‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Dune 3’s Opening Day Is Now Dunesday

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It often feels like there’s a long wait between big movie releases these days. However, the two biggest films expected in 2026 – Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three – are both scheduled to come out on the same day this year: December 18th.

Movie theaters are expected to be very busy, likely as crowded as they were on July 21, 2023 – the day both Oppenheimer and Barbie were released. Fans playfully combined the titles, calling the event “Barbenheimer,” and the excitement surrounding both films helped them become huge successes.

Robert Downey Jr., known for his role in Marvel films, appeared in Oppenheimer, so he was likely familiar with the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon. This could be why he and Timothée Chalamet, star of Dune, playfully suggested “Dunesday” as a nickname for December 18th, mirroring the popular portmanteau.

You can watch the stars offer the suggestion at a Marty Supreme screening in the video below:

I gotta say … it’s a pretty catchy name.

Avengers film Doomsday marks the first installment since 2019, and also Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe after that time. Meanwhile, Dune: Part Three is Denis Villeneuve’s take on the second Dune novel, Dune Messiah, and is expected to be the final film in his planned trilogy based on the science fiction series.

Both films are expected to be very successful. However, while Oppenheimer and Barbie likely attracted different kinds of viewers, Dune: Part Three and Avengers: Doomsday will probably appeal to the same dedicated fanbase – those who are deeply passionate about science fiction, fantasy, and comic book universes.

Will the current buzz help both movies succeed? We’ll find out soon. The fact that the lead actors are now promoting both films together with a shared nickname indicates that Marvel and Warner Bros. aren’t planning to change either film’s release date.

Both Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three are scheduled to be released in theaters on December 18th. Releasing Dune on a ‘Dunesday’? Seriously?

The Best Performances in Marvel Movies

15. Jeff Goldblum, Thor: Ragnarok

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has plenty of characters who aren’t human. While it’s debatable whether someone like Thor counts as an alien, Jeff Goldblum’s Grandmaster from Thor: Ragnarok truly feels like an otherworldly being. He’s wonderfully strange, with his unusual weapons, space DJ setup, and quirky pronunciation of “Asgard,” always followed by a self-amused chuckle. His line about time on Sakaar – “Time works real different around these parts. On any other world I’d be like millions of the years old, but here…” – is brilliantly delivered.

14. Iman Vellani, The Marvels

The main reason The Marvels doesn’t rank among the very worst Marvel movies is Iman Vellani, who shines as Ms. Marvel. Her character gets unexpectedly linked with Captain Marvel and embarks on a space adventure with her and Monica Rambeau (who really needs a superhero name!). While the core idea is promising, the movie feels overly frantic and relies too much on a gimmick where the heroes are constantly switching places because of their powers. Vellani genuinely seems to be enjoying herself, and in such a chaotic film, that energy is a standout performance.

13. Stanley Tucci, Captain America: The First Avenger

As a huge Marvel fan, I always think about the cast of Captain America: The First Avenger – it’s seriously stacked with talent, from Chris Evans as Steve Rogers to names like Tommy Lee Jones and Hugo Weaving. But honestly, my favorite performance in that film comes from Stanley Tucci. He doesn’t have a huge role as Dr. Erskine, the scientist who creates Captain America, but it’s so important. Most of the scientists we see in Marvel movies are a little unhinged, but Erskine feels different. He’s really the heart of the movie, and maybe even the whole MCU. There’s this one speech he gives about the difference between being a good person and having power, and it’s just a beautifully quiet, powerful moment – one of the best in all the Marvel films, in my opinion.

12. Michael Peña, Ant-Man

The most memorable scenes in the first two Ant-Man films aren’t about Ant-Man’s shrinking ability—they’re the extended, comedic stories told by Michael Peña’s character, Luis. These elaborate tales are delivered at a rapid pace, with other characters hilariously lip-syncing his every word, and are consistently funny. Peña’s entire performance is charming and unforgettable, which is why his absence was so noticeable in Quantumania.

11. Sam Rockwell, Iron Man 2

It’s been a while since we’ve seen Sam Rockwell’s character, Justin Hammer, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe – the last time was in a short film back in 2014. That’s a shame, because he was always one of the most fun villains from the early days of the MCU, thanks to Rockwell’s unique and entertaining performance. He had all the classic villain traits: a terrible spray tan and surprisingly silly dance moves! Let’s see Justin Hammer return!

