Avengers: Doomsday - A Secret Avengers vs. X-Men Film?

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. This iconic villain will play a pivotal role in the Multiverse Saga's climax, appearing 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 The Marvels in 2023.

The big question on fans' minds is whether Avengers: Doomsday could secretly be an adaptation of the Avengers vs. X-Men storyline. Given the current state of the MCU, with the Avengers team in disarray and the X-Men yet to be fully introduced, this speculation adds a thrilling layer to the narrative.

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 and conflict. While they've united to save the world in stories like Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars and Secret Invasion, their 2012 clash in Avengers vs. X-Men stands out. This epic saga occurs during a tumultuous period for the X-Men, following the mutant population's drastic reduction by Scarlet Witch in House of M. The arrival of the Phoenix Force from space sets the stage for the conflict.

The Avengers view the Phoenix as a dangerous threat, whereas Cyclops believes it could be the salvation of mutantkind. The tension escalates when the Avengers' attempt to destroy the Phoenix Force backfires, splitting it into five pieces that empower Cyclops, Emma Frost, Namor, Colossus, and Magik, forming the Phoenix Five. The saga unfolds in three acts, culminating in a dramatic battle where Cyclops, possessed by the Phoenix Force, becomes the Dark Phoenix and tragically kills Professor X. Ultimately, Hope Summers and Scarlet Witch manage to restore the mutant gene, bringing a bittersweet resolution.

Art by Jim Cheung. (Image Credit: Marvel)

How the MCU Is Adapting Avengers vs. X-Men

Details about Avengers: Doomsday are still emerging, with the title and cast undergoing changes. Initially announced as Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, the film shifted its focus to Doctor Doom following the departure of Jonathan Majors. Currently, there isn't an official Avengers team in the MCU, and the X-Men presence is minimal, with characters like Kamala Khan, Namor, and alternate universe versions like Patrick Stewart's Professor X and Kelsey Grammer's Beast.

Who Are the Mutants of the MCU?

The MCU has introduced several mutants, all from Earth-616:

• Ms. Marvel
• Mr. Immortal
• Namor
• Wolverine
• Ursa Major
• Sabra/Ruth Bat-Seraph

It remains uncertain if Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch will be confirmed as mutants in the MCU.

The possibility of an Avengers vs. X-Men movie arises from the concept of the multiverse. Avengers: Doomsday could involve a conflict between the MCU and the heroes of the Fox X-Men universe, particularly following the post-credits scene in The Marvels where Monica Rambeau finds herself in the X-Men universe. This setup suggests a looming Incursion between Earth-616 and Earth-10005, echoing the themes of Secret Wars, where the survival of both universes hangs in the balance.

Art by Jim Cheung. (Image Credit: Marvel)

The conflict could lead to epic superhero matchups, such as Captain America vs. Wolverine or Thor vs. Storm. Characters like Ms. Marvel and Deadpool might face internal conflicts, adding depth to the narrative.

How Doctor Doom Fits In

Doctor Doom's role as a manipulative villain could be central to the plot. Known for seizing power and orchestrating conflicts, Doom might exploit the Avengers-X-Men war to further his ambitions. His actions could parallel those in the comics, where he played a significant role in the multiverse's collapse leading to Secret Wars.

Art by Bryan Hitch. (Image Credit: Marvel)

How Avengers: Doomsday Leads Into Secret Wars

Originally planned as a direct lead-in to Secret Wars, Avengers: Doomsday is expected to mirror the first chapter of the 2015 Secret Wars comic. The film might end tragically, with the multiverse collapsing while the Avengers and X-Men are distracted by their conflict. This could set the stage for Secret Wars, where the remnants of the multiverse form Battleworld, with Doom as its ruler.

Art by Alex Ross. (Image Credit: Marvel)

Avengers: Doomsday appears to be a loose adaptation of Avengers vs. X-Men, paving the way for a dark status quo in Secret Wars. The film could introduce a who's who of Marvel characters, uniting to restore the multiverse and overthrow Doom.

For more on the MCU's future, explore why Secret Wars has the perfect villain in Downey's Doom, and stay updated on all Marvel projects 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.