Yesterday’s Avengers: Doomsday Livestream Unveils Star-Studded Cast — With Some Unexpected Gaps

Marvel Studios once again commanded attention in the entertainment sphere with a highly awaited — and painfully slow — livestream event to disclose the cast of its forthcoming blockbuster, Avengers: Doomsday. The five-and-a-half-hour livestream, which streamed on Marvel’s official YouTube channel, gradually revealed the film’s ensemble cast by displaying names on the backs of seats, one by one. While the revelation stirred considerable online excitement, it also prompted fans to scratch their heads due to some conspicuous omissions from the confirmed roster.

A Gradual Revelation

The livestream, which many fans labeled “the longest casting announcement in cinematic history,” was both a tribute to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and a true test of endurance. Viewers tuned in for hours as names were leisurely disclosed, confirming the return of several cherished characters and the debut of new ones. The major surprise? Robert Downey Jr., the original Iron Man, is back — but not as Tony Stark. Instead, he’s been cast as the film’s main antagonist: Doctor Doom.

This development had been hinted at since New York Comic Con 2024, yet its confirmation still sent ripples through the fandom. Downey Jr.’s return, even in a villainous capacity, marks a significant shift for the MCU and sets the atmosphere for what is anticipated to be one of the darkest Avengers films to date.

Confirmed Cast: A Blend of Familiar and New Faces

The confirmed cast of Avengers: Doomsday showcases a diverse mix of Marvel heroes and anti-heroes from across the MCU and beyond. Here’s the comprehensive list of characters and actors officially revealed:

– Chris Hemsworth – Thor
– Vanessa Kirby – Sue Storm
– Anthony Mackie – Sam Wilson / Captain America
– Sebastian Stan – Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier
– Letitia Wright – Shuri / Black Panther
– Paul Rudd – Scott Lang / Ant-Man
– Wyatt Russell – John Walker / U.S. Agent
– Tenoch Huerta Mejía – Namor
– Ebon Moss-Bachrach – Richard “The Spot”
– Simu Liu – Shang-Chi
– Florence Pugh – Yelena Belova
– Kelsey Grammer – Dr. Hank McCoy / Beast
– Lewis Pullman – Bob Reynolds / Sentry
– Danny Ramirez – Joaquín Torres / New Falcon
– Joseph Quinn – Johnny Storm / Human Torch
– David Harbour – Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian
– Winston Duke – M’Baku
– Hannah John-Kamen – Ava Starr / Ghost
– Tom Hiddleston – Loki
– Patrick Stewart – Professor Charles Xavier
– Ian McKellen – Magneto
– Alan Cumming – Kurt Wagner / Nightcrawler
– Rebecca Romijn – Mystique
– James Marsden – Cyclops
– Channing Tatum – Gambit
– Pedro Pascal – Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic
– Robert Downey Jr. – Doctor Doom

This assembly brings together characters from the Avengers, X-Men, Fantastic Four, and more, signaling that Avengers: Doomsday will be a multiversal crossover event of monumental scale.

Notable Gaps: Where Are the Other Avengers?

Despite the impressive lineup, several important MCU characters were conspicuously absent from the announcement. Most notably, Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine — both slated to appear in Deadpool & Wolverine — were not included, despite fan theories suggesting they would be part of Doomsday.

Tom Holland’s Spider-Man was also not featured in the list. Given the character’s pivotal role in the MCU and the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, his absence raises questions about Marvel’s direction with the web-slinger. Likewise, Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire, who returned to their roles in No Way Home, were not referenced.

Other excluded Avengers include:

– Chris Evans (Steve Rogers / Captain America)
– Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner / Hulk)
– Brie Larson (Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel)
– Don Cheadle (James Rhodes / War Machine)
– Paul Bettany (Vision)
– Evangeline Lilly (Hope van Dyne / The Wasp)
– Tessa Thompson (Valkyrie)
– Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange)
– Elizabeth Olsen (Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch)

Moreover, the entire cast of The Eternals and characters from Disney+ and Netflix Marvel series — including Daredevil, Moon Knight, and Ms. Marvel — were omitted from the announcement.

