At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel Studios unveiled exciting news about the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), with a major highlight being the return of Robert Downey, Jr. 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. Additionally, Kelsey Grammer will reprise his role as Beast in Doomsday, following his cameo in 2023's The Marvels.
Speculation is rife that Avengers: Doomsday might actually be an adaptation of the Avengers vs. X-Men storyline. But could the Avengers and X-Men really come to blows? Let's delve into the original comic and explore how it might be brought to the big screen.
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, teaming up in epic stories like 1984's Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars and 2008's Secret Invasion. However, the 2012 Avengers vs. X-Men storyline is unique because it pits these two iconic teams against each other.
The tension arises during a tumultuous time for the X-Men, following Scarlet Witch's actions in 2005's House of M, which drastically reduced the mutant population. The Phoenix Force, a cosmic entity, then heads towards Earth, causing further division among the X-Men. Cyclops views the Phoenix as the key to mutant salvation, while the Avengers see it as a dangerous threat that must be stopped.
The conflict escalates when the Avengers' attempt to destroy the Phoenix Force results in its fragmentation into five pieces, empowering Cyclops, Emma Frost, Namor, Colossus, and Magik, who become the Phoenix Five. This leads to a fierce battle as the Avengers retreat to Wakanda, which is then attacked by Namor. The Avengers' hope hinges on Hope Summers, who they believe can absorb the Phoenix Force and end the Phoenix Five's reign.
The final act sees Cyclops become the Dark Phoenix, leading to a climactic battle where he kills Charles Xavier. Despite this tragedy, the story concludes on a hopeful note as Hope, with Scarlet Witch's assistance, eliminates the Phoenix Force and restores the mutant gene.
How the MCU Is Adapting Avengers vs. X-Men
While details about Avengers: Doomsday are still emerging, the shift from Avengers: The Kang Dynasty to Doomsday suggests a significant change in focus, with Doctor Doom taking center stage. The MCU currently lacks a formal Avengers team, and the X-Men presence is minimal, with only a few mutants like Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan and Tenoch Huerta's Namor confirmed in Earth-616.
Who Are the Mutants of the MCU?
Here’s a quick 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 both teams, why would Marvel attempt an Avengers vs. X-Men movie now? The answer likely lies in the multiverse. We speculate that Doomsday will involve a conflict between the MCU and heroes from another universe, specifically the Fox X-Men universe. This could build on the post-credits scene from The Marvels, where Monica Rambeau appears to be trapped in the Fox X-Men universe.
The MCU's take on AvX might draw inspiration from the 2015 Secret Wars series, where an Incursion between universes forces the Avengers and the Ultimates to fight, knowing one Earth must be destroyed. Similarly, Doomsday could feature an Incursion between Earth-616 and Earth-10005, leading to a battle for survival between the Avengers and the X-Men.
This setup could lead to epic superhero confrontations, such as Captain America vs. Wolverine, Hulk vs. Colossus, and Thor vs. Storm. Characters like Ms. Marvel and Deadpool might find themselves torn between loyalties, adding complexity to the narrative.
AnswerSee ResultsHow Doctor Doom Fits In
Doctor Doom's role in Doomsday could be crucial. Known for his scheming and manipulation, Doom might see the conflict between the Avengers and X-Men as an opportunity to weaken both sides, making the world more vulnerable to his plans. His involvement in the comics' Secret Wars, where he battles the Beyonders, suggests he could be the driving force behind the MCU's multiverse collapse.
How Avengers: Doomsday Leads Into Secret Wars
Originally planned as Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, Doomsday is expected to set the stage for Secret Wars. Drawing from the 2015 comic, Doomsday might end with the multiverse's destruction, leading to the creation of Battleworld, a patchwork reality. Doctor Doom, as the God Emperor of Battleworld, would be central to this new status quo.
In Secret Wars, a diverse lineup of Marvel heroes, including characters from different universes, would likely team up to restore the multiverse and overthrow Doom. This would follow the pattern of Infinity War and Endgame, where things must get darker before a new dawn.
For more on the MCU's future, explore why Secret Wars now has the perfect villain in Downey's 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.
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