At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel Studios unveiled exciting updates about the future of the MCU, including a thrilling announcement that Robert Downey, Jr. will return to the franchise as Doctor Doom. This iconic villain will play a pivotal role in the Multiverse Saga, particularly in the climaxes of 2026's Avengers: Doomsday and 2027's Avengers: Secret Wars. Adding to the excitement, 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 might secretly be an Avengers vs. X-Men movie. Given the MCU's current landscape, with the Avengers in disarray and the X-Men barely introduced, it's intriguing to consider how this epic comic crossover could be adapted. The original Avengers vs. X-Men storyline featured a fierce conflict between the two teams, sparked by the Phoenix Force's arrival on Earth. The Avengers sought to destroy it, viewing it as a threat, while the X-Men, led by Cyclops, saw it as a chance for mutantkind's salvation. This led to a gripping narrative with shifting loyalties and intense battles.
Marvel Cinematic Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show
18 Images
What Is Avengers vs. X-Men?
The Avengers and X-Men have a long history of interactions, collaborating in various crises like Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars and Secret Invasion. However, the 2012 Avengers vs. X-Men comic stands out as a tale of conflict rather than cooperation. The story unfolds during a dire time for mutants, with their numbers drastically reduced and internal divisions between Wolverine and Cyclops. The Phoenix Force's arrival escalates tensions, leading to a clash over its fate.
In the comic, the Phoenix Force is split into five fragments, empowering Cyclops, Emma Frost, Namor, Colossus, and Magik, turning them into the Phoenix Five. This power shift forces the Avengers into retreat, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation. The story concludes with Hope Summers absorbing the Phoenix Force, with assistance from Scarlet Witch, ultimately restoring the mutant gene.
Art by Jim Cheung. (Image Credit: Marvel)
How the MCU Is Adapting Avengers vs. X-Men
Details about Avengers: Doomsday remain sparse, with the film's title and cast evolving. Originally titled Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, the shift to Doomsday reflects a new focus on Doctor Doom. Currently, the MCU lacks a formal Avengers team, and the X-Men presence is minimal, with only a few characters like Kamala Khan and Namor introduced.
The MCU's approach to Avengers vs. X-Men could involve a multiverse narrative, potentially pitting the MCU's Avengers against the X-Men from the Fox universe. This theory gains traction from the post-credits scene in The Marvels, where Monica Rambeau ends up in the Fox X-Men universe. An Incursion between the MCU's Earth-616 and the X-Men's Earth-10005 could be the catalyst for conflict, mirroring the stakes in the Secret Wars comic where universes battle for survival.
Who Are the Mutants of the MCU?
Here's a brief overview of the mutants confirmed in the MCU's Earth-616:
- Ms. Marvel
- Mr. Immortal
- Namor
- Wolverine
- Ursa Major
- Sabra/Ruth Bat-Seraph
While Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch are traditionally mutants, their status in the MCU remains uncertain.
Art by Jim Cheung. (Image Credit: Marvel)
How Doctor Doom Fits In
Doctor Doom's role in Avengers: Doomsday could be as a master manipulator, leveraging the conflict between the Avengers and X-Men for his own gain. Known for his schemes and power grabs, Doom might see the X-Men as a tool to weaken the Avengers, much like his role in the Secret Wars comics where his actions lead to the multiverse's collapse. Doom's presence could make Doomsday a critical turning point, setting the stage for his ascent to godhood in Secret Wars.
Art by Bryan Hitch. (Image Credit: Marvel)
How Avengers: Doomsday Leads Into Secret Wars
Originally planned as Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, Avengers: Doomsday is expected to lead directly into Avengers: Secret Wars. Drawing parallels with Secret Wars #1, where the multiverse's collapse occurs amid hero conflict, Doomsday might end similarly, with the multiverse's destruction and the creation of Battleworld. This would position Doctor Doom as the God Emperor of Battleworld, a crucial setup for Secret Wars.
In Secret Wars, a diverse array of Marvel heroes from various universes could unite to restore the multiverse and challenge Doom's reign. This narrative arc promises a darker turn for the MCU before a hopeful resolution, much like the transition from Infinity War to Endgame.
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.
