Alan Cumming Admits He Does Not Understand 'Avengers: Doomsday' Plot

Key points

• Alan Cumming told SiriusXM that he does not fully understand the plot of 'Avengers: Doomsday.'
• Marvel Studios did not allow Cumming to read the full screenplay for the film.
• Cumming described his role as primarily running around, with minimal context provided during filming.
• The actor only interacted with Florence Pugh's stunt double, not the actress herself, during production.
• Cumming noted that makeup advancements reduced his Nightcrawler transformation time from 4.5 hours to 90 minutes.
• The film is scheduled for a December 18, 2026, theatrical release.

Background

This development follows the recent success of the 'Avengers: Endgame: Encore' re-release, which grossed $86 million globally and included new footage teasing 'Doomsday.' Director Joe Russo previously stated that 'Endgame' is essential viewing to understand the new film. The 'Doomsday' trailer, released in August 2026, highlighted a massive crossover involving Doctor Doom, the Avengers, and X-Men characters.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and The Daily Beast both report on Cumming's confusion regarding the plot, but Variety provides specific details from his SiriusXM interview, including his interaction with a stunt double and the reduced makeup time. The Daily Beast emphasizes the commercial success of the film, noting that advance ticket sales exceeded $50 million three months before release, contrasting the actor's confusion with the film's high anticipation. Both outlets agree that Cumming's lack of plot knowledge is due to Marvel's restrictions on screenplay access.

Why it matters

The statement highlights the scale and complexity of the MCU's 'Doomsday' event, which involves multiple franchises and a large ensemble cast. It also underscores the logistical challenges of filming such a massive production, where actors may not have full context for their roles. The strong advance ticket sales suggest that audiences are eager to see the film despite the behind-the-scenes confusion.

What to watch

The film is set to release in theaters on December 18, 2026. Cumming's comments may generate additional interest and discussion among fans, particularly regarding the film's plot and the involvement of multiple X-Men and Avengers characters. The success of the 'Endgame: Encore' re-release suggests that audiences are engaged with the MCU's continuity and eager for new content.