At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel Studios unveiled thrilling updates about the future of the MCU, including the surprising announcement that Robert Downey, Jr. will return to the franchise as Doctor Doom. Doom is set to play a pivotal role in the climax of the Multiverse Saga, featuring prominently 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 2023's *The Marvels*. These developments have sparked speculation about the possibility of *Avengers: Doomsday* being a covert adaptation of the *Avengers vs. X-Men* storyline.
Given the current state of the MCU, with no official Avengers team and only a few mutants introduced, the idea of an *Avengers vs. X-Men* film might seem premature. However, the multiverse concept could provide the perfect backdrop for such a clash. The MCU might be setting up a narrative where the Avengers from Earth-616 face off against the X-Men from the Fox universe, potentially as a result of an Incursion, a phenomenon where universes collide and threaten mutual destruction.
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 in the comics. The 2012 crossover event *Avengers vs. X-Men* (AvX) is particularly notable for pitting the two teams against each other. The story unfolds against a backdrop of mutantkind facing extinction due to Scarlet Witch's actions in *House of M*, and a schism within the X-Men. The arrival of the Phoenix Force on Earth sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation.
In AvX, the Avengers aim to destroy the Phoenix Force, viewing it as a global threat, while Cyclops sees it as a potential savior for mutants. This leads to a fierce battle, with the Phoenix Force eventually fragmenting and empowering five mutants, dubbed the Phoenix Five. The narrative progresses through three acts, culminating in a final showdown where Cyclops becomes the Dark Phoenix, only to be stopped by a united front of Avengers and X-Men. The story ends with the restoration of the mutant gene and a bittersweet resolution.
How the MCU Is Adapting Avengers vs. X-Men
Details about *Avengers: Doomsday* are scarce beyond its title and cast, which have seen shifts. Originally announced as *Avengers: The Kang Dynasty*, the film's focus changed after Marvel Studios parted ways with Jonathan Majors, shifting the spotlight from Kang to Doom. The MCU currently lacks a formal Avengers team, and its mutant roster is limited, mainly featuring characters like Kamala Khan and Namor from Earth-616.
The theory is that *Avengers: Doomsday* might draw from both the AvX comic and the initial chapter of the 2015 *Secret Wars* series. An Incursion between Earth-616 and the Fox X-Men's Earth-10005 could force a battle between the two teams for survival. This setup would allow for epic superhero confrontations and explore characters' divided loyalties, such as Ms. Marvel's potential connection to the X-Men.
Who Are the Mutants of the MCU?
Here’s a quick overview of confirmed mutants in the MCU from Earth-616: Ms. Marvel, Mr. Immortal, Namor, Wolverine, Ursa Major, and Sabra/Ruth Bat-Seraph. It's unclear whether Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch will be revealed as mutants in the MCU.
How Doctor Doom Fits In
Doctor Doom, known for his cunning and ambition, could exploit the conflict between the Avengers and X-Men. His history of manipulating heroes and stealing powers suggests he might see the war as an opportunity to weaken his enemies and further his own goals. In the comics, Doom's actions lead to the multiverse's collapse, and a similar role in *Doomsday* could position him as the mastermind behind the heroes' struggles, setting the stage for his rise as the God Emperor of Battleworld in *Secret Wars*.
How Avengers: Doomsday Leads Into Secret Wars
Originally planned as a lead-in to *Avengers: Secret Wars*, *Doomsday* might follow the tragic path of *Secret Wars #1*, where the heroes' inability to unite leads to the multiverse's destruction. If *Doomsday* ends similarly, it would pave the way for *Secret Wars*, where a diverse cast of Marvel characters from various universes could unite to challenge Doom's rule over Battleworld and restore the multiverse.
For more insights into the MCU's future, explore why Secret Wars benefits from Downey's portrayal of 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.
