Avengers: Doomsday - A Secret Clash with X-Men?

At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel Studios unveiled exciting developments for 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 climactic events of the Multiverse Saga, featuring prominently in both "Avengers: Doomsday" in 2026 and "Avengers: Secret Wars" in 2027. Additionally, Kelsey Grammer will reprise his role as Beast in "Doomsday," expanding on his cameo in "The Marvels" from 2023.

Speculation is rife that "Avengers: Doomsday" might secretly be an "Avengers vs. X-Men" film. The notion raises questions about whether these iconic teams would clash, especially given the lessons from previous superhero confrontations like "Batman v Superman." Let's delve into the Marvel Comics' "Avengers vs. X-Men" storyline and explore how it could be adapted for the MCU.

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 collaboration, dating back to their early 1960s introductions. They've joined forces in epic tales such as "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 at odds.

The backdrop for this conflict is a dire time for the X-Men. Following the events of "House of M" (2005), where Scarlet Witch drastically reduced the mutant population, the X-Men face extinction. Internal divisions, 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 the key to mutant salvation.

Art by Jim Cheung. (Image Credit: Marvel)

The Avengers' plan to destroy the Phoenix Force before it reaches Earth sparks a war with the X-Men. The storyline unfolds in three acts. In the first act, the X-Men fight to protect the Phoenix Force, but Iron Man's weapon splits it into five parts, empowering Cyclops, Emma Frost, Namor, Colossus, and Magik. These "Phoenix Five" dominate in the second act, pushing the Avengers to retreat to Wakanda, which is subsequently flooded by Namor. The Avengers pin their hopes on Hope Summers, the first mutant born post-"House of M," to absorb the Phoenix Force and end the Phoenix Five's reign.

Art by Olivier Coipel. (Image Credit: Marvel)

The final act sees Cyclops, possessed by the Phoenix Force, becoming the Dark Phoenix. The Avengers and X-Men unite to stop him, but not before he kills Professor X. The story concludes on a hopeful note as Hope and Scarlet Witch use the Phoenix's power to restore the mutant gene, despite Cyclops being imprisoned.

How the MCU Is Adapting Avengers vs. X-Men

Details about "Avengers: Doomsday" remain sparse beyond its title and cast. Originally titled "Avengers: The Kang Dynasty," the film's direction shifted after Marvel parted ways with Jonathan Majors, refocusing the Multiverse Saga on Doctor Doom. Currently, the MCU lacks an official Avengers team, a situation unchanged by "Captain America: Brave New World."

The X-Men's presence in the MCU is even more fragmented. Only a few mutants, such as Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan and Tenoch Huerta's Namor, have been introduced, alongside alternate universe versions like Patrick Stewart's Professor X, Kelsey Grammer's Beast, and Hugh Jackman's 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

It's unclear whether Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch will be revealed as mutants in the MCU.

Given the current state of the Avengers and X-Men, why would Marvel Studios consider an "Avengers vs. X-Men" movie now? The answer lies in the multiverse. We theorize that "Avengers: Doomsday" could be a multiverse story, pitting the MCU's Avengers against the X-Men from the Fox universe, marking a final chapter for those characters.

The post-credits scene in "The Marvels" sets the stage, with Beast caring for Monica Rambeau, who seems trapped in the Fox X-Men universe. This unresolved situation, combined with the potential for another Incursion, could lead to a conflict between Earth-616 and Earth-10005.

Art by Jim Cheung. (Image Credit: Marvel)

The MCU's "Avengers vs. X-Men" might draw inspiration from "Secret Wars" (2015), where an Incursion between the classic and Ultimate Universes forces the Avengers and Ultimates into a battle for survival. Similarly, an Incursion between the MCU and Fox's X-Men universe could trigger a war, with each team fighting to save their world.

This setup would allow for thrilling superhero matchups, such as Captain America vs. Wolverine or Hulk vs. Colossus. Loyalties could be tested, with characters like Ms. Marvel and Deadpool facing difficult choices.

How Doctor Doom Fits In

Art by Bryan Hitch. (Image Credit: Marvel)

Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey, Jr., is a master manipulator who could exploit the conflict between the Avengers and X-Men. Known for seizing power and manipulating heroes, Doom might see the war as an opportunity to weaken the Avengers and further his own ambitions. In the comics, Doom's actions lead to the multiverse's collapse, a plot point likely to be mirrored in "Avengers: Doomsday."

How Avengers: Doomsday Leads Into Secret Wars

Originally planned as "Avengers: The Kang Dynasty," "Avengers: Doomsday" now serves as a crucial lead-in to "Secret Wars." Like "Secret Wars #1," "Doomsday" may end without a clear winner, with the multiverse collapsing while the heroes are distracted by their conflict. This could result in the creation of Battleworld, with Doom as its God Emperor, setting the stage for "Secret Wars."

Art by Alex Ross. (Image Credit: Marvel)

"Avengers: Doomsday" could be a loose adaptation of "Avengers vs. X-Men," paving the way for a dark new status quo. In "Secret Wars," a diverse lineup of Marvel heroes would likely unite to restore the multiverse and overthrow Doom.

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.