Avengers: Doomsdaywill feature a litany of superheroes when it releases in December 2026, and will therefore be primed to deliver on some spectacularMCUhero vs. hero fights.I say this because theAvengers: Doomsdaycast announcementconfirmed that several superhero teams from other universes could be on opposing sides.
Given the wider context in which they’ll appear, it seems apparent that they’ll go toe-to-toe in defense of their respective universes as incursions loom. Nightcrawler actor, Alan Cumming, also stoked this possibility when he mentioned that he was supposed to be “punching Pedro Pascal,” who portrays Reed Richards, while filming forAvengers: Doomsday.
While Cumming would later try to walk these comments back, I frankly don’t believe him. Having heroes fight heroes is a winning formula thatCaptain America: Civil Warcan attest to, althoughother MCU installmentsare littered with 1v1 fights, like Hulk vs. Iron Man inAvengers: Age of Ultron.
With the sheer wealth of heroes that have already beenannounced forAvengers: Doomsday, there are some 1v1 fights that are too good an opportunity to pass up. With that in mind, here are the fights I’m desperate to see happen.
10Thor Vs. Sentry/The Void
Sentry’s introduction inThunderbolts*arguably upset the power balance in the MCU beyond comprehension. It is difficult to see how Doctor Doom would fare against the nigh-omnipotent superhero. Thankfully for Doom,he also poses a threat to the heroes, with the Void being an ever-looming possibility when the Sentry emerges.
With that in mind, there isonly one superhero in theAvengers: Doomsdaylineup that stands a chance against him: Thor. Thor is arguably at hismost powerful in the MCU, and his sheer strength and godlike constitution would make for a stunning brawl should he bring Mjolnir down on Sentry to quell the threat of the Void.
9Black Panther Vs. Mister Fantastic
Mister Fantastic is, without question, his world’s most intelligent man, as is the case in the comics. With Tony Stark now dead,Earth-616’s most intelligent hero is arguably Shuri, who was sought out to rid Vision of the Mind Stone inAvengers: Infinity War. Both characters are also used to making tough decisions, like fighting heroes on other worlds.
Seeing two ofthe MCU’s most intelligent superheroesgo toe-to-toe would make for some mind-bending sequencesunlike anything seen before in the MCU. Tony Stark, for instance, almost always outmatched his opponents' intelligence. A no-holds-barred battle of wits between Black Panther and Mister Fantastic would also homage their time on the Illuminati in Marvel Comics.
8Captain America Vs. Bucky Barnes
Although it is more likely that superheroes will fight one another for the survival of their universe,theThunderbolts*post-credits sceneteased a different motive for a brawl. Due to the New Avengers assuming the government-backed role of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes,it is revealed that Sam Wilson is at loggerheads with the new team, including Bucky.
Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes were two ofthe closest friends in the MCU, a relationship that developed inThe Falcon and the Winter Soldierand was revisited inCaptain America: Brave New World.Seeing the two go toe-to-toe would constitute an emotional gut-punchthat would substantially raise the stakes ofAvengers: Doomsday.
7Ghost Vs. Nightcrawler
Ghost didn’t get much of an opportunity to shine inThunderbolts*despite arguably boasting the most extraordinary power in the team. While Nightcrawler was the star of one ofthe best opening sequences in superhero movies, it was the only film he appeared in.Having them face off inAvengers: Doomsdaycould give each the spotlightthey deserve in the best way.
Ghost vs. Nightcrawler has the potential to be one of the best choreographed fight sequences in superhero movies.Ghosts' phasing abilities and Nightcrawler’s teleportation have always been incredible to watch in live-action, and their acrobatic fighting styles would only enhance the brawl.
6Cyclops Vs. The Human Torch
With James Marsden’s Cyclops and Joseph Quinn’s Human Torch hailing from different universes, it’s reasonable that they might come head-to-head.Both are particularly protective members of their team and prone to moments of self-sacrificial valiance, meaning they could easily clash with each other.
Seeing these two superheroes come to blows would make for some outstanding sequences.It’s easy to see Scott’s optic blasts and Johnny’s fire blasts meeting in a fight, while Johnny’s incessant quips work to infuriate Cyclops' more straight-laced persona.
5Ant-Man/Giant-Man Vs. The Thing
The Thing is one of Marvel’s strongest characters who regularly goes up against the Hulk. In the absence of Mark Ruffalo in theAvengers: Doomsdaycast, however,Ant-Man would make for an interesting opponent. With Paul Rudd confirmed to be returning, he’ll likely join up with Sam Wilson’s Avengers inAvengers: Doomsday.
What a miniaturized Ant-Man lacks in strength, he makes up for in utility. He could give Ben Grimm a run for his money if the brawler struggles to land a hit.Turning into Giant-Man, meanwhile, could be evocative of Ben Grimm’s short bout with GalactusinThe Fantastic Four: First Steps.
4Yelena Belova Vs. Mystique
Yelena Belova was recently promoted to the leader of the New Avengers, the government-sanctioned team now headquartered in the old Avengers Tower.Mystique, meanwhile, has extensive experience rallying against official bodiesalongside her loyal patron, Magneto.
Should these two fight inAvengers: Doomsday,it should make for some incredible acrobatic sequences. Mystique and Yelena Belova are among the best hand-to-hand fighters in their respective franchises, despite not boasting any strength or agility-boosting powers. Mystique could admittedly play on Yelena’s past traumas by shape-shifting into the right person, like Natasha Romanoff, for instance.
3Beast Vs. Red Guardian
Kelsey Grammer’s Hank McCoy has already appeared in the MCU inthe post-credits scene inThe Marvels.It is possible that he would be the one to discover the nature of incursionsand the necessity to fight other heroes. Red Guardian, meanwhile, would likely struggle to grasp the concept, but would strive to protect his world regardless.
Both characters are ferocious and super-strong brawlers, butthe gulf in their intelligence could make for a wildly entertaining interaction. With Red Guardian likely being slightly stronger than Beast (he was able to briefly overpower the Void’s telekinesis, after all), the fight would embody a brains vs. brawn dynamic.
2The Invisible Woman Vs. Namor
Namor would stop at nothing to protect his world, and has a track record of going up against superheroes to protect his nation’s interests.He also shares a fraught relationship with the Fantastic Four in Marvel Comics, thanks in no small part to his romantic involvement with Sue Storm.
It is for this reason thatfans are anticipating an interaction between Namor and Sue Storm. Althoughmost would be outmatched by the Invisible Woman, the Fantastic Four member who was able to overpower Galactus, the location of the battlefield would make a significant difference. Regardless, the most compelling aspect of their fight would be their conversation.
1Gambit Vs. Shang-Chi
Both Gambit and Shang-Chi are MCU newcomers who have become immediate fan-favorites.Neither has been officially inducted into any ofthe teams inAvengers: Doomsdayyet, althoughit’s likely that Gambit will join the X-Men and Shang-Chi will join the Avengers.
Both have proved to beincredible hand-to-hand fighters with some strikingly similar modes of attack. Gambit’s kinetic energy-charged deck of cards and Shang-Chi’s Ten Rings would make the two of them facing off in anAvengers: Doomsdayfight scene look remarkable.
