Avengers: Doomsday - A Secret Avengers vs. X-Men Film?

At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel Studios unveiled exciting developments for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), including the surprising return of Robert Downey, Jr. as Doctor Doom. Doom will 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 The Marvels in 2023.

The announcement has sparked speculation that Avengers: Doomsday might secretly be an adaptation of the Avengers vs. X-Men storyline. Could this film set the stage for a monumental clash between these iconic teams? To understand the potential, let's delve into the original Avengers vs. X-Men comic and explore how it could be adapted for the MCU.

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What Is Avengers vs. X-Men?

The Avengers and X-Men have a long history of collaboration, dating back to their early days in the 1960s. They've joined forces in epic events like Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars in 1984 and Secret Invasion in 2008. However, the 2012 Avengers vs. X-Men storyline is unique because it pits these teams against each other.

The tension in AvX arises during a grim period for the X-Men. Following Scarlet Witch's actions in House of M in 2005, the mutant population has dwindled to near extinction, causing a rift between Wolverine and Cyclops, who establish rival schools. The arrival of the Phoenix Force from space further escalates the situation.

Art by Jim Cheung. (Image Credit: Marvel)

The Avengers view the Phoenix as a catastrophic threat, while Cyclops sees it as a beacon of hope for mutants. When the Avengers attempt to destroy the Phoenix before it reaches Earth, the X-Men perceive it as an act of war, leading to a fierce battle.

The storyline's intrigue lies in the unexpected alliances. Wolverine, despite his history with the X-Men, aligns with the Avengers, while Storm, a member of both teams, grapples with her loyalties. Professor X also shows a surprising lack of support for Cyclops.

AvX unfolds in three acts. Initially, the X-Men are the underdogs trying to protect the Phoenix. The plot shifts when Iron Man's attempt to destroy the Phoenix splits it into five pieces, empowering Cyclops, Emma Frost, Namor, Colossus, and Magik, creating the Phoenix Five.

Art by Olivier Coipel. (Image Credit: Marvel)

In the second act, the Phoenix Five dominate, forcing the Avengers to retreat to Wakanda. Namor's attack on Wakanda further escalates the conflict. The Avengers' hope rests on Hope Summers, the first mutant born after House of M, who they believe can absorb the Phoenix and end the Phoenix Five's reign.

The final act sees Cyclops, now the Dark Phoenix, possessed by the Phoenix fragments, leading to a climactic battle. Despite Cyclops killing Charles Xavier, the story ends on a hopeful note with Hope and Scarlet Witch using the Phoenix's power to restore the mutant gene, even as Cyclops faces imprisonment.

How the MCU Is Adapting Avengers vs. X-Men

Details about Avengers: Doomsday are scarce, with the film's title and cast undergoing changes. Initially titled Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, the film shifted its focus from Kang to Doctor Doom after Marvel cut ties with Jonathan Majors. Currently, the MCU lacks a formal Avengers team, and the X-Men's presence is minimal.

The MCU has introduced a few mutants, including Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan and Tenoch Huerta's Namor. Classic X-Men characters have appeared in alternate universes, such as Patrick Stewart's Professor X in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Hugh Jackman's Wolverine in Deadpool & Wolverine.

Who Are the Mutants of the MCU?

Here's a list of confirmed mutants in the MCU's 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 idea of an Avengers vs. X-Men movie seems premature given the current state of both teams in the MCU. However, the multiverse provides a plausible explanation. Our theory is that Avengers: Doomsday will feature a multiverse conflict, not between the MCU's Avengers and X-Men, but between the MCU and the X-Men from the Fox universe.

Art by Jim Cheung. (Image Credit: Marvel)

This concept draws inspiration from the 2015 Secret Wars series, where an Incursion between the classic and Ultimate universes threatens their existence. Similarly, an Incursion between Earth-616 and Earth-10005 could force the Avengers and X-Men to fight for their worlds' survival.

Such a scenario would allow for thrilling superhero matchups and explore the internal conflicts of characters like Ms. Marvel and Deadpool. The narrative could delve into the complexities of loyalty and the desperation to save one's world.

How Doctor Doom Fits In

Art by Bryan Hitch. (Image Credit: Marvel)

Doctor Doom's role in Avengers: Doomsday could be pivotal. Known for his cunning and ambition, Doom often manipulates events to his advantage. He might exploit the conflict between the Avengers and X-Men to weaken his enemies and advance his own agenda.

In the comics, Doom's actions lead to the multiverse's collapse during Secret Wars. Similarly, in Doomsday, Doom might be orchestrating the multiverse's deterioration, using the war between the Avengers and X-Men as a step toward his ultimate goal of godhood.

How Avengers: Doomsday Leads Into Secret Wars

Originally planned as Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, Avengers: Doomsday is expected to set the stage for Avengers: Secret Wars. Drawing from Secret Wars #1, the film could end with the multiverse's destruction, leading to the creation of Battleworld, a patchwork reality ruled by Doctor Doom.

Art by Alex Ross. (Image Credit: Marvel)

In this scenario, Avengers: Doomsday would serve as a loose adaptation of Avengers vs. X-Men, leading to a dark status quo where the multiverse is destroyed, and existence is reduced to Battleworld. Avengers: Secret Wars would then see a diverse lineup of Marvel characters from various universes unite to restore the multiverse and overthrow Doom.

For more insights into the MCU's future, explore why Secret Wars benefits from Downey's portrayal of 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.