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

At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel Studios unveiled exciting updates about the future of the MCU, including the unexpected return of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. Doom will play a pivotal role in the Multiverse Saga's climax, featured prominently in both 2026's Avengers: Doomsday and 2027's Avengers: Secret Wars. In another surprising twist, Kelsey Grammer will reprise his role as Beast in Doomsday, following his cameo in 2023's The Marvels.

These announcements have sparked speculation about the true nature of Avengers: Doomsday. Is it secretly an Avengers vs. X-Men movie? The evidence suggests it might be, and understanding Marvel's iconic Avengers vs. X-Men comic could provide insight into how this epic crossover might unfold on the big screen.

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What Is Avengers vs. X-Men?

The Avengers and X-Men have a long history of crossing paths, collaborating to save the world in stories like 1984's Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars and 2008's Secret Invasion. However, 2012's Avengers vs. X-Men stands out because it pits these two teams against each other.

The conflict in AvX 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's arrival on Earth further complicates matters, as the Avengers see it as a threat to be eliminated, while Cyclops views it as the mutants' last hope for survival. The Avengers' plan to destroy the Phoenix Force is interpreted by the X-Men as a declaration of war.

One of the intriguing aspects of AvX is the unexpected alliances. Wolverine, despite his history with the X-Men, sides with the Avengers due to his rift with Cyclops. Similarly, Storm grapples with her dual roles as an Avenger and a teacher at Wolverine's school. Even Professor X shows a surprising lack of support for Cyclops.

The story unfolds in three acts. In Act 1, the X-Men fight to protect the Phoenix Force. By the end of this act, Iron Man's weapon splits the Phoenix into five pieces, empowering Cyclops, Emma Frost, Namor, Colossus, and Magik, who become the Phoenix Five. Act 2 sees the Avengers on the defensive, retreating to Wakanda, which is flooded by Namor's Atlantis. Their hope lies in Hope Summers, the first mutant born after the decimation of the mutant population, who is meant to absorb the Phoenix Force.

Act 3 culminates in a final battle where Cyclops, possessed by the Phoenix Force, becomes the Dark Phoenix and kills Charles Xavier. Despite this tragedy, the story ends on a hopeful note as Hope, with Scarlet Witch's help, eradicates the Phoenix Force and restores the mutant gene, even if Cyclops ends up imprisoned.

Art by Jim Cheung. (Image Credit: Marvel)

How the MCU Is Adapting Avengers vs. X-Men

Details about Avengers: Doomsday remain scarce, with the film initially titled Avengers: The Kang Dynasty before the focus shifted from Kang to Doom. Currently, the MCU lacks an official Avengers team, and the X-Men presence is minimal, with characters like Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan and Tenoch Huerta's Namor being the most prominent mutants introduced.

The MCU's approach to Avengers vs. X-Men could involve a multiverse narrative, pitting the MCU against heroes from another universe, specifically the Fox X-Men universe. This theory is supported by the post-credits scene in The Marvels, where Kelsey Grammer's Beast tends to Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau, who appears to be trapped in the Fox X-Men universe.

Drawing inspiration from the 2015 Secret Wars series, Avengers: Doomsday might focus on an Incursion between Earth-616 and Earth-10005, forcing the Avengers and X-Men to battle for their respective worlds' survival. This setup would allow for thrilling superhero matchups and explore characters' conflicting loyalties, such as Ms. Marvel's potential connection with other mutants or Deadpool's reaction to fighting his former heroes.

Art by Jim Cheung. (Image Credit: Marvel)

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 both teams, making the world more susceptible to his schemes. His actions could mirror those of Zemo in Captain America: Civil War, orchestrating events from behind the scenes.

Moreover, Doom's involvement in the multiverse's collapse in the comics suggests he might be the driving force behind the MCU's multiverse crisis, setting the stage for Secret Wars where he becomes the God Emperor of Battleworld.

Art by Bryan Hitch. (Image Credit: Marvel)

How Avengers: Doomsday Leads Into Secret Wars

Originally planned as Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, Avengers: Doomsday is expected to lead directly into Avengers: Secret Wars. Taking cues from the first chapter of the 2015 Secret Wars comic, Doomsday may end with the multiverse's destruction due to the heroes' failure to unite against the looming threat.

The aftermath of Doomsday could see the creation of Battleworld, a patchwork reality, with Doom as its God Emperor. This would set the stage for Secret Wars, where heroes from across the multiverse, including past and present stars like Anthony Mackie's Captain America and Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, unite to restore the multiverse and overthrow Doom.

Art by Alex Ross. (Image Credit: Marvel)

For more insights into the MCU's future, explore why Secret Wars now has the perfect villain in Downey's Doom and stay updated on every Marvel movie and series 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.