At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel Studios unveiled exciting news about the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), particularly with the announcement that Robert Downey Jr. will return as Doctor Doom, a pivotal character in the climax of the Multiverse Saga. Doom is set to play a crucial role 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. Could this film be setting the stage for a battle between these iconic teams? Let's explore the original comic and how it might translate to the MCU.
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What Is Avengers vs. X-Men?
The Avengers and X-Men have a long history of collaboration, from Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars in 1984 to Secret Invasion in 2008. However, the 2012 Avengers vs. X-Men storyline is unique because it pits these teams against each other.
The tension arises from a dire situation for the X-Men, following Scarlet Witch's actions in House of M, which reduced the mutant population to near extinction. The Phoenix Force, a cosmic entity, becomes central to the conflict. The Avengers view it as a threat to Earth, while Cyclops sees it as a potential savior for mutantkind. When the Avengers attempt to destroy the Phoenix, the X-Men interpret this as an act of war.
The story unfolds in three acts. Initially, the X-Men fight to protect the Phoenix, but the Avengers' plan backfires, splitting the Phoenix into five fragments that empower Cyclops, Emma Frost, Namor, Colossus, and Magik, forming the Phoenix Five. The second act sees the Avengers on the defensive, retreating to Wakanda, which Namor floods. The Avengers' hope lies with Hope Summers, the first mutant born post-House of M, who they believe can absorb the Phoenix Force.
The climax in the third act features Cyclops, possessed by the Phoenix fragments, turning into Dark Phoenix and killing Charles Xavier. However, the story concludes on a hopeful note as Hope, with Scarlet Witch's help, uses the Phoenix's power to restore the mutant gene, even as Cyclops faces incarceration.
How the MCU Is Adapting Avengers vs. X-Men
Details about Avengers: Doomsday are sparse, but the shift from Avengers: The Kang Dynasty to Doomsday reflects a change in focus from Kang to Doom. The MCU currently lacks an official Avengers team, and the X-Men presence is minimal, with characters like Kamala Khan and Namor introduced, alongside alternate universe versions of classic X-Men.
The MCU's version of Avengers vs. X-Men might unfold as a multiverse story, potentially involving the X-Men from the Fox universe. The post-credits scene in The Marvels hints at this, with Monica Rambeau trapped in a universe similar to Fox's X-Men world. An Incursion between Earth-616 and Earth-10005 could be the catalyst for the conflict, drawing inspiration from Secret Wars.
This setup could lead to thrilling superhero matchups and explore characters' divided loyalties. For instance, how would Ms. Marvel react to meeting other mutants, or Deadpool to fighting the Avengers?
How Doctor Doom Fits In
Doctor Doom's role in Avengers: Doomsday could be pivotal, given his history of manipulating heroes and seeking power. Doom might see the conflict between the Avengers and X-Men as an opportunity to weaken Earth-616, setting the stage for his ultimate goal in Secret Wars. As in the comics, Doom's actions could be the reason behind the multiverse's collapse, positioning him as the God Emperor of Battleworld.
How Avengers: Doomsday Leads Into Secret Wars
Avengers: Doomsday is expected to lead directly into Secret Wars, much like Infinity War led to Endgame. The film might end with the multiverse's destruction, leaving only Battleworld. This would set the stage for Secret Wars, where heroes from across the multiverse unite to restore reality and overthrow Doom.
Avengers: Doomsday could be a loose adaptation of Avengers vs. X-Men, paving the way for a darker status quo and the eventual multiverse restoration in Secret Wars.
For more on the MCU's future, explore why Secret Wars has the villain it needs in Downey's 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.
