At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel Studios unveiled exciting updates about the future of the MCU, including the surprising return of Robert Downey, Jr. as Doctor Doom. Doom will play a pivotal role in the Multiverse Saga's climax, 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.
This news has sparked speculation that Avengers: Doomsday might secretly be an adaptation of the Avengers vs. X-Men storyline. Given the history of these iconic teams, it's worth exploring how such a crossover could unfold in the MCU.
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, seen in events like Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars and Secret Invasion. However, Avengers vs. X-Men (AvX) is unique because it pits these teams against each other. The story unfolds during a dark period for the X-Men, following the mutant population's drastic reduction due to Scarlet Witch's actions in House of M. The Phoenix Force's arrival on Earth further escalates tensions.
Art by Jim Cheung. (Image Credit: Marvel)
The Avengers view the Phoenix as a threat to Earth, while Cyclops sees it as a potential savior for mutants. This disagreement leads to conflict, with Wolverine siding with the Avengers despite his X-Men roots. The story progresses through three acts, culminating in a battle where Cyclops, possessed by the Phoenix Force, kills Charles Xavier. Ultimately, Hope Summers and Scarlet Witch use the Phoenix's power to restore the mutant gene, ending the saga on a hopeful note.
Art by Olivier Coipel. (Image Credit: Marvel)
How the MCU Is Adapting Avengers vs. X-Men
Details about Avengers: Doomsday are still emerging, but the film's title and cast have evolved. Originally titled Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, the focus shifted from Kang to Doom after Marvel parted ways with Jonathan Majors. Currently, the MCU lacks an official Avengers team, and the X-Men presence is minimal, with characters like Kamala Khan and Namor introduced, and others like Beast and Wolverine appearing from alternate universes.
Who Are the Mutants of the MCU?
Here's a list of confirmed mutants in the MCU's Earth-616:
- Ms. Marvel
- Mr. Immortal
- Namor
- Wolverine
- Ursa Major
- Sabra/Ruth Bat-Seraph
The status of Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch as mutants remains uncertain in the MCU.
Given the current state of the Avengers and X-Men in the MCU, an Avengers vs. X-Men movie might involve a multiverse conflict. Our theory suggests that Doomsday could feature a war between the MCU and the Fox universe's X-Men, building on the post-credits scene from The Marvels where Monica Rambeau is trapped in the Fox X-Men universe.
Art by Jim Cheung. (Image Credit: Marvel)
This scenario could draw inspiration from the 2015 Secret Wars series, where an Incursion between universes forces the Avengers and Ultimates into conflict. Similarly, an Incursion between Earth-616 and Earth-10005 might set the stage for a battle between the Avengers and X-Men, with characters like Ms. Marvel and Deadpool facing conflicting loyalties.
How Doctor Doom Fits In
Art by Bryan Hitch. (Image Credit: Marvel)
Doctor Doom's role in Doomsday could be pivotal. Known for his schemes and manipulation, Doom might exploit the conflict between the Avengers and X-Men to further his own ambitions. His actions could mirror those in the comics, where he manipulates events leading to the multiverse's collapse and the creation of Battleworld.
How Avengers: Doomsday Leads Into Secret Wars
Originally planned as a direct lead-in to Secret Wars, Avengers: Doomsday is expected to set the stage for the multiverse's destruction, similar to the first chapter of the 2015 Secret Wars comic. The film might end with the multiverse's obliteration, leaving only Battleworld, where Doom could reign as the God Emperor.
Art by Alex Ross. (Image Credit: Marvel)
Avengers: Doomsday could serve as a loose adaptation of Avengers vs. X-Men, paving the way for Secret Wars, where a diverse lineup of Marvel heroes might unite to restore the multiverse and overthrow Doom.
For more on the MCU's future, explore why Secret Wars benefits from Downey's 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.
