Chris Evans Returns in the First ‘Avengers Doomsday’ Trailer

Okay, so Avengers: Doomsday is basically a huge MCU reunion! It’s crazy because it features a bunch of actors and the director who all said they were finished with Marvel after Endgame back in 2019. They really seemed done, but here they are, back for more!

It’s quite a turnaround. Marvel first convinced the directors of Endgame (and several other popular Avengers and Captain America films – Joe and Anthony Russo) to helm the Doomsday project after it underwent changes following the dismissal of Jonathan Majors. Apparently, the planned Kang storyline didn’t pan out. Then, they managed to bring Robert Downey Jr. back to play Doctor Doom, despite his Iron Man character’s sacrifice in Endgame.

The first trailer for the upcoming movie Doomsday confirms that Chris Evans, who previously retired his Captain America role after Endgame, will be in the film. You can now watch the trailer—which premiered before screenings of Avatar: Fire and Ash—in a clear version below.

It’s pretty obvious that Avengers: Doomsday has become a heartwarming story about Steve Rogers adjusting to life as a new dad, caring for his adorable baby. Honestly, it sounds really good! (Did anyone else notice the wedding ring on his finger in the video preview?)

The movie will star Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie (who now plays Captain America after Steve Rogers’ retirement), Paul Rudd, Simu Liu, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Channing Tatum, and Tom Hiddleston. It will also include the actors from the upcoming Thunderbolts and The Fantastic Four: First Steps films, along with many others. Just looking at how many actors are involved, it seems likely this movie will be incredibly long – probably around fourteen hours!

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to open in theaters on December 18, 2026.

The Most Underrated Movies of 2025

Ballerina

It’s a bit ironic that a movie called Ballerina doesn’t actually feature much ballet. But with as many intense flamethrower battles as this film has, graceful dancing feels almost beside the point. Despite rumors of extensive reshoots – and a plot that occasionally feels patched together – this John Wick spin-off delivers incredible action, including what might be the most literal shootout ever filmed. And the quirky European ski village setting for the final act is a fun nod to the cult classic Gymkata.

Caught Stealing

Darren Aronofsky’s Caught Stealing was a surprisingly enjoyable film. Released late in August – usually reserved for bad movies – it’s a fun and gritty thriller with a great feel for old New York City. The story, which feels similar to After Hours even before Griffin Dunne appears, is full of unexpected twists. What stood out most was the nostalgia – seeing Shea Stadium, the old Kim’s Video, or simply remembering a time when Hollywood made smaller, more adult dramas like this one.

Good Fortune

It’s surprising that the recent comedy Good Fortune, starring Seth Rogen, Keanu Reeves, and Keke Palmer – and directed by and featuring Aziz Ansari – only made $16 million at the US box office. While movie theaters are struggling overall, comedies are particularly hard hit, even enjoyable ones like this. In fact, many consider this to be one of Keanu Reeves’ best performances.

The film centers around Ansari and Rogen, who switch lives after a mix-up caused by Reeves’ character – a somewhat clumsy but well-meaning guardian angel. Reeves excels in roles with a supernatural element, as if he truly is on another level. It’s delightful to watch him experience simple pleasures, like tasting a cheeseburger and feeling the sensation of eating for the first time – truly a heavenly scene.

Highest 2 Lowest

If I had to choose the best supporting performance of 2025, it would be A$AP Rocky in Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest. The film doesn’t rank among Lee’s greatest, and it starts slowly, focusing on Denzel Washington’s successful character. However, the movie truly comes alive when A$AP Rocky appears as a mysterious figure who inadvertently kidnaps the driver’s son, disrupting everything. The scenes between these two actors are fantastic, and their confrontation in a recording studio is one of the most captivating moments in any film this year. It’s surprising that A$AP Rocky hasn’t received more awards attention – so far, he only received a nomination for a Breakthrough Performer Gotham Award, which he didn’t win. Perhaps people haven’t had a chance to see Highest 2 Lowest yet. If you haven’t, I highly recommend watching that recording studio scene – it perfectly showcases his talent.

