The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) once stood as a juggernaut in the film industry, dominating box offices and cultural conversations alike. However, since the conclusion of the Infinity Saga with Avengers: Endgame, the MCU has struggled to find its footing. Phases 4 and 5, despite introducing new characters and concepts, have been riddled with underwhelming films and Disney+ shows that failed to capture the same magic. Amid this turbulence, fans still hold onto hope for the next two Avengers films, Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Yet, there are mounting concerns that Doomsday might fail to meet expectations. Here are five reasons why Avengers: Doomsday could potentially be the weakest entry in the Avengers franchise yet.
1. Avengers: Doomsday Is Almost Here With No Setup Yet
The clock is ticking for Avengers: Doomsday, slated to release in May 2026. However, with just three MCU films left before the Avengers assemble again—Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts, and Fantastic Four—the lack of meaningful setup is glaring. Unlike the Infinity Saga, which meticulously built its narrative through a decade of interconnected films, Doomsday is entering its final stretch without a clear foundation.
The films and shows of Phases 4 and 5 have introduced numerous characters and plotlines, but none seem to converge toward Doomsday. Kang, the supposed main antagonist, was introduced in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, but his presence has felt underwhelming and inconsistent. Without proper groundwork, Doomsday risks feeling rushed and incoherent, a problem that has plagued recent MCU projects like Eternals and Ant-Man 3.
2. Everything Feels Scattered Before Avengers: Doomsday
One of the defining strengths of the Infinity Saga was its sense of purpose. Every film, from Iron Man to Avengers: Endgame, contributed to a cohesive narrative, steadily building toward the ultimate confrontation with Thanos. In stark contrast, the projects of Phases 4 and 5 lack a unifying direction.
While the multiverse concept was introduced as a central theme, its execution has been muddled. Films like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Spider-Man: No Way Home flirted with the idea but failed to establish a consistent narrative thread. Meanwhile, Disney+ shows like Loki and What If…? have further complicated the timeline rather than clarifying it. With everything feeling disjointed, Doomsday faces an uphill battle in tying these scattered pieces together into a compelling story.
3. A Lack of Compelling Avengers and Leaders
One of the biggest challenges for Avengers: Doomsday is the absence of a strong core team. The Infinity Saga thrived on the chemistry and dynamics of beloved characters like Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, and the Hulk. Each Avenger brought unique strengths and personalities, creating a team that audiences could root for.
In contrast, the current lineup feels fragmented and lacks the same emotional resonance. While characters like Sam Wilson’s Captain America and Shang-Chi show promise, they haven’t been given enough screen time or development to become the charismatic leaders the Avengers need. Additionally, the absence of iconic figures like Tony Stark and Steve Rogers has left a void that the new roster struggles to fill. Without compelling leads, Doomsday risks alienating audiences who are still mourning the loss of the original Avengers.
4. The Emotional Disconnect with Audiences
The Infinity Saga wasn’t just a cinematic triumph—it was an emotional journey for fans. The stakes felt personal, the characters’ arcs were deeply satisfying, and the culmination in Endgame left audiences cheering and crying in theaters. Unfortunately, the MCU has failed to recreate that emotional connection in its recent projects.
Since the end of the Infinity Saga, Marvel’s output has felt increasingly formulaic and detached. Films and shows like Eternals, She-Hulk, and Secret Invasion failed to resonate with viewers, leading to dwindling interest and declining box office numbers. This lack of emotional investment has directly impacted the hype surrounding Avengers: Doomsday. Without a strong emotional foundation, it’s hard to see how Doomsday can recapture the magic that made the Avengers franchise a global phenomenon.
5. The Change in Plans and the Kang Dynasty Fallout
Initially, Avengers: The Kang Dynasty was meant to set the stage for Doomsday, with Kang serving as the overarching villain. However, Marvel’s decision to restructure its plans has led to significant inconsistencies. Projects like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania were supposed to establish Kang’s dominance, but the character was underutilized and failed to leave a lasting impression.
This restructuring has also rendered some projects redundant. For example, Ant-Man 3, which should have been a key piece of the puzzle, feels like a filler episode in the broader MCU narrative. The constant shifts in direction have left fans questioning whether Marvel has a clear vision for Doomsday. Without a strong and cohesive plan, the film risks becoming another overstuffed and underwhelming installment.
A Glimmer of Hope for Avengers: Doomsday
Despite these concerns, there is still hope for Avengers: Doomsday. With the Russo Brothers reportedly returning to helm the project, fans can take solace in the fact that the filmmakers who delivered Infinity War and Endgame are back in the director’s chair. The Russos have a proven track record of balancing massive ensemble casts and delivering crowd-pleasing spectacles that resonate with both fans and critics.
For Doomsday to succeed, Marvel needs to learn from its recent missteps and focus on crafting a compelling, character-driven narrative. The stakes have never been higher for the MCU, and Avengers: Doomsday could be the make-or-break moment for the franchise. Here’s hoping that Marvel and the Russos can once again assemble greatness.
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