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

At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel Studios unveiled exciting details about the future of the MCU, including a stunning announcement that Robert Downey, Jr. will reprise his role, this time as Doctor Doom. Doom will be central to the Multiverse Saga's climax, featuring prominently in both 2026's *Avengers: Doomsday* and 2027's *Avengers: Secret Wars*. Adding to the surprise, *Kelsey Grammer* will return as Beast in *Doomsday*, following his cameo in 2023's *The Marvels*.

This raises intriguing questions: Could *Avengers: Doomsday* secretly be an *Avengers vs. X-Men* movie? The possibility is gaining traction, prompting us to explore how this epic comic storyline might translate to the MCU.

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What Is Avengers vs. X-Men?

Since their inception in the early 1960s, the Avengers and X-Men have frequently crossed paths, teaming up in iconic events like *Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars* in 1984 and *Secret Invasion* in 2008. However, the 2012 *Avengers vs. X-Men* (AvX) stands out as a unique clash rather than a collaboration.

Set against a backdrop of turmoil for the X-Men, the story unfolds after Scarlet Witch's actions in *House of M* drastically reduced the mutant population to the brink of extinction. Amidst internal conflicts, including a schism between Wolverine and Cyclops, the arrival of the Phoenix Force from space escalates tensions.

The Avengers view the Phoenix Force as a dire threat capable of annihilating Earth, while Cyclops sees it as the last hope for mutantkind. When the Avengers attempt to destroy the Phoenix before it reaches Earth, the X-Men perceive this as an act of war, igniting a fierce conflict.

The narrative's complexity is heightened by heroes choosing unexpected sides. Wolverine aligns with the Avengers, while Storm, a member of both teams, faces a dilemma. Even Professor X's support for Cyclops is less than enthusiastic.

*AvX* unfolds in three acts. Initially, the X-Men are underdogs fighting to protect the Phoenix. However, Iron Man's attempt to destroy it results in the Phoenix splitting into five pieces, empowering Cyclops, Emma Frost, Namor, Colossus, and Magik, who become the Phoenix Five.

In the second act, the Phoenix Five dominate, pushing the Avengers to retreat to Wakanda. But Namor's aggression leads to Atlantis flooding Wakanda. The Avengers' strategy shifts to Hope Summers, the first mutant born post-*House of M*, to absorb the Phoenix Force and end the Phoenix Five's reign.

The climax in the third act sees Cyclops, possessed by the Phoenix Force, becoming the Dark Phoenix. The combined efforts of the X-Men and Avengers stop him, though not before Cyclops kills Charles Xavier. Ultimately, Hope, with Scarlet Witch's assistance, uses the Phoenix's power to restore the mutant gene, concluding on a hopeful note despite Cyclops' imprisonment.

How the MCU Is Adapting Avengers vs. X-Men

Details about *Avengers: Doomsday* remain sparse, with the title and cast undergoing changes. Initially announced as *Avengers: The Kang Dynasty*, the project shifted focus from Kang to Doom after the studio parted ways with Jonathan Majors. Currently, the MCU lacks an official Avengers team, a situation unchanged by *Captain America: Brave New World*.

The MCU's X-Men presence is even more fragmented. Notable mutants introduced include Iman Vellani’s Kamala Khan and Tenoch Huerta’s Namor, while classic X-Men members have appeared from alternate universes, such as Patrick Stewart’s Professor X in *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness*, Kelsey Grammer’s Beast in The Marvels, and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverines in Deadpool & Wolverine.

Who Are the Mutants of the MCU?

Here’s a rundown of confirmed Earth-616 mutants in the MCU:

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

While traditionally mutants, Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch's status in the MCU remains uncertain.

Given the disarray of the Avengers and the nascent presence of the X-Men, why would Marvel attempt an *Avengers vs. X-Men* movie? The answer likely lies in the multiverse, with *Avengers: Doomsday* potentially depicting a conflict between the MCU and the Fox X-Men universe.

The post-credits scene in *The Marvels*, where Grammer's Beast cares for Monica Rambeau, hints at her being trapped in the Fox X-Men universe. This unresolved plot point, coupled with the threat of Incursions, could set the stage for a battle between Earth-616 and Earth-10005, echoing the stakes of the 2015 *Secret Wars* series.

In *Secret Wars #1*, an Incursion forces the Avengers and Ultimates into a battle where one Earth must be sacrificed to save both universes. Similarly, *Doomsday* might pit the Avengers against the X-Men to prevent the destruction of their respective worlds, leading to epic superhero confrontations and moral dilemmas for characters like Ms. Marvel and Deadpool.

How Doctor Doom Fits In

Doctor Doom's role in *Avengers: Doomsday* is pivotal. 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, as seen in his interactions with Silver Surfer and the Beyonder, suggests he might see the X-Men as a tool to weaken the Avengers.

Doom's involvement in the original *Secret Wars* comic, where his war with the Beyonders leads to the multiverse's collapse, hints at a similar narrative in *Doomsday*. Here, Doom might orchestrate the conflict to advance his plan for ultimate power, setting the stage for his role as the God Emperor of Battleworld in *Secret Wars*.

How Avengers: Doomsday Leads Into Secret Wars

Originally intended as *Avengers: The Kang Dynasty*, *Doomsday* is now a crucial prelude to *Secret Wars*. Drawing inspiration from *Secret Wars #1*, the film might end with the multiverse's destruction due to the Avengers and X-Men's inability to unite against the looming threat.

This scenario mirrors *Infinity War*, where division leads to failure. The aftermath could see the creation of Battleworld, a patchwork reality, with Doom as its ruler. This sets the stage for *Secret Wars*, where a diverse array of Marvel heroes, from Anthony Mackie's Captain America to Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, unite to restore the multiverse and challenge Doom's reign.

*Avengers: Doomsday* could serve as a dark turning point, paving the way for *Secret Wars* to bring hope back to the multiverse. For more insights into the MCU's future, explore why Secret Wars needs 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.