David Harbour, known to millions as Chief Jim Hopper in Stranger Things, is getting ready for his next big role. And according to him, it is massive. The actor recently opened up about his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday, and he did not hold back when comparing it to the hit Netflix series.
Harbour, who plays the Russian superhero Red Guardian, admitted that while the final season of Stranger Things is enormous, the scale of Avengers: Doomsday is on another level entirely. His comments come as production on the Marvel film ramps up ahead of its scheduled release later this year.
David Harbour Says ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Is Bigger Than ‘Stranger Things 5’
While promoting an event in St. Louis, Harbour spoke with Entertainment Tonight about what fans can expect from the superhero sequel. He was direct about the sheer size of the project. Harbour confessed that he used to think Stranger Things Season 5 was the peak of his career in terms of scope, but he quickly realized he was wrong.
“Oh man, that movie is huge. I thought that Stranger Things 5 was big, but this is kind of the biggest thing I have ever done.”
The actor’s statement carries weight because Stranger Things is known for its cinematic quality and large-scale production. The final season of the Netflix phenomenon has been filmed with great care and a budget to match. However, Harbour made it clear that Avengers: Doomsday is pushing boundaries even further. He described the film as enormous in both its impact and its ambition.
Getting Ready for More Filming on the Marvel Movie
Harbour is not just talking about the film; he is actively preparing to jump back into the action. Recent reports confirm that additional filming for Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to begin soon. Harbour revealed that he will be heading to London in the coming days to shoot more scenes for the movie.
The actor noted that he has been busy with other projects, but now it is time to return to the Marvel set. This news suggests that the studio is deep in the production process, fine-tuning the film before its release. Harbour’s role as Alexei Shostakov, also known as Red Guardian, is expected to be more prominent this time around following his appearances in Black Widow and the recent Thunderbolts* movie.
Robert Downey Jr.’s Return as Doctor Doom Gets High Praise
During the same interview, Harbour shifted focus to his co-star, Robert Downey Jr. The actor, who originally launched the MCU as Tony Stark, is returning to the franchise. However, he is not playing Iron Man. Robert Downey Jr. will take on the role of the villain Victor Von Doom, also known as Doctor Doom.
Harbour expressed genuine excitement about what Robert Downey Jr. is bringing to the screen. He hinted that audiences are in for a real treat and that the actor’s performance is something special. Harbour encouraged fans to watch closely, suggesting that Downey delivers a standout performance that could redefine the character.
“I’m really excited for you to see what Downey is doing. I think he’s really special.”
This return is a major selling point for the film. Downey was the face of the MCU for over a decade, and bringing him back as a villain is a bold move. Harbour’s comments confirm that the gamble is paying off creatively, at least from what he has seen on set.
New “Bromance” on Set With Sebastian Stan and Wyatt Russell
Beyond the action and the villains, Harbour teased some fun character dynamics that audiences will see on screen. He confirmed that his character, Red Guardian, shares meaningful scenes with Yelena Belova, played by Florence Pugh. But the most interesting detail involved the male heroes.
Harbour revealed that he is building a “brotherhood” on screen with Sebastian Stan, who plays the Winter Soldier, and Wyatt Russell, who plays U.S. Agent. He described their chemistry as a fun “bromance” and even joked that the interactions between the three characters play out like a love triangle.
This trio is generating buzz because it brings together characters who have complicated histories in the MCU. The Winter Soldier has a dark past, U.S. Agent is a controversial figure, and Red Guardian is a boisterous Russian counterpart. Seeing them share the screen could provide both action and comedy.
A Budget That Breaks Records
The scale that Harbour is talking about makes sense when looking at the numbers behind Avengers: Doomsday. Reports indicate that this is shaping up to be the most expensive movie ever made. The budget for the film is estimated to be around $1 billion when factoring in production, marketing, and distribution.
A significant chunk of that money is going to the cast. With around 35 major actors involved, salaries alone are expected to exceed $250 million. The Russo Brothers, who directed the last two Avengers films, are back at the helm. The pre-production costs alone have reportedly tripled what Marvel spent on other recent films like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania at the same stage.
The film needs to perform incredibly well at the box office just to break even. Analysts suggest it needs to earn well over a billion dollars globally. This pressure explains why the studio is investing so much time and money into getting it right.
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A Massive Cast for a Massive Movie
The cast list for Avengers: Doomsday reads like a who’s who of Hollywood. Alongside Harbour, Robert Downey Jr. , Sebastian Stan, and Wyatt Russell, the film brings back original Avengers like Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Tom Hiddleston (Loki). Newer faces are also joining the team, including Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby, who are playing Mister Fantastic and the Invisible Woman.
Tom Holland is also expected to return as Spider-Man. The film will serve as a major crossover event, bringing together heroes from across the Multiverse Saga. With so many characters, the film has the challenge of giving everyone a moment to shine while advancing the main story involving Doctor Doom.
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to hit theaters worldwide on December 18, 2026. For audiences in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and India, this will be the big-screen event of the holiday season. As Harbour heads to London for more filming, fans can expect more details and possibly a trailer in the coming months.
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