Following several hours filled solely with shots of chairs, the grand casting reveal for Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday culminated with a surprise appearance by Robert Downey Jr., reprising his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe after five years away, to portray the latest version of Doctor Doom within the movie. As Downey made his way down the long line of chairs, he silenced the camera, signaling an end to the announcement.
What’s behind this mysterious silence gesture from RDJr. during the announcement that drew 275 million viewers? In our newest video, we’ll delve into our interpretation of RDJr.’s appearance (alongside the “shush” command) in the casting reveal, and provide an analysis of the entire cast list for the upcoming film. We’ll discuss each character, their roles, and speculate on their potential actions within the movie. Also, we’ll explore how the Fantastic Four will tie into Downey’s Doctor Doom, as well as examine why there are numerous Thunderbolts featured in the film. The answers to these questions and more can be found in our latest video!
If you found the video about the Avengers: Doomsday cast and the reason RDJr silenced everyone interesting, don’t miss out on our other videos! We have a video discussing how the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Multiverse Saga could have unfolded differently, another one exploring the possibility of a secret X-Men movie from Marvel, and yet another one highlighting Easter eggs in Daredevil: Born Again Episode 3. You can find more videos like these on ScreenCrush’s YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to stay updated on our future episodes. Avengers: Doomsday is set to hit theaters on May 1, 2026.
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Every Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best
35. Eternals
Initially, I wouldn’t have imagined that a Marvel film directed by an Academy Award winner and adapted from some of Jack Kirby’s most daring comics would result in one of the company’s least impactful films. Regrettably, “Eternals” failed to coalesce effectively. It maintains a mostly accurate representation of Kirby’s central concepts, but with a few minor yet perplexing alterations—such as transforming the malevolent Deviants into faceless monsters lacking purpose or motivation. The ensemble boasts commendable supporting acts from Kumail Nanjiani and Brian Tyree Henry, but the principal characters—Gemma Chan as Sersi and Richard Madden as Ikaris—grapple to convincingly portray their long-standing romantic connection. (Their relationship spans 6,000 years; they appear as if they’re on their first awkward date.) The script occasionally delves into intriguing themes about the bonds between superheroes, mythology, and faith, only to frequently forsake them for a string of predictable combat sequences against uninteresting adversaries. It is challenging to conceive of a more mundane film revolving around immortal extraterrestrial beings striving to thwart impending apocalypse than this one.
34. The Incredible Hulk
The film appears to have been hastily produced, with an awkward and unappealing quality that suggests Marvel was taken aback by the success of Iron Man and rushed this project. Casting Tim Roth as the world’s most formidable soldier seems like a grave mistake, given his portrayal of a large, bony creature resembling a monster. (For further details, please see here.)
33. Thor: The Dark World
Almost having Patty Jenkins’ Thor, we ended up with a film that was more about a dull chase for a mystical object and one of the most uninteresting villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The silver lining is that if this movie hadn’t performed so poorly, Marvel might not have been as open to making significant changes like they did with Thor: Ragnarok. (For more details, see [here].)
32. The Marvels
This Marvel film isn’t the worst one out there – it surpasses three others on the list, after all. However, it might be the most disorganized and intense one, with an overwhelming amount of action. Three captivating Marvel characters (Brie Larson as Captain Marvel, Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel, and Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau) come together to thwart a Kree warlord intent on causing havoc for unclear reasons. Despite the actors’ excellent chemistry, the plot is confusing and filled with peculiar decisions that seem illogical.
31. Captain America: Brave New World
Incorrect setting, suitable character – this phrase could apply to several underwhelming Marvel films (including “The Marvels”), but it’s particularly relevant to “Captain America: Brave New World,” which grants Anthony Mackie’s charming Sam Wilson a solo film, only to burden him with a dull villain and a narrative overflowing with unnecessary references to “The Incredible Hulk” (leaving us all on the edge of our seats about Betty Ross’ fate? Not so much).
30. Doctor Strange
As a dedicated cinephile, I must confess that while the mind-bending visuals in “Doctor Strange” are impressive, it’s hard to shake off the sensation that it’s essentially an upgraded version of “Iron Man 2 (with a dash of magic)”. On the positive side, the intelligent twist with Dormammu was truly satisfying. However, I found the wacky cape worn by Strange to be a bit over-the-top. You can find more detailed thoughts on this review here.
