During San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel Studios unveiled exciting news for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), including the thrilling announcement that Robert Downey, Jr. will return to the MCU to portray Doctor Doom. This iconic villain is set to play a pivotal role in the culmination of the Multiverse Saga, featuring prominently in both 2026's *Avengers: Doomsday* and 2027's *Avengers: Secret Wars*. In another unexpected twist, it was revealed that Kelsey Grammer will reprise his role as Beast in *Doomsday*, expanding on his cameo in 2023's *The Marvels*.
Speculation is rife about whether *Avengers: Doomsday* could secretly be an *Avengers vs. X-Men* movie. The possibility is intriguing, especially given the historical rivalry and alliances between these two powerhouse teams in Marvel Comics. Could the MCU be gearing up for a clash that mirrors the epic *Avengers vs. X-Men* storyline? Let's delve into this comic saga and explore how it might be adapted for the big screen.
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 been crossing paths since their inception in the early 1960s, teaming up in iconic stories like *Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars* (1984) and *Secret Invasion* (2008). However, *Avengers vs. X-Men* (2012) stands out as a narrative where these teams are not allies but adversaries.
The backdrop for *AvX* is a dire period for the X-Men, following the aftermath of Scarlet Witch's actions in *House of M* (2005), which drastically reduced the mutant population to the brink of extinction. Internal conflicts, such as the schism between Wolverine and Cyclops, further complicate matters. The arrival of the Phoenix Force from space escalates tensions, as the Avengers view it as a threat to Earth, while Cyclops sees it as a potential savior for mutantkind. This leads to a full-blown war when the Avengers attempt to destroy the Phoenix, and the X-Men perceive it as an act of aggression.
The storyline is enriched by unexpected alliances and divisions. Wolverine, despite his history with the X-Men, aligns with the Avengers, while Storm struggles between her loyalties to both teams. The narrative unfolds in three acts: the initial struggle to protect the Phoenix, the emergence of the Phoenix Five after Iron Man's weapon splits the entity, and the final confrontation where Cyclops becomes the Dark Phoenix and tragically kills Charles Xavier.
Despite the dark turn, *AvX* concludes on a hopeful note with Hope Summers bonding with the Phoenix and, alongside Scarlet Witch, restoring the mutant gene, marking a victory even for the imprisoned Cyclops.
How the MCU Is Adapting Avengers vs. X-Men
Details about *Avengers: Doomsday* are sparse, with only the title and cast confirmed so far. Originally titled *Avengers: The Kang Dynasty*, the project shifted focus from Kang to Doom following the studio's separation from Jonathan Majors. Currently, the MCU lacks a formal Avengers team, and the X-Men's presence is minimal, with characters like Iman Vellani’s Kamala Khan and Tenoch Huerta’s Namor, and cameos from alternate universes such as Patrick Stewart’s Professor X and Kelsey Grammer’s Beast in The Marvels and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverines in Deadpool & Wolverine.
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
Notably, Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch, traditionally mutants, have yet to be confirmed as such in the MCU.
Given the current state of the Avengers and the nascent presence of the X-Men, it's speculated that *Avengers: Doomsday* might be a multiverse story. It could involve a conflict between the MCU's heroes and the X-Men from the Fox universe, particularly following the post-credits scene in *The Marvels* where Monica Rambeau is trapped in a universe resembling Fox's X-Men world. This setup could lead to an Incursion, a phenomenon where universes collide and threaten mutual destruction, as seen in *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness* and *The Marvels*.
The MCU's adaptation might draw from the first chapter of the *Secret Wars* (2015) series, where an Incursion between the classic and Ultimate universes leads to a battle for survival. In *Avengers: Doomsday*, the Avengers might face the X-Men of Earth-10005, fighting over which world must be sacrificed to save the other. This scenario would allow for thrilling superhero matchups and explore themes of loyalty and desperation.
AnswerSee ResultsHow Doctor Doom Fits In
Doctor Doom's role in *Avengers: Doomsday* could be multifaceted. Known for his cunning and ambition, Doom often manipulates events to his advantage, as seen in his attempts to control Wakanda and his involvement in *House of M*. In the context of *Doomsday*, Doom might exploit the conflict between the Avengers and X-Men to weaken both teams, paving the way for his own rise to power.
Doom's significance in the comics' build-up to *Secret Wars* suggests he could be orchestrating the multiverse's collapse in the MCU. A war between the Avengers and X-Men would serve his larger scheme to become the God Emperor of Battleworld, as seen in the comics.
How Avengers: Doomsday Leads Into Secret Wars
Originally intended as *Avengers: The Kang Dynasty*, *Avengers: Doomsday* is now poised to lead into *Avengers: Secret Wars*. Drawing parallels with *Secret Wars #1*, where the multiverse's destruction occurs amid a battle between the Avengers and the Ultimates, *Doomsday* might end similarly, with the multiverse collapsing as the heroes are distracted by their conflict.
This tragic outcome could set the stage for *Secret Wars*, where the remnants of the multiverse form Battleworld, and Doom ascends to godhood. The subsequent film would likely feature a grand assembly of Marvel characters from various universes, uniting to restore the multiverse and defeat Doom.
In essence, *Avengers: Doomsday* could be a loose adaptation of *Avengers vs. X-Men*, setting the stage for a darker, more complex narrative leading into *Secret Wars*. The multiverse's destruction and the rise of Battleworld would provide a dramatic backdrop for the heroes' ultimate challenge.
For further insights into the MCU's future, explore why *Secret Wars* benefits from Downey's portrayal of Doom, and stay updated on all upcoming Marvel movies and series.
Note: this article was originally published on 09/02/2024 and updated on 03/26/2025 with the latest news about Avengers: Doomsday.
