Top 10 Epic Hero vs. Hero Battles to Expect in Avengers: Doomsday

Avengers: Doomsday will feature a litany of superheroes when it releases in December 2026, and will therefore be primed to deliver on some spectacular MCU hero vs. hero fights. I say this because the Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement confirmed 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 for Avengers: 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 that Captain America: Civil War can attest to, although other MCU installments are littered with 1v1 fights, like Hulk vs. Iron Man in Avengers: Age of Ultron.

With the sheer wealth of heroes that have already been announced for Avengers: 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.

10

Thor Vs. Sentry/The Void

Sentry’s introduction in Thunderbolts* 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 is only one superhero in the Avengers: Doomsday lineup that stands a chance against him: Thor. Thor is arguably at his most 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.

9

Black 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 in Avengers: Infinity War. Both characters are also used to making tough decisions, like fighting heroes on other worlds.

Seeing two of the MCU’s most intelligent superheroes go toe-to-toe would make for some mind-bending sequences unlike 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.

8

Captain America Vs. Bucky Barnes

Although it is more likely that superheroes will fight one another for the survival of their universe, the Thunderbolts* post-credits scene teased 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 of the closest friends in the MCU, a relationship that developed in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and was revisited in Captain America: Brave New World. Seeing the two go toe-to-toe would constitute an emotional gut-punch that would substantially raise the stakes of Avengers: Doomsday.

7

Ghost Vs. Nightcrawler

Ghost didn’t get much of an opportunity to shine in Thunderbolts* despite arguably boasting the most extraordinary power in the team. While Nightcrawler was the star of one of the best opening sequences in superhero movies, it was the only film he appeared in. Having them face off in Avengers: Doomsday could give each the spotlight they 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.

6

Cyclops 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.

5

Ant-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 the Avengers: Doomsday cast, 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 in Avengers: 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 Galactus in The Fantastic Four: First Steps​​​​​.

4

Yelena 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 bodies alongside her loyal patron, Magneto.

Should these two fight in Avengers: 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.

3

Beast Vs. Red Guardian

Kelsey Grammer’s Hank McCoy has already appeared in the MCU in the post-credits scene in The Marvels. It is possible that he would be the one to discover the nature of incursions and 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, but the 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.

2

The 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 that fans are anticipating an interaction between Namor and Sue Storm. Although most 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.

1

Gambit Vs. Shang-Chi

Both Gambit and Shang-Chi are MCU newcomers who have become immediate fan-favorites. Neither has been officially inducted into any of the teams in Avengers: Doomsday yet, although it’s likely that Gambit will join the X-Men and Shang-Chi will join the Avengers.

Both have proved to be incredible 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 an Avengers: Doomsday fight scene look remarkable.