Disney and Marvel Studios are reeling from a tidal wave of drama surrounding Avengers: Doomsday, the highly anticipated fifth installment in the Avengers saga, set to hit theaters on December 18, 2026. Billed as a cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) Phase Six, the film promised to unite a star-studded cast led by Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, alongside Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, and a host of returning MCU and X-Men actors. However, a reported on-set clash between two major stars has thrown production into chaos, sparking rumors of dysfunction, reshoots, and even calls to cancel the film entirely. With Disney facing mounting pressure and fans buzzing with speculation, the future of Avengers: Doomsday hangs in the balance, raising questions about whether this superhero epic can recover from its behind-the-scenes turmoil.
A Star-Studded Project Plagued by Drama
Avengers: Doomsday was announced at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2024 as a bold pivot from the abandoned Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, with the Russo Brothers, Anthony and Joe, returning to direct after their success with Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. The film’s massive ensemble cast includes Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Anthony Mackie as Captain America, Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, and newcomers like Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards and Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, alongside X-Men veterans like Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen. Robert Downey Jr.’s casting as Doctor Doom, replacing Jonathan Majors’ Kang, was a headline-grabbing coup, with the Oscar-winner reportedly commanding a $50-60 million salary.
Filming began in April 2025 at Pinewood Studios in England, with additional location shoots in Bahrain and Windsor Great Park. Yet, whispers of trouble emerged early, with reports of a “dysfunctional” set and ego clashes among the sprawling cast. The situation escalated in August 2025 when industry insider Jeff Sneider, on The Hot Mic podcast, revealed a heated altercation between two unnamed “pretty big actors” that became so intense it forced script changes and rescheduling. The clash, described as a “big blow-up,” reportedly stemmed from a poorly received joke that crossed personal boundaries, leading to a confrontation that disrupted production. While the actors eventually reconciled, the incident sent shockwaves through Disney, with fans on X speculating that Downey and Ryan Reynolds, rumored to appear as Deadpool, were the culprits.
The Downey-Reynolds Rumor Mill
Although no official confirmation has pinpointed the actors involved, fan speculation has centered on Downey and Reynolds due to their high profiles and reported presence on set. Reynolds, fresh off the billion-dollar success of Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), was confirmed by industry sources to have a cameo in Doomsday, fueling rumors of tension with Downey, whose return as Doctor Doom is the film’s centerpiece. The alleged clash was detailed by podcaster John Rocha, who claimed on The Kristian Harloff Show that one actor’s “jest” went “too far,” prompting a confrontation that required Marvel to reshoot scenes to minimize their interactions. Social media erupted with posts like, “RDJ vs. Ryan Reynolds on Doomsday set? This movie’s already a mess!” and “Disney can’t handle another flop after The Marvels!”
However, a report from PEOPLE in late August 2025 debunked the Downey-Reynolds feud, stating there was “zero bad blood” and that the two had never met in person during filming. This clarification did little to quell fan speculation, with some arguing that Downey’s reported dissatisfaction with early footage—leading to three weeks of reshoots with him in the Doctor Doom suit—pointed to his dominant influence on set. “There’s a lot of testosterone and ego,” Sneider noted, adding that “in the end, there’s only one person’s way who matters, and that’s Robert Downey Jr.” The narrative of Downey as the set’s de facto leader has heightened fears that the clash could spiral into further disruptions.
Disney’s Panic and Production Woes
Disney’s alarm over the incident stems from the immense stakes riding on Avengers: Doomsday. With a reported budget exceeding $400 million, including Downey’s hefty paycheck and extensive CGI, the film is one of the MCU’s most expensive ventures. The studio’s recent string of underperformers, including The Marvels ($197 million worldwide) and Captain America: Brave New World (2025), has put pressure on Doomsday to deliver a billion-dollar hit akin to Endgame. The clash, coupled with reports of an unfinished script and secretive filming conditions, has fueled rumors that Disney is considering drastic measures, including canceling the film—a notion dismissed by outlets like SuperHeroHype, which insisted, “Avengers: Doomsday is not canceled.”
