At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel Studios unveiled exciting updates on the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), with a major announcement that Robert Downey, Jr. will return as Doctor Doom. Doom is set to play a pivotal role in the climax of the Multiverse Saga, featuring prominently in both 2026's *Avengers: Doomsday* and 2027's *Avengers: Secret Wars*. Adding to the excitement, Kelsey Grammer will reprise his role as Beast in *Doomsday*, following his cameo in 2023's *The Marvels*. These revelations have sparked speculation that *Avengers: Doomsday* might be setting the stage for an epic *Avengers vs. X-Men* storyline.
The notion of the Avengers and X-Men clashing raises intriguing questions. Could *Avengers: Doomsday* secretly be an *Avengers vs. X-Men* movie? There's growing evidence to suggest this might be the case. To understand this potential storyline, let's delve into the iconic Marvel comic series *Avengers vs. X-Men* and explore how it could be adapted into the MCU.
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What Is Avengers vs. X-Men?
The Avengers and X-Men have a long history of collaboration, from their early days in the 1960s to major events like *Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars* in 1984 and *Secret Invasion* in 2008. However, the 2012 comic series *Avengers vs. X-Men* (AvX) marks a significant departure, as it pits the two teams against each other. The tension arises during a challenging time for the X-Men, following the aftermath of *House of M* where Scarlet Witch's actions drastically reduced the mutant population, threatening their extinction. Internal conflicts, such as the schism between Wolverine and Cyclops, further complicate matters. The arrival of the Phoenix Force from space adds fuel to the fire.
In AvX, the Avengers view the Phoenix as a catastrophic threat to Earth, while Cyclops sees it as the mutants' last hope for survival. The Avengers' plan to destroy the Phoenix Force leads to a declaration of war by the X-Men. The storyline is enriched by unexpected alliances, with Wolverine siding with the Avengers and Storm torn between her loyalties to both teams. Professor X also shows less support for Cyclops than anticipated.
The narrative unfolds in three acts. Initially, the X-Men are the underdogs, but the situation changes when Iron Man's weapon splits the Phoenix into five pieces, empowering Cyclops, Emma Frost, Namor, Colossus, and Magik to become the Phoenix Five. In the second act, the empowered mutants put the Avengers on the defensive, forcing them to retreat to Wakanda, which Namor subsequently floods. The Avengers pin their hopes on Hope Summers, the first mutant born post-*House of M*, to absorb the Phoenix Force and end the Phoenix Five's reign.
The final act sees Cyclops become the Dark Phoenix, leading to a climactic battle where he kills Charles Xavier. Despite this tragedy, the story concludes on a hopeful note as Hope, with Scarlet Witch's help, uses the Phoenix's power to restore the mutant gene, even as Cyclops faces imprisonment.
How the MCU Is Adapting Avengers vs. X-Men
Details about *Avengers: Doomsday* are scarce beyond its title and cast, which have seen shifts. Originally announced as *Avengers: The Kang Dynasty*, the project pivoted after Marvel cut ties with Jonathan Majors, shifting the focus from Kang to Doom. Currently, the MCU lacks an official Avengers team, and the X-Men's presence is minimal, with only a few mutants like Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan and Tenoch Huerta's Namor appearing in the main universe. Classic X-Men characters have been introduced from alternate universes, such as 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 rundown of the mutants confirmed in the MCU's Earth-616:
- Ms. Marvel
- Mr. Immortal
- Namor
- Wolverine
- Ursa Major
- Sabra/Ruth Bat-Seraph
It's worth noting that Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch, traditionally mutants, have yet to be confirmed as such in the MCU.
Given the current state of both teams, why would Marvel attempt an *Avengers vs. X-Men* movie? The answer lies in the multiverse. We believe *Avengers: Doomsday* will be a multiverse story, featuring a conflict between the MCU's heroes and the X-Men from the Fox universe, serving as a final chapter for those characters. The post-credits scene in *The Marvels*, where Beast cares for Monica Rambeau in what appears to be the Fox X-Men universe, suggests a brewing conflict. The phenomenon of Incursions, which can lead to the destruction of both universes involved, sets the stage for a battle where the survival of both worlds hangs in the balance.
The MCU's *Avengers vs. X-Men* might draw inspiration from *Secret Wars*, where an Incursion between the Marvel Universe and the Ultimate Universe forces a deadly confrontation. Similarly, an Incursion between Earth-616 and Earth-10005 could pit the Avengers and X-Men against each other, leading to epic battles and complex loyalties. Characters like Ms. Marvel and Deadpool could find themselves torn between worlds and allegiances.
AnswerSee ResultsHow Doctor Doom Fits In -----------------------
Doctor Doom's role in *Avengers: Doomsday* adds another layer to the narrative. Known for his cunning and ambition, Doom often manipulates events to his advantage. He might exploit the conflict between the Avengers and X-Men to weaken Earth-616, paving the way for his own plans. In the comics, Doom's actions contribute to the multiverse's collapse, and we anticipate a similar reveal in *Doomsday*, positioning him as the architect behind the multiverse's dire state.
How Avengers: Doomsday Leads Into Secret Wars
Originally titled *Avengers: The Kang Dynasty*, *Avengers: Doomsday* is expected to lead directly into *Avengers: Secret Wars*, much like *Infinity War* and *Endgame*. Drawing from *Secret Wars*, where the multiverse's destruction occurs amidst the heroes' conflict, *Doomsday* is likely to end on a tragic note. The Avengers and X-Men, distracted by their battle, fail to unite against the multiverse's collapse, leading to the creation of Battleworld, a patchwork reality. Doom, as the God Emperor of Battleworld, might be orchestrating the conflict as part of his plan to ascend to godhood.
*Avengers: Doomsday* could serve as a loose adaptation of *Avengers vs. X-Men*, setting the stage for a dark new reality where the multiverse is destroyed, and only Battleworld remains. In *Avengers: Secret Wars*, a diverse lineup of Marvel characters will likely unite to restore the multiverse and overthrow Doom, echoing the epic scale of *Infinity War* and *Endgame*.
For more insights into the MCU's future, learn why Secret Wars now has the perfect villain in Downey's Doom, and explore every Marvel movie and series currently in development.
Note: this article was originally published on 09/02/2024 and updated on 03/26/2025 with the latest news about Avengers: Doomsday.
