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, 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.
This news 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 yet to be fully introduced, this theory raises intriguing questions about how such a conflict could unfold.
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What Is Avengers vs. X-Men?
The Avengers and X-Men have a long history of collaboration, seen in events like Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars and Secret Invasion. However, Avengers vs. X-Men (AvX) is unique because it pits these two teams against each other. The story unfolds during a dark period for the X-Men, following the mutant population's drastic reduction due to Scarlet Witch's actions in House of M. The arrival of the Phoenix Force adds to the tension, with the Avengers viewing it as a threat to Earth, while Cyclops sees it as a potential savior for mutantkind.
The conflict escalates when the Avengers attempt to destroy the Phoenix Force, leading to its fragmentation and empowerment of five mutants, known as the Phoenix Five. This shifts the narrative, with the Avengers retreating to Wakanda, only to face further challenges as Namor floods the country. The story's climax sees Cyclops becoming the Dark Phoenix, leading to a final battle where he tragically kills Charles Xavier. Despite this, the story ends on a hopeful note with Hope Summers and Scarlet Witch using the Phoenix's power to restore the mutant gene.
How the MCU Is Adapting Avengers vs. X-Men
Details about Avengers: Doomsday are still emerging, especially after the shift from Avengers: The Kang Dynasty following the departure of Jonathan Majors. The MCU currently lacks a formal Avengers team, and the X-Men's presence is limited to a few characters and alternate universe cameos.
Who Are the Mutants of the MCU?
Here’s a quick rundown of every mutant character confirmed to exist in the MCU so far, focusing on Earth-616:
- Ms. Marvel
- Mr. Immortal
- Namor
- Wolverine
- Ursa Major
- Sabra/Ruth Bat-Seraph
It's unclear if Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch will be confirmed as mutants in the MCU.
The theory that Avengers: Doomsday might be a multiverse story involving the Fox X-Men universe gains traction with the post-credits scene from The Marvels, where Monica Rambeau is trapped in a universe similar to the Fox X-Men's Earth-10005. This could set the stage for a conflict driven by an Incursion, similar to the setup in the Secret Wars comic, where the survival of both universes hinges on the destruction of one Earth.
This scenario could lead to epic superhero matchups and complex character dynamics, with figures like Ms. Marvel and Deadpool facing conflicting loyalties.
How Doctor Doom Fits In
Doctor Doom's role in Avengers: Doomsday is crucial. Known for his cunning and ambition, Doom could exploit the conflict between the Avengers and X-Men to further his own goals. His history of manipulating heroes and stealing powers suggests he might see the war as an opportunity to weaken his enemies.
Doom's involvement in the multiverse's collapse in the comics hints at a similar role in the MCU, positioning him as the architect of the multiverse's destruction and the creator of Battleworld.
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 Secret Wars comic, the film might end with the multiverse's destruction, leading to the creation of Battleworld. This would set up Secret Wars as a battle to restore the multiverse and overthrow Doom, featuring a diverse cast of Marvel characters.
Avengers: Doomsday could be a loose adaptation of Avengers vs. X-Men, paving the way for a darker narrative leading into Secret Wars. For more on the MCU's future, explore why Secret Wars needs Downey's Doom and check out every upcoming Marvel project.
Note: this article was originally published on 09/02/2024 and updated on 03/26/2025 with the latest news about Avengers: Doomsday.
