disney era of Marvel. The studio also signalled that the roster is extensive — though notable by its absence was Wolverine in person; a video featuring Hugh Jackman suggested he was less than thrilled, described by the broadcast as seeming “bitter”.
Other D23 highlights
The showcase was hosted by Ginnifer Goodwin and Ke Huy Quan and attended by an estimated crowd of about 12,000 fans in Anaheim. Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro opened with remarks about the company’s creative direction and gratitude to fans. He introduced appearances by stars across Disney’s slate and brought out familiar faces to preview upcoming projects.
Among the non‑Marvel updates, D’Amaro welcomed Anne Hathaway to the stage, who confirmed she is working on Princess Diaries 3. Hathaway’s stage remarks — part playful, part appreciative of her fan base — reinforced Disney’s investment in legacy properties alongside new franchises.
- Event: D23 Entertainment Showcase at the Honda Center, Anaheim
- Hosts: Ginnifer Goodwin and Ke Huy Quan
- Major reveal: Avengers: Doomsday — teaser featuring Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom
- Release date: 18 December 2026
- Directors: Anthony and Joe Russo
- Other news: Anne Hathaway working on Princess Diaries 3
| Title | Key names | Notice |
|---|---|---|
| Avengers: Doomsday | Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth; directors Anthony & Joe Russo | Release: 18 December 2026; features Avengers, Fantastic Four, X‑Men |
| Princess Diaries 3 | Anne Hathaway | Confirmed work in progress at D23 |
Why it matters for South African audiences
Major Marvel releases remain high on local cinema and streaming calendars. A confirmed December 2026 release gives South African distributors and exhibitors time to programme holiday season screenings and marketing campaigns. The inclusion of characters from the Fox era alongside Marvel’s current roster continues the studio’s long‑running strategy of crossover events, which typically drive international box office traffic and streaming subscriptions.
For fans, D23’s presentation both celebrated nostalgia and confirmed Marvel’s intention to keep expanding its cinematic universe. The showcase also underscored Disney’s dual focus: launching blockbuster tentpoles while reviving older franchises, as seen with the Princess Diaries update.
As more footage, casting details and local release plans emerge, South African moviegoers and streaming subscribers will be watching for booking dates and marketing tie‑ins ahead of the busy December window.
Keep an eye on international press and studio announcements for confirmed South African release platforms and screening schedules as Disney rolls out further promotional material.
