Marvel Studios confirmed that Ryan Reynolds and Hayley Atwell will reprise their roles as Deadpool and Peggy Carter in Avengers: Doomsday during a special presentation at San Diego Comic-Con on July 24, 2026. The event featured exclusive footage and a surprise appearance by Reynolds in a grey suit.
Marvel Studios returned to Hall H for the first time since 2024, delivering a series of high-profile reveals for its upcoming cinematic slate. While the studio had released a teaser for Avengers: Doomsday five days prior to the event, the panel provided the first glimpse of exclusive footage and confirmed key casting additions.
Deadpool’s “Canadian Tuxedo” and the Return of Peggy Carter
The presentation was marked by the arrival of Ryan Reynolds, who appeared on stage in a grey, denim-like Deadpool outfit. During the appearance, Reynolds referred to the costume as his Canadian tuxedo
and joked about the plastic Doctor Doom masks provided to the 6,500 attendees. According to IGN, Reynolds entered the panel in character, stating, Longtime listener, first time caller. I’m a huge fan. I’m not wearing a Doom mask over this mask because I don’t want to ruin the lines of my Canadian tuxedo.
While Reynolds asked directors Joe and Anthony Russo when filming would begin so he could make a cameo, the directors clarified that the film was already shot. However, they noted they remained open to additional photography. This interaction, combined with the on-stage appearance, serves as confirmation of Deadpool’s presence in the film.
Joining Reynolds in the casting confirmations was Hayley Atwell. ComicBook reported that Atwell is officially returning as Peggy Carter, a move that follows the character’s significant role in the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame.
Exclusive Footage: Doctor Doom and the Fallen Heroes
Attendees were shown a sequence that establishes the stakes of the conflict. The footage opens with Doctor Doom seated on a golden throne amidst pulsing green energy. In the scene, Sue Storm delivers a speech to a gathered group of heroes, describing Victor’s descent into darkness.
The sequence transitions to a destroyed city where Reed Richards asks, Victor. Did you do this?
The footage prominently features several distressed characters, including a crying Magneto, Charles Xavier, and Steve Rogers appearing with a baby. According to Gizmodo, the scene culminates in a confrontation where Thor attacks Doom with Stormbreaker, only to be stopped by a single finger and flicked back with green energy.
The power imbalance is highlighted by Victor’s claim that Hell answers to me
as he summons Sentinels from the ground.
Wider MCU Shifts: Ghost Rider and VisionQuest
Beyond Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige used the panel to announce the official entry of Ryan Gosling into the MCU as Ghost Rider. The project will be helmed by Deadpool & Wolverine director Shawn Levy and is scheduled for release in 2028. Feige specifically cited Levy’s work on Deadpool and Wolverine and the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter as the reason for his selection.
The studio also addressed its television strategy. While Feige initially stated that no TV announcements were planned for the day, he confirmed that VisionQuest will premiere on Disney+ on October 14. The series is positioned as the third chapter in the WandaVision trilogy
, following Agatha All Along.
Other notable reveals included an exclusive clip from Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which features the Punisher and Spider-Man attempting to fight the Hulk. This film is slated for release the week following the Comic-Con panel.
Release Schedule and Casting Roster
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to hit theaters on December 18. The film features an expansive ensemble cast that bridges multiple eras and franchises of the MCU.
- Core Returns: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Paul Rudd, Anthony Mackie, and Sebastian Stan.
- Fantastic Four Family: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Wyatt Russell.
- X-Men and Mutants: Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, and Tenoch Huerta Mejía.
- Additional Cast: Florence Pugh, Simu Liu, Tom Hiddleston, James Marsden, Joseph Quinn, David Harbour, Letitia Wright, Lewis Pullman, Kelsey Grammer, Kathryn Newton, Danny Ramirez, Winston Duke, Alan Cumming, Hannah John-Kamen, Rebecca Romijn, and Mabel Cadena.
As the studio prepares for the December release, further details are expected to emerge next month at the D23 Expo, where Marvel may provide additional updates on its feature film and television trajectories.