10. Andrew Garfield, Spider-Man: No Way Home

Honestly, even with Marvel playing it coy, I wasn’t shocked to see Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield swing into Spider-Man: No Way Home. What did get me was just how much they were in the film! Andrew Garfield, especially, seemed determined to give his Peter Parker some real resolution. He never got that third Amazing Spider-Man movie to fully explore how Peter would cope with Gwen Stacy’s death, and he brought all of that pent-up emotion to this appearance. Seeing him save MJ and then get so emotional… that was pure cinematic gold, honestly.

9. Hugh Jackman, Deadpool & Wolverine

Though Deadpool & Wolverine largely seems designed to poke fun at the superhero genre – and itself – Hugh Jackman gives a standout performance. He’s widely considered one of the best actors to ever appear in a comic book movie, and he delivers another compelling, emotionally resonant portrayal of Logan, a character burdened by immortality and a troubled past. While it might not be his absolute best work as Wolverine – that honor likely still belongs to Logan – the fact that his performance feels genuine and heartfelt, rather than just a way to make money, is a remarkable achievement.

8. Clark Gregg, The Avengers

While the superheroes grabbed headlines in the early days of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it was Clark Gregg’s Agent Coulson who truly stood out. He appeared in many of the first Marvel films, recruiting heroes for the Avengers, and brought a down-to-earth quality to each scene. Coulson gave audiences someone relatable to experience the world of gods, armored heroes, and patriotic figures. It’s no surprise Marvel chose him to lead their first television series, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., even after his character died in The Avengers.

7. Tom Hiddleston, Thor

Tom Hiddleston consistently delivers excellent performances as Loki in the Marvel movies. He first captured audiences with the character in 2011’s Thor, brilliantly portraying Loki’s mischievousness, envy, ambition, and deep-seated need for his adoptive father’s approval. Since then, the character has become even more complex, and Hiddleston has continued to skillfully play Loki as a recurring antagonist to Thor.

6. John Brolin, Avengers: Infinity War

While Josh Brolin brought Thanos to life through his performance and voice, many others deserve credit for creating such a compelling villain. Visual effects artists were essential in shaping his appearance, and the writing – detailing his quest for power and his twisted logic for saving the universe by eliminating half of all life – was key. The result was arguably Marvel’s greatest villain: terrifying, but also surprisingly understandable, even if his actions were completely wrong. He certainly presented a convincing case for his extreme methods.

5. Chadwick Boseman, Black Panther

Marvel made the right decision not to replace Chadwick Boseman after his death in 2020 following a fight with colon cancer. He was unforgettable as T’Challa, the noble king of Wakanda and the superhero Black Panther. Even with a talented supporting cast, Boseman powerfully anchored the film. While another actor may one day play Black Panther, there will only ever be one T’Challa, and one Chadwick Boseman.

4. Bradley Cooper, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Rocket Raccoon started as a minor character, appearing in only ten Marvel comics over three decades. But through the Guardians of the Galaxy films, he transformed into a fan favorite and one of Marvel’s most emotionally resonant heroes – his tragic past even overshadows Spider-Man’s struggles. A key to Rocket’s appeal, even when he’s being difficult, is Bradley Cooper’s voice work, which gives the character a surprising amount of depth and vulnerability. This is especially true in Guardians Vol. 3, where Rocket’s heartbreaking origin story is revealed, and he becomes central to the entire team’s journey.

3. Florence Pugh, Thunderbolts*

Marvel’s success depends on discovering new actors to take over from its original stars. While losing Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow was difficult, Florence Pugh’s portrayal of Yelena has eased that transition, establishing her as the new face of the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Pugh brings a lot of emotional depth to Yelena’s evolution from a troubled mercenary to the leader of a band of unconventional heroes, and her dark sense of humor fits perfectly with Marvel’s signature witty dialogue.

2. Michael B. Jordan, Black Panther

Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan consistently create compelling work together. In Black Panther, Jordan plays the villain, Erik Killmonger, and he’s so captivating and his motivations are so layered that the audience finds themselves almost rooting for him, despite his attempts to overthrow the king of Wakanda as an act of revenge. Jordan brilliantly brings complexity to the character, even requesting to be addressed as Erik, referencing his father.

1. Robert Downey Jr., Iron Man

It’s understandable to wonder: would the first Iron Man movie have succeeded if director Jon Favreau hadn’t fought to cast Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark – especially since Marvel was initially hesitant? And if the movie had failed, could that have meant the end of the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe? Downey Jr. truly defined the MCU, using witty humor to mask a troubled past as he transformed from a cynical arms dealer into a selfless hero. Even now that Tony Stark is gone, Downey Jr.’s performance remains the standard against which all other MCU actors are judged.

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2026-01-15 21:59