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

At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel Studios unveiled exciting plans for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), including the surprising announcement that Robert Downey Jr. will return as Doctor Doom. Doom is set to play a pivotal role in 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, expanding on his brief appearance in The Marvels in 2023.

Speculation is rife that Avengers: Doomsday might secretly be an adaptation of the Avengers vs. X-Men storyline. Could this film set up a monumental clash between these iconic superhero teams? Let's delve into the original comic event and explore how it could be brought to life in the MCU.

Marvel Cinematic Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show

18 Images

What Is Avengers vs. X-Men?

Since their debut in the early 1960s, the Avengers and X-Men have frequently crossed paths, often teaming up to save the world in events like Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars (1984) and Secret Invasion (2008). However, the 2012 Avengers vs. X-Men (AvX) storyline is unique in that it pits these teams against each other.

The backdrop for AvX is a dire time for mutants, following Scarlet Witch's actions in House of M (2005), which drastically reduced the mutant population to the brink of extinction. Internal conflicts among the X-Men, such as the rift between Wolverine and Cyclops, further complicate matters. The arrival of the Phoenix Force from space adds fuel to the fire.

The Avengers view the Phoenix Force as a catastrophic threat to Earth, whereas Cyclops sees it as a potential savior for the mutant race. The Avengers' attempt to destroy the Phoenix Force before it reaches Earth is perceived as an act of war by the X-Men, leading to a fierce battle.

One intriguing aspect of AvX is the unexpected alliances formed. Wolverine, despite his history with the X-Men, aligns with the Avengers, while Storm finds herself torn between her duties with both teams. Professor X also shows less support for Cyclops than one might expect.

The storyline unfolds in three acts. Initially, the X-Men are the underdogs trying to protect the Phoenix Force. However, Iron Man's weapon inadvertently splits the Phoenix into five parts, empowering Cyclops, Emma Frost, Namor, Colossus, and Magik, who become known as the Phoenix Five.

In the second act, the Phoenix Five overpower the Avengers, who retreat to Wakanda. The situation escalates when Namor floods the country, and the Avengers pin their hopes on Hope Summers, the first mutant born after House of M, to absorb the Phoenix Force.

The climax in the third act sees Cyclops fully consumed by the Phoenix Force, transforming into Dark Phoenix. A united effort from both teams manages to stop him, but not before he kills Charles Xavier. The story concludes on a hopeful note with Hope and Scarlet Witch using the Phoenix's power to restore the mutant gene, despite Cyclops' imprisonment.

How the MCU Is Adapting Avengers vs. X-Men

Details on Avengers: Doomsday are scarce, with the title and cast still subject to change. Originally planned as Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, the film's focus shifted from Kang to Doom following Marvel's decision to part ways with Jonathan Majors. Currently, the MCU lacks an official Avengers team, and the X-Men's presence is minimal, with only a few mutants like Kamala Khan and Namor introduced so far.

Who Are the Mutants of the MCU?

Here's a list of confirmed Earth-616 mutants in the MCU:

• Ms. Marvel
• Mr. Immortal
• Namor
• Wolverine
• Ursa Major
• Sabra/Ruth Bat-Seraph

It's unclear if Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch will be revealed as mutants in the MCU.

The idea of an Avengers vs. X-Men movie at this stage might seem premature, but the multiverse could provide the necessary context. We theorize that Avengers: Doomsday could be a multiverse story, pitting the MCU against heroes from another universe, specifically the X-Men from the Fox universe. This could serve as a final showdown for the Fox X-Men characters.

The post-credits scene from The Marvels sets up a potential Incursion between the MCU and the Fox X-Men universe, with Monica Rambeau trapped in the latter. This unresolved plot point could lead to a catastrophic rift between the two universes, setting the stage for a battle for survival.

Drawing inspiration from the first chapter of the 2015 Secret Wars series, Avengers: Doomsday might depict a scenario where an Incursion forces the Avengers and X-Men to fight, knowing that one Earth must be destroyed to save the other. This setup could lead to epic superhero confrontations, such as Captain America vs. Wolverine or Thor vs. Storm.

Characters like Ms. Marvel and Deadpool might face internal conflicts, torn between their allegiances and the needs of their respective worlds.

How Doctor Doom Fits In

Doctor Doom's role in Avengers: Doomsday could be multifaceted. Known for his schemes and power grabs, Doom might see the conflict between the Avengers and X-Men as an opportunity to weaken both teams. His history of manipulating heroes and stealing their powers, as seen in incidents like the attempted assassination of Black Panther and his role in House of M, suggests he could be the mastermind behind the scenes, much like Zemo in Captain America: Civil War.

In the comics, Doom's actions lead to the collapse of the multiverse, setting the stage for Secret Wars. We anticipate a similar narrative in the MCU, with Doom orchestrating events that lead to the destruction of the multiverse and the creation of Battleworld.

How Avengers: Doomsday Leads Into Secret Wars

Originally intended as a lead-in to Avengers: Secret Wars, Avengers: Doomsday will likely set the stage for the multiverse's collapse. Similar to Secret Wars #1, where neither the Avengers nor the Ultimates can prevent the destruction of their universes, Doomsday might end with the multiverse's obliteration, leaving only Battleworld.

This scenario positions Doom as the God Emperor of Battleworld, a role he assumes in the comics. The conflict between the Avengers and X-Men could be part of Doom's grand plan to achieve godhood.

If Avengers: Doomsday adapts elements from Avengers vs. X-Men, it could pave the way for a dark new status quo, leading to Secret Wars, where a diverse cast 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 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.