At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel Studios unveiled exciting updates about the future of the MCU, including the surprising announcement that Robert Downey Jr. will return to portray Doctor Doom. Doom is set to play a pivotal role in the Multiverse Saga's climax, featuring prominently in both "Avengers: Doomsday" (2026) and "Avengers: Secret Wars" (2027). Additionally, Kelsey Grammer will reprise his role as Beast in "Doomsday," expanding on his cameo in 2023's "The Marvels."
Could "Avengers: Doomsday" be setting the stage for an "Avengers vs. X-Men" storyline? There's a growing belief that this might indeed be the case.
Marvel Cinematic Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show
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What Is Avengers vs. X-Men?
The Avengers and X-Men have a long history of collaboration, dating back to their early days in the 1960s. They've teamed up in major events like "Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars" (1984) and "Secret Invasion" (2008). However, "Avengers vs. X-Men" (2012) marks a significant departure, pitting the two teams against each other.
The backdrop of "AvX" is a dire one for the X-Men, with the mutant population drastically reduced following Scarlet Witch's actions in "House of M" (2005). Internal conflicts further complicate matters, with Wolverine and Cyclops at odds, leading to the creation of rival schools. The arrival of the Phoenix Force from space intensifies tensions. The Avengers view the Phoenix as a dangerous threat to Earth, whereas Cyclops sees it as the mutants' last hope.
The narrative unfolds in three acts. Initially, the X-Men fight to protect the Phoenix Force from the Avengers' attempts to destroy it. The situation escalates when Iron Man's weapon splits the Phoenix into five fragments, empowering Cyclops, Emma Frost, Namor, Colossus, and Magik, who become the Phoenix Five. In the second act, the Avengers retreat to Wakanda, only to face further challenges when Namor floods the nation. Their hope rests with Hope Summers, the first mutant born after the decimation, who is meant to absorb the Phoenix and end the Phoenix Five's reign.
The final act sees Cyclops, possessed by the Phoenix fragments, turning into the Dark Phoenix. The combined forces of the Avengers and X-Men manage to stop him, but not before he kills Charles Xavier. The story concludes with Hope and Scarlet Witch using the Phoenix's power to restore the mutant gene, providing a glimmer of hope even as Cyclops faces imprisonment.
Art by Jim Cheung. (Image Credit: Marvel)
How the MCU Is Adapting Avengers vs. X-Men
While details about "Avengers: Doomsday" are scarce beyond its title and casting, the film has undergone significant changes since its initial announcement as "Avengers: The Kang Dynasty," especially following the shift from Kang to Doom. Currently, the MCU lacks an official Avengers team, a situation unchanged by "Captain America: Brave New World."
The MCU's X-Men presence is even more fragmented, with only a few mutants introduced, such as Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan and Tenoch Huerta's Namor. Classic X-Men characters have appeared in alternate universes, like Patrick Stewart's Professor X in "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" and Kelsey Grammer's Beast in "The Marvels."
Who Are the Mutants of the MCU?
Here's a list of confirmed Earth-616 mutants in the MCU:
- Ms. Marvel
- Mr. Immortal
- Namor
- Wolverine
- Ursa Major
- Sabra/Ruth Bat-Seraph
It's unclear whether Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch will be confirmed as mutants in the MCU.
Given the current state of both teams, why would Marvel attempt an "Avengers vs. X-Men" movie now? The answer likely lies in the multiverse. We theorize that "Doomsday" might focus on a conflict between the MCU and the Fox universe's X-Men, building on the post-credits scene from "The Marvels" where Monica Rambeau ends up in the Fox X-Men universe. This setup suggests an impending Incursion between Earth-616 and Earth-10005, setting the stage for a battle for survival.
Art by Jim Cheung. (Image Credit: Marvel)
Inspired by both "AvX" and the first chapter of the 2015 "Secret Wars," "Doomsday" could explore a scenario where the Avengers and X-Men fight over the fate of their worlds. This could lead to epic superhero matchups and complex character dynamics, such as Ms. Marvel's potential conflict of loyalty and Deadpool's reaction to fighting his former heroes.
How Doctor Doom Fits In
Doctor Doom's role in "Doomsday" adds another layer of intrigue. Known for his cunning and power-hungry nature, Doom could exploit the conflict between the Avengers and X-Men to further his own ambitions. He might see the X-Men as a tool to weaken the Avengers, making Earth more vulnerable to his schemes. Much like Zemo in "Captain America: Civil War," Doom could be orchestrating events from the shadows.
Doom's involvement in the comics' "Secret Wars" is significant, with his actions leading to the multiverse's collapse. In "Doomsday," Doom might be revealed as the mastermind behind the multiverse's deterioration, using the Avengers vs. X-Men conflict as a stepping stone towards his ultimate goal.
Art by Bryan Hitch. (Image Credit: Marvel)
How Avengers: Doomsday Leads Into Secret Wars
Originally intended as "Avengers: The Kang Dynasty," "Doomsday" is expected to lead directly into "Secret Wars." Drawing parallels with the 2015 comic, the film could end with the multiverse's destruction due to the heroes' inability to unite against the looming threat. This would set the stage for "Secret Wars," where the remnants of the multiverse form Battleworld, ruled by Doctor Doom as its God Emperor.
"Avengers: Doomsday" could be a loose adaptation of "Avengers vs. X-Men," setting up a dark new status quo for the MCU. In "Secret Wars," a diverse cast of Marvel characters would likely unite to restore the multiverse and overthrow Doom.
Art by Alex Ross. (Image Credit: Marvel)
For more insights into the MCU's future, explore why "Secret Wars" benefits from Downey's portrayal of Doom and stay updated on all upcoming Marvel projects.
Note: this article was originally published on 09/02/2024 and updated on 03/26/2025 with the latest news about Avengers: Doomsday.