Mickey 17

Robert Pattinson’s character in Mickey 17, much like his Batman, is a man of many versions. He’s part of a program where people are sent on dangerous missions vital for establishing space colonies. When he dies – and he dies often – a new body is created for him. He’s currently on his 17th life when a mistake happens, resulting in an 18th version of himself running around. While Mickey 17 isn’t as consistently strong as Bong Joon-ho’s acclaimed Parasite – which may explain the mixed reviews and moderate box office performance – its unevenness might actually fit the story. With 18 similar characters, each with slight personality differences, it makes sense that the film itself would have some shifts in mood and tone.

The Naked Gun

While critics generally liked The Naked Gun and it performed decently in cinemas, its box office results weren’t spectacular considering the high expectations. Despite being touted as the return of big-screen comedy and seen as a test for the future of the genre in theaters, the film only earned around $50 million domestically and another $50 million internationally. That’s not a huge success, particularly for a movie as consistently funny as this one—an 85-minute barrage of visual gags, silly wordplay, and clever humor. It’s arguably one of the best updates to a classic franchise we’ve seen in recent years, blending pop culture references with timeless comedic elements.

Nouvelle Vague

Critics loved both of director Richard Linklater’s 2025 films, giving them the same 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, while Blue Moon had a traditional theatrical release and generated Oscar buzz for its stars Ethan Hawke and Andrew Scott, Nouvelle Vague premiered on Netflix and seems to have quickly disappeared into the platform’s vast library.

This is unfortunate, as both films are excellent and complement each other beautifully, telling mirrored stories about artists. Blue Moon depicts a great artist in decline, while Nouvelle Vague focuses on a genius finding his voice. One might expect a film about the groundbreaking Breathless to have an equally innovative making-of documentary, but Nouvelle Vague is surprisingly conventional – even more so than Blue Moon, which portrays lyricist Lorenz Hart’s life through a difficult night before his death.

Still, a stylish, black-and-white French-language film released on Netflix that could inspire a new generation to explore cinema history feels like a worthwhile endeavor. Though, if you’re inspired to watch the original Breathless, you’ll need a separate HBO Max subscription.

One of Them Days

The comedy The Naked Gun earned around $100 million worldwide, with similar success for One of Them Days which made $50 million domestically and $1.8 million internationally. The new film follows Keke Palmer and SZA as roommates facing eviction after SZA’s boyfriend spends their rent money. They’re forced to quickly find a way to replace it. The fast-paced plot creates tension and keeps the story moving, and the clever writing by Syreeta Singleton is full of funny lines. With a bit of luck, this could be the start of a series of buddy comedies starring Palmer and SZA – they have fantastic chemistry together.

Tron: Ares

Jared Leto is a fitting choice to play a self-aware app trying to figure out people, given his unique persona. While he stars in the new Tron, the film’s real strengths are its stunning visuals and incredible soundtrack by Nine Inch Nails. The music gives even the most outlandish plot points – which involve a digital world called “The Grid” merging with reality through 3D printers, believe it or not – a sense of epic scale. This isn’t high art, but if you’re looking for thrilling lightcycles, cool digital ships, and a stylish warrior played by Jodie Turner-Smith, all set to a Nine Inch Nails beat, then Tron delivers.

You’re Cordially Invited

I was genuinely shocked by the negative reaction to “You’re Cordially Invited.” It’s a funny and charming romantic comedy directed by the creator of “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” starring Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell – a pairing we hadn’t seen before. The movie has a fun story – two weddings accidentally double-booked at the same small location – and some really well-done comedic scenes with great chemistry between the leads. Yet, it received poor reviews and, according to Rotten Tomatoes (where it only scored 33%), audiences didn’t like it much – even less than “Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey!” This year, there were a few times I felt disconnected from what people were enjoying, but the response to this film was the most baffling. I just don’t understand it.

2025-12-23 17:57