29. Iron Man 2
Surprisingly better than you might recall, yet not quite exceptional. Sam Rockwell’s dancing skills can conceal many flaws, but not all of them. By trimming 15 minutes of the initial setup in Avengers, it could potentially become something truly engaging. (You can read more here.)
28. Ant-Man
The film Ant-Man is not poor quality, but it’s challenging to enjoy without feeling that it falls short of the grander Edgar Wright movie we could have had. Nevertheless, Michael Peña’s character Luis stands out as one of the most remarkable non-superpowered characters in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. (Continue reading
Ant-Man isn’t a bad film, but it’s tough not to compare it to the larger Edgar Wright movie we might have received instead. However, Michael Peña’s character Luis is undeniably one of the most impressive non-superpowered characters in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. (Continue reading
27. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
In the battle between Ant-Man and Kang the Conqueror, even Kang himself, portrayed by Jonathan Majors, considers Scott Lang as being above his league. This massive disparity can be seen as a metaphor for the film itself: The relatable, low-key universe of the Ant-Man series with its dry wit and lovable characters falls short compared to the grand multiversal saga of Marvel Phase 5.
On the big screen, it’s an acceptable Marvel adventure. However, as a follow-up to the Ant-Man franchise, it leaves something to be desired. Regrettably, if you went to these movies for Michael Peña’s Luis, you’ll be disappointed because he doesn’t appear in this installment at all.
26. Ant-Man and the Wasp
As a movie enthusiast, I’d say that “Ant-Man and the Wasp” truly shines when it embraces its tiny scale. The film is packed with hilarious banter between Paul Rudd and his fellow actors, not to mention Michael Peña’s captivating monologues. Moreover, it delves into a heartwarming, intimate family drama about a fractured family striving to mend their bonds once more. (For further insights, check out the full review here.)
25. Captain Marvel
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brie Larson’s character Carol Danvers could arguably be the most potent hero, but the movie itself seemed to fall short in emotional depth. Yet, it managed to stay engaging thanks to two standout performers: Ben Mendelsohn as the cunning Skrull Talos, and Samuel L. Jackson, along with the remarkable de-aging visual effects, portraying a youthful Nick Fury. (Continue reading here.)
24. Black Widow
2021 marked Scarlett Johansson’s long-awaited solo outing from the Avengers, but instead of leading her own adventure, she primarily served as the straight character among a group of Russian superheroes known for their witty banter. This includes David Harbour’s self-absorbed Red Guardian and Florence Pugh’s captivating Yelena. Consequently, Black Widow might not have been the fitting farewell the character deserved. Nevertheless, it remains a typical Marvel blockbuster, featuring some thrilling action sequences, and an intriguing villain in the shape of Taskmaster, who has the ability to copy the fighting styles of any adversary he encounters.
23. Thor: Love and Thunder
Viewing Taika Waititi’s second Thor film, “Thor: Love and Thunder,” is somewhat akin to witnessing a magician performing the same trick twice in quick succession. The initial performance left you spellbound. However, the second time around, while it remains impressive, the element of surprise is significantly diminished. Christian Bale delivers an unsettling portrayal of Gorr the God-Butcher, yet his intense and highly emotional villain persona seems somewhat at odds with Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and his continuous wisecracking. Essentially, “Thor: Love and Thunder” retains all the essential elements of Waititi’s “Thor: Ragnarok,” but they don’t blend together quite as smoothly this time around.
22. Deadpool & Wolverine
In this film, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s camaraderie is exactly what you’d expect – it’s spectacular, even surprising at times. The plot, however, pushes the limits of how much information a movie can handle without becoming confusing. It seems like each character has multiple tragic backstories, which might be a bit too much. If you manage to ignore whatever’s happening on screen for a moment, you’ll likely have an enjoyable experience. Jackman and Reynolds deliver the team-up of Deadpool and Wolverine that fans crave, albeit with a reluctance that adds to the charm. It’s just too bad that the writers (including Reynolds himself) didn’t quite meet all expectations in terms of storytelling.
21. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
An alternate take on the movie “Iron Man 2”: Less enjoyable than you might recall, yet still worth a watch. The advertising emphasized the conspiracy thriller aspect too much, but Anthony Mackie’s Falcon significantly boosted the franchise, and Chris Evans maintained his strong and reliable portrayal of Captain America. However, it’s hard to swallow that Nick Fury, the world’s most accomplished spy, was clueless about SHIELD’s widespread corruption, except for himself and a couple of friends. Come on, Nick, wake up! (For further reading, click here.)
20. Avengers: Infinity War
This movie certainly delivers on grandeur and ambition (and its finale is truly remarkable), but there’s a sense that something essential is lacking. If you’re primarily seeking high-octane action with some witty dialogue, then it might just hit the spot. However, if you value character development, camaraderie, and quieter, more intimate moments amidst the battles, this film may not quite meet your expectations. (For further discussion, check out the link.)
19. Iron Man 3
A film that’s quite enjoyable, yet somewhat diminished by the Marvel Cinematic Universe context. The movie effectively leads up to Tony Stark deciding to leave his Iron Man life behind and ride off into the sunset. However, this was followed by an additional five or so movies. Despite Guy Pearce’s underwhelming portrayal of Killian, Robert Downey Jr.’s exchanges with a clever child are top-notch. (For further reading, click here.)
This movie is good but not as great due to the Marvel Universe context. It ends with Tony Stark choosing to quit as Iron Man and ride off, but there were more movies after that. Guy Pearce wasn’t impressive, but Robert Downey Jr.’s scenes with a smart kid were excellent. (For more details, check out this article.)
18. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Initially, it’s worth mentioning that the climax, featuring dragons and monsters clashing amidst a thick gray fog, is quite disappointing due to its poor CGI. However, prior to this, Shang-Chi might just be Marvel’s top action movie, boasting numerous intense and intricate fight sequences. The one on the San Francisco bus, for instance, is highly enjoyable. Simu Liu heads a profoundly nuanced Marvel cast, with Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh delivering impactful supporting roles. Ben Kingsley and Awkwafina provide consistent comic relief throughout the film. Interestingly, Kingsley’s portrayal of the former Mandarin Trevor Slattery, who wasn’t particularly popular as a Marvel villain initially, has been transformed into a delightfully charming character by Marvel.
17. Thor
In an unexpected twist, this epic cosmic tale, largely unfolding in the tiniest town of New Mexico, is none other than “Thor”. Despite its flaws, it marked a significant milestone for Marvel Cinematic Universe as outstanding acting and character portrayals managed to surmount structural and scripting challenges, a pattern that later became characteristic of Marvel productions. (Continue reading
16. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
As a passionate movie enthusiast, I must admit that Ryan Coogler had an enormous task on his hands with “Wakanda Forever”. Not only did he need to create a sequel that matched the brilliance of the original “Black Panther”, but he also had to do it without the captivating presence of Chadwick Boseman, who tragically passed away during the summer of 2020, just as production was about to commence. What Coogler and the cast have achieved shines brightest when they channel their grief over Boseman into the narrative of a grieving Wakanda. Unfortunately, the rest of the film is somewhat chaotic; a blend of intriguing concepts, an excess of characters, and a villain, King Namor, whose motives become slightly blurred.
15. Captain America: Civil War
In this narrative, the plot seems flimsy even for a moment’s consideration, and it appears the entire film is constructed to culminate in an epic showdown between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers at the airport. However, let me emphasize: The climactic battle at the airport is absolutely thrilling! (Continue reading here.)
14. Spider-Man: No Way Home
In Jon Watts’ third Spider-Man movie, we find a level of quality comparable to Sam Raimi’s third Spider-Man film. Both share a common trait: they’re packed with numerous villains. On the bright side, this production does an exceptional job of portraying Peter Parker as a character who may falter but never gives up on making things right in the future. Moreover, it introduces the concept of the multiverse to Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films on a grand scale, thereby marking an essential milestone in the storyline’s progression.
13. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Following a 15-year absence, director Sam Raimi re-entered the Marvel universe with this thrilling, unconventional tale centered around a struggle for the survival of multiple realities. Similar to his previous Spider-Man films, Raimi creatively incorporated his unique style and motifs – such as slapstick humor, deranged zombies, and sudden jumps – into the conventional Marvel storyline. (For additional details, continue here.)
12. Avengers: Age of Ultron
Despite the criticism, I’m still puzzled by the intense dislike for this film. While it may not have lived up to the first Avengers in terms of quality, and the storyline involving Wanda and Pietro was certainly confusing, the final scene showcasing the Avengers uniting to save every soul in Sokovia epitomizes the essence of Marvel cinema at its finest. (Continue reading
11. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2
10. Thor: Ragnarok
9. Spider-Man: Far From Home
The second instalment in Marvel’s Spiderman series, starring Tom Holland as the sensational web-slinger, comes very close to its predecessor. It offers an enticing blend of romance, action, humor, and emotion. Although no one utters “with great power comes great responsibility”, the movie Far From Home beautifully explores this concept as much as any other Spiderman film. In it, Peter Parker grapples with his feelings for MJ (played by the witty Zendaya) while also being tasked by Nick Fury (portrayed by a somewhat irritated Samuel L. Jackson) to thwart a group of destructive elemental creatures.
In this rephrased version, I’ve attempted to maintain the original tone and structure while using more natural language that is easier for readers to comprehend.
8. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
James Gunn skillfully concludes his Guardians trilogy with a movie that blends the perfect Marvel cocktail: Thrilling action, quirky science-fiction visuals, and characters who evoke deep emotions that we grow deeply invested in. By the end of Volume 3, Rocket Raccoon transforms from a minor player in the Marvel universe to one of its most intriguing and heartrending heroes. Following a series of average films, Gunn makes it seem effortless – too bad he’s moving on to oversee DC projects instead.
7. Avengers: Endgame
A significant leap forward from “Infinity War” and arguably the second-best Avengers film, featuring massive action sequences, numerous humorous moments, and what could be a record number of Easter eggs across all cinematic universes. (Read more
6. Spider-Man: Homecoming
Among the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s films that I can’t resist rewatching, there’s one packed with captivating characters, thrilling Spider-Man sequences, and an unexpected street vendor requesting a flip from our friendly neighborhood hero. Frankly, it’s hard not to be enthralled! (For more details, check out the article here.)
5. Guardians of the Galaxy
Reaching halfway through the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the original Guardians movie played a pivotal role in establishing Marvel’s versatility and solidifying their ability to draw crowds to lesser-known properties. The Guardians, previously insignificant characters, were transformed into unexpected blockbuster hits under James Gunn’s direction. It is indisputable that Rocket is the superior Guardian – a fact that requires no debate or argument. (Continue reading
4. Captain America: The First Avenger
In my humble opinion, while the narrative structure of this film could’ve been tighter (it felt like an entire war was compressed into a swift montage), Chris Evans’ portrayal of Captain America remains unparalleled in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This movie took a character that was often criticized for being bland or outdated, and transformed him into a captivating, charismatic, multidimensional figure embodying the essence of timeless human values. When you’re seeking inspiration, this MCU film is the one to watch. (Read more here.)
3. Black Panther
Instead of trying hard to forge deep connections with the larger cosmos like many Marvel films do, Black Panther demonstrates the merit of a more self-contained narrative. The final scene of the movie, where Black Panther decides to reveal Wakanda to the world and its characters to future appearances, is intended as a joyful resolution. However, if this decision leads to a sequel that becomes more scattered with numerous guest appearances, it might not be as satisfying. (Additional insight can be found here.)
2. The Avengers
Despite the epic events of “Infinity War”, the original “Avengers” movie remains a breathtaking marvel, striking an impeccable balance among its characters, delivering a flawless script, and featuring the Battle of New York as one of the most memorable action sequences of this century. (Read more here.)
1. Iron Man
The original remains unmatched in quality, as we look back. What made this film stand out was its freedom from obligations to a broader universe, which allowed for a superior cinematic experience. The scenes featuring Robert Downey Jr.’s character, Tony Stark, testing his suit and subsequently flying for the first time, more effectively conveyed the exhilaration of superpowers than any movie, Marvel or otherwise, has managed since. (Read more here.)
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2025-03-28 17:26