Implications for the MCU

The absence of these characters does not necessarily indicate they won’t feature in the film. Marvel is renowned for its secrecy and unexpected cameos, and it’s entirely feasible that more casting announcements will come closer to the film’s release.

# Nintendo Unveils Unexpected Nintendo Direct for Tomorrow

Nintendo has caught fans off guard once more by revealing a fresh **Nintendo Direct** that is scheduled for tomorrow. The announcement was made through Nintendo’s official social media platforms earlier today, igniting a flurry of speculation and enthusiasm within the gaming community.

## Two Nintendo Directs This Week

This revelation comes just days after Nintendo confirmed a separate **Nintendo Direct presentation on April 2**, which is anticipated to center around the much-awaited **Nintendo Switch 2**. However, tomorrow’s Direct is entirely independent from that, focusing exclusively on **upcoming titles for the current Nintendo Switch**.

Nintendo has made it clear that **no information concerning the Nintendo Switch 2** will be revealed during tomorrow’s event, indicating that fans should look forward to updates on software rather than hardware.

## What Could Be Revealed?

With no concrete details available about what will be showcased, fans have taken to social media to theorize potential game announcements. Some of the most eagerly awaited titles include:

### **Metroid Prime 4: Beyond**
Initially unveiled in **June 2024**, *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond* has been largely absent from Nintendo’s updates since its announcement. Many fans are optimistic that tomorrow’s Direct will finally unveil new gameplay clips, a release date, or further insights into the much-anticipated sequel.

### **Metroid Prime 2 & 3 Remasters**
Building on the success of *Metroid Prime Remastered*, speculation about **Metroid Prime 2: Echoes** and **Metroid Prime 3: Corruption** making their way to the Nintendo Switch is on the rise. Considering Nintendo’s track record of remastering and porting classic titles, this scenario seems quite plausible.

### **The Legend of Zelda Ports**
Fans have been persistently requesting **The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD** and **The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD** to be brought to the Nintendo Switch. Both titles were previously available on the Wii U, and in light of Nintendo’s trend of reintroducing older games to the Switch, many are convinced this could be the chance for these cherished Zelda titles to return.

### **Mario Super Sluggers Comeback?**
An intriguing theory emerged from a fan comment on Nintendo’s announcement post, proposing that a **Mario baseball game** might be unveiled to align with the beginning of the **MLB season**. Considering Nintendo’s legacy of sports-themed Mario titles, reviving *Mario Super Sluggers* or introducing a new Mario baseball game seems entirely possible.

### **Additional Ports and Remasters**
Nintendo has been diligently reintroducing older titles to the Switch, as evidenced by the recent launches of **Donkey Kong Country Returns HD** and **Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition**. This momentum could persist with further ports from the Wii and Wii U era.

## When and Where to Tune In

Nintendo enthusiasts won’t have to wait long to discover what’s in store. The **Nintendo Direct is set to air tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. EST** on Nintendo’s official **[YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/live/9OqoRxXUjGA)**.

While this Direct will center on **Nintendo Switch software**, the **April 2 Direct will redirect focus to the Nintendo Switch 2**, creating an exhilarating period for Nintendo fans.

Stay tuned for additional updates as we near the presentation!

# The Gaming Sector in 2025: Forecasts and Developments

The gaming sector stands as one of the largest and most evolving industries globally, encompassing mobile gaming, console and PC experiences, and emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and the metaverse. While 2024 posed challenges for many developers and publishers, 2025 is anticipated to usher in further transformations and advancements. From the ongoing supremacy of mobile gaming to the emergence of indie developers and the highly awaited launch of *GTA 6*, here are the essential trends influencing the gaming arena in 2025.

