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 MCU, highlighted by the unexpected return of Robert Downey, Jr. as Doctor Doom. This iconic villain will play a pivotal role in the culmination 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 2023's *The Marvels*. These announcements have sparked speculation about the potential for *Avengers: Doomsday* to be an adaptation of the epic *Avengers vs. X-Men* storyline. Could this film secretly set the stage for a monumental clash between these two powerhouse teams?

While the idea of the Avengers and X-Men battling each other might evoke memories of *Batman v Superman*, it's worth exploring how Marvel's *Avengers vs. X-Men* comic could be adapted for the MCU. This storyline, which pits Earth's Mightiest Heroes against the X-Men, is not just about conflict but also about the complex dynamics and motivations driving both teams.

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What Is Avengers vs. X-Men?

The Avengers and X-Men have a long history of collaboration, seen in epic tales like *Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars* (1984) and *Secret Invasion* (2008). However, *Avengers vs. X-Men* (2012) stands out as a unique narrative where these teams find themselves in direct opposition. The story unfolds during a tumultuous period for the X-Men, following the aftermath of *House of M* (2005), where Scarlet Witch's actions drastically reduced the mutant population, pushing them towards extinction. Additionally, internal conflicts, such as the schism between Wolverine and Cyclops, further complicate the situation.

The arrival of the Phoenix Force from space adds fuel to the fire. The Avengers view the Phoenix as a catastrophic threat to Earth, while Cyclops sees it as a beacon of hope for mutantkind. This fundamental disagreement escalates into a full-blown war when the Avengers attempt to destroy the Phoenix Force, which the X-Men interpret as an attack on their survival.

The storyline features surprising alliances and divisions. Wolverine, despite his history with the X-Men, aligns with the Avengers, while Storm struggles with her loyalties as both an Avenger and a mentor at Wolverine's school. Even Professor X's support for Cyclops is less than unwavering.

The narrative unfolds in three acts. In the first, the X-Men fight to protect the Phoenix Force, but the Avengers' attempt to destroy it results in the cosmic entity splitting into five parts, empowering Cyclops, Emma Frost, Namor, Colossus, and Magik—the Phoenix Five. In the second act, the empowered mutants dominate, forcing the Avengers to retreat to Wakanda, which is subsequently flooded by Namor. The Avengers' strategy shifts to Hope Summers, the first mutant born post-*House of M*, aiming to have her absorb the Phoenix Force and end the Phoenix Five's reign.

The final act sees Cyclops, now fully possessed by the Phoenix Force and transformed into the Dark Phoenix, clashing with both teams. The battle culminates in the tragic death of Charles Xavier at Cyclops' hands. Despite this, the story concludes on a hopeful note as Hope, with Scarlet Witch's assistance, uses the Phoenix Force to restore the mutant gene, marking a victory even as Cyclops faces imprisonment.

How the MCU Is Adapting Avengers vs. X-Men

Details about *Avengers: Doomsday* remain scarce, with the film's title and cast undergoing changes. Initially announced as *Avengers: The Kang Dynasty*, the project shifted focus from Kang to Doom following the studio's decision to part ways with Jonathan Majors. Currently, the MCU lacks a formal Avengers team, and the X-Men's presence is minimal, primarily through characters like Kamala Khan and Namor, with brief appearances of alternate universