Marvel Rivals has quickly become a shining gem for the Marvel franchise, capturing the hearts of fans thanks to its impressive lineup of heroes. When it hit the gaming scene last December, players were already spoiled with 33 iconic Marvel characters, with promises of more to come as future updates capitalize on the vast comic book universe teeming with superheroes and villains.
This hero shooter not only entertains but also serves as a clever platform to generate buzz for upcoming Marvel blockbusters. It made a splash by introducing The Fantastic Four characters ahead of the buzz for the forthcoming film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Now, with the recent unveiling of the all-star cast for Avengers: Doomsday, releasing in May 2026, Marvel Rivals stands poised to keep fans hyped as we edge closer to the film’s premiere.
In an exciting announcement on March 26, Marvel Studios took fans on a thrilling five-hour journey, revealing the Avengers: Doomsday cast in a unique and tantalizing manner—unveiling each name on a studio chair every 15 minutes. This event stirred emotions as many fans eagerly—and sometimes impatiently—awaited each revelation. Leading the charge is Robert Downey Jr., reprising his role as Doctor Doom, joined by a stellar ensemble including Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Ant-Man (Paul Rudd), the newly minted Captain America (Anthony Mackie), and many more from the Marvel universe such as Yelena Belova, Cyclops, Professor X, and Magneto, to name a few. With such a robust lineup, fans are on the edge of their seats in anticipation for further cast announcements.
Taking a closer look, one can’t help but notice the absence of some names from Marvel Rivals’ current character selection. However, with ample time until Avengers: Doomsday graces the silver screen, there’s a golden opportunity for the game to unveil new heroes inspired by the growing roster. Moreover, introducing fresh skins for existing characters—similar to the fan-favorite Deadpool and Wolverine looks—presents an exciting chance not only to enhance the game’s offerings but also to keep the cinematic magic alive among fans as the film draws near.
But the potential doesn’t end there. Marvel’s upcoming slate is brimming with movies and shows, offering Marvel Rivals an extensive canvas for inspiration. Additionally, characters yet to debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe could be pulled from the comics, bringing beloved figures into the gaming world as unique playable heroes.
Despite being a relatively fresh contender in the gaming world, Marvel Rivals still has room to grow, particularly in terms of character balance and refining gameplay based on player feedback. Nevertheless, the prospect of introducing new characters that reflect the dynamic action of MCU films is thrilling. It provides NetEase Games with a precious opportunity: drawing insights from moviegoers’ preferences to craft even more engaging gameplay. Marvel Rivals, with its innovative embrace of oncoming MCU phases, just might be the key to draw in new players while amplifying the excitement for Marvel’s cinematic future.