The production’s challenges are compounded by other factors. Actors like Alan Cumming, reprising his role as Nightcrawler, described filming in isolation with “lots of green screen” and “fake names” for characters, suggesting a fragmented process. Rebecca Romijn, returning as Mystique, noted that the script was still being written during shooting, raising concerns about narrative coherence. Additionally, Pedro Pascal reportedly wrapped his scenes as Reed Richards early, prompting speculation that his role was scaled back to accommodate the chaotic schedule. Disney’s decision to delay the release from May to December 2026, announced in May 2025, was framed as a move to allow more production time, but insiders suggest it was a response to the mounting issues.
Fan Backlash and Cancellation Rumors
The clash has ignited a firestorm on social media, with fans expressing both outrage and concern. Posts on X, such as “Disney’s in full panic mode—cancel Doomsday before it tanks the MCU!” and “RDJ’s ego is ruining everything,” reflect the polarized sentiment. Some fans have called for the film’s cancellation, arguing that the MCU’s Multiverse Saga is losing steam after mixed reviews for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Thor: Love and Thunder. Others remain optimistic, citing the Russo Brothers’ track record and the excitement around Downey’s Doctor Doom. “The Russos pulled off Endgame,” one fan posted. “They’ll make Doomsday work, clash or no clash.”
The cancellation rumors gained traction after a misleading YouTube video titled “Robert Downey Jr. LOSES IT After Marvel CANCELED Avengers: Doomsday” went viral, amassing millions of views before being debunked. While Disney has not officially addressed the speculation, sources close to the studio insist that production is moving forward, with filming expected to wrap in October 2025. Paul Rudd, appearing at Disney’s D23 event in August 2025, offered a positive spin, praising the “jaw-dropping sets” and “incredible talent,” though his comments did little to silence concerns about the reported dysfunction.
The Bigger Picture: MCU’s Crossroads
The Doomsday drama underscores broader challenges facing the MCU. Since Avengers: Endgame (2019), the franchise has struggled with “superhero fatigue,” with audiences growing weary of its sprawling Multiverse Saga and Disney+ series. The pivot from Kang to Doctor Doom, prompted by Majors’ legal issues, was a risky move, and Downey’s return—while a fan favorite—has raised expectations to unsustainable levels. The clash between unnamed stars highlights the difficulty of managing a cast of 26 high-profile actors, each with their own vision for the film. “It’s like herding cats with egos the size of planets,” one crew member reportedly said.
Disney’s response has been to double down on Doomsday’s production, with the Russo Brothers and writers Stephen McFeely and Michael Waldron working to refine the script. The film’s integration of characters from The Fantastic Four and Thunderbolts, alongside X-Men veterans, aims to create a multiversal spectacle, but the reported turmoil threatens to undermine its cohesion. The studio’s decision to shoot at Pinewood Studios, leveraging UK tax rebates, reflects efforts to control costs, but the budget’s ballooning scale adds pressure to deliver a hit.
Can Doomsday Be Saved?
Despite the chaos, there’s hope for Avengers: Doomsday. The Russo Brothers’ track record and Downey’s star power remain major draws, and the film’s six-month shooting schedule allows time to address issues. The reconciliation between the clashing actors, as reported by Rocha, suggests that tensions have eased, and Disney’s investment in reshoots indicates a commitment to quality. However, the studio must navigate fan skepticism and the risk of further leaks, which could amplify perceptions of a troubled production.
For now, Avengers: Doomsday remains a high-stakes gamble for Disney and Marvel. The clash between its stars has exposed the fragility of managing a blockbuster with such a massive cast and budget. Whether the film can overcome its rocky start and deliver the epic showdown fans expect—or whether it will join the MCU’s growing list of disappointments—remains to be seen. As production barrels toward its climax, one thing is clear: Disney’s panic is palpable, and the fate of Doomsday will shape the MCU’s future.