## 1. Mobile Gaming Will Maintain Its Dominance

Although numerous gamers still link gaming to consoles and PCs, mobile gaming has already taken the forefront in terms of revenue and player involvement. With innovations in mobile technology and quicker internet connections, this trend is expected to persist in 2025.

Major franchises are branching into mobile gaming, with AAA titles like *PUBG Mobile* and *Call of Duty: Mobile* demonstrating that top-notch gaming experiences can flourish on smartphones. Moreover, mobile casinos like [Samba Slots](https://sambaslots.io) are presenting increasingly advanced gaming experiences, including live dealer options and immediate withdrawals. As mobile technology advances and cloud gaming becomes more widely available, mobile gaming will continue to be a powerful player in the industry.

## 2. Remakes And Reboots Will Persist

The trend of reimagining and rebooting classic games is set to continue into 2025. Developers are tapping into nostalgia while employing modern technology to enhance gameplay, graphics, and mechanics.

Series like *Final Fantasy* and *Resident Evil* have successfully rejuvenated older titles, attracting both veteran fans and new audiences. Nonetheless, some remakes, such as the speculated *Days Gone* remake, have sparked discussion about whether certain games warrant remastering so soon after their original launch. Regardless, remakes and reboots will stay central to the strategy for game publishers aiming to maximize their existing intellectual properties.

## 3. AAA Titles And Live Service Games Will Keep Facing Challenges

The year 2024 was difficult for AAA developers, with several notable misfires such as *Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League*, *Alone in the Dark*, and *Skull and Bones*. Even critically acclaimed games like *Dragon Age: Veilguard* encountered obstacles, with EA CEO Andrew Wilson controversially proposing that the game might have performed better as a live service offering.

Moreover, live service games are falling out of favor with gamers, who are growing weary of microtransactions, season passes, and incomplete launches. The setback of *Concord* serves as a cautionary tale for developers, signaling that players desire complete, high-quality experiences rather than monetization-focused models.

## 4. Indie Games Will Flourish

As AAA studios grapple with inflated budgets and live service fatigue, indie developers are ready to thrive in 2025. Indie games commonly emphasize creativity and distinctive gameplay mechanics over flashy graphics and extensive marketing efforts.

While indie developers encounter hurdles in gaining visibility, social media and word-of-mouth can propel a game to success. Viral successes like *Hollow Knight*, *Hades*, and *Dave the Diver* have illustrated that indie games can rival major studios. Anticipate seeing more groundbreaking indie titles making an impact in 2025.

## 5. VR And AR Will Keep Advancing

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have often been positioned as the future of gaming, but adoption has been sluggish due to high expenses and hardware restrictions. However, recent advancements in VR headsets, such as the Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro, have sparked renewed excitement around immersive gaming experiences.

With VR technology becoming increasingly affordable and accessible, more developers are likely to invest in VR and AR gaming. While mainstream adoption may still be a few years off, 2025 will probably feature ongoing enhancements in hardware and software, rendering these technologies more enticing to gamers.

## 6. AI Will Transform Gameplay

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing, and its influence on gaming is becoming more evident. While generative AI has found applications in game development, it has also attracted criticism from creative professionals and gamers alike.

Nonetheless, AI-driven gameplay innovations could revolutionize the industry. AI-powered NPCs that adjust to player behavior, dynamic difficulty scaling, and procedurally generated content are just a few examples of how AI could enrich gaming experiences. In 2025, we can anticipate seeing more AI-driven functionalities integrated into both indie and AAA games.

## 7. The Growth of Cloud Gaming Will Persist

Cloud gaming has faced performance hurdles due to internet constraints, but the advent of 5G and fiber-optic broadband is enhancing accessibility. Platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce Now, and PlayStation Plus Cloud Streaming are making it simpler for players to enjoy high-quality games without the need for costly hardware.

As internet infrastructure