At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel Studios unveiled exciting news about the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), including the surprising return of Robert Downey, Jr. as Doctor Doom. This iconic villain will play a pivotal role in the climax of the Multiverse Saga, featuring prominently in both *Avengers: Doomsday* in 2026 and *Avengers: Secret Wars* in 2027. Adding to the excitement, Kelsey Grammer will reprise his role as Beast in *Avengers: Doomsday*, expanding on his cameo in *The Marvels* from 2023.
This announcement has sparked speculation about whether *Avengers: Doomsday* might secretly be an adaptation of the *Avengers vs. X-Men* storyline. Given the current state of the MCU, with the Avengers in disarray and the X-Men barely introduced, this theory raises intriguing questions about how such a clash could unfold. Let's delve into the *Avengers vs. X-Men* comic and explore how it might be adapted into 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 storied history of collaboration and conflict within the Marvel Universe. From their early days in the 1960s, these teams have teamed up in epic events like *Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars* and *Secret Invasion*. However, the 2012 crossover event, *Avengers vs. X-Men* (AvX), stands out for its intense rivalry rather than cooperation.
AvX unfolds during a tumultuous period for the X-Men. Following Scarlet Witch's actions in *House of M*, the mutant population has dwindled to near extinction. Internal divisions further complicate matters, with Wolverine and Cyclops at odds and running rival schools. Amidst this chaos, the Phoenix Force approaches Earth, setting the stage for conflict.
The Avengers view the Phoenix Force as a catastrophic threat to Earth, whereas Cyclops sees it as a potential savior for mutantkind. When the Avengers attempt to destroy the Phoenix, the X-Men perceive this as an act of war. The story's intrigue is heightened by unexpected alliances, with Wolverine siding with the Avengers and Storm torn between her loyalties.
AvX unfolds in three acts. In the first, the X-Men fight to protect the Phoenix, but Iron Man's weapon splits it into five fragments, empowering Cyclops, Emma Frost, Namor, Colossus, and Magik, forming the Phoenix Five. Act 2 sees the Avengers on the defensive, retreating to Wakanda, which Namor floods. Their hope rests with Hope Summers, the first mutant born after *House of M*, who they believe can absorb the Phoenix.
The final act sees Cyclops become the Dark Phoenix, leading to a climactic battle where he kills Charles Xavier. However, Hope and Scarlet Witch ultimately use the Phoenix's power to restore the mutant gene, ending the saga on a hopeful note despite Cyclops' imprisonment.
How the MCU Is Adapting Avengers vs. X-Men
While details about *Avengers: Doomsday* remain scarce, the film's title and casting have evolved, shifting focus from Kang to Doctor Doom after Marvel parted ways with Jonathan Majors. Currently, the MCU lacks an official Avengers team, and the X-Men presence is minimal, with only a few mutants introduced, such as Kamala Khan and Namor. Classic X-Men characters have appeared from alternate universes, like Patrick Stewart's Professor X and Kelsey Grammer's Beast.
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 both teams, an *Avengers vs. X-Men* movie might leverage the multiverse narrative. Our theory suggests that *Avengers: Doomsday* could involve a conflict between the MCU's Earth-616 and the Fox X-Men's Earth-10005, following the post-credits scene in *The Marvels* where Monica Rambeau ends up in the Fox universe.
This scenario could draw inspiration from the 2015 *Secret Wars* series, where an Incursion between the classic Marvel Universe and the Ultimate Universe forces a battle to save one world at the cost of another. Similarly, *Avengers: Doomsday* might see the Avengers and X-Men clash due to an Incursion, leading to epic battles and character conflicts.
This setup would allow for thrilling confrontations, such as Captain America vs. Wolverine or Thor vs. Storm, and explore the internal struggles of characters like Ms. Marvel and Deadpool, caught between their loyalties.
AnswerSee ResultsHow Doctor Doom Fits In
Doctor Doom's role in *Avengers: Doomsday* could be pivotal, not just as a direct antagonist but as a manipulator behind the scenes. Known for his schemes to gain power, Doom might see the conflict between the Avengers and X-Men as an opportunity to weaken them both, making the world more susceptible to his control.
In the comics, Doom's actions lead to the multiverse's collapse, and a similar narrative could unfold in the MCU. *Avengers: Doomsday* might reveal Doom's manipulation of the Incursion, setting the stage for his ultimate goal of godhood in *Avengers: Secret Wars*.
How Avengers: Doomsday Leads Into Secret Wars
Originally titled *Avengers: The Kang Dynasty*, *Avengers: Doomsday* is expected to lead into *Avengers: Secret Wars*, much like *Infinity War* led into *Endgame*. Drawing from *Secret Wars #1*, where the multiverse's destruction occurs amidst a battle between the Avengers and the Ultimates, *Avengers: Doomsday* could end with the multiverse's collapse due to the heroes' failure to unite.
This tragic ending would set the stage for *Avengers: Secret Wars*, where Doctor Doom, having orchestrated the multiverse's demise, rules over Battleworld. The film could feature a diverse roster of Marvel characters teaming up to restore the multiverse and overthrow Doom, setting the stage for a new beginning.
In conclusion, *Avengers: Doomsday* might indeed be a loose adaptation of *Avengers vs. X-Men*, paving the way for the dark, multiverse-ending events that lead into *Avengers: Secret Wars*. With Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doom at the helm, the MCU is poised for an epic saga that could redefine its future.
For more insights into the MCU's future, explore why *Secret Wars* finally has the perfect villain in Downey's 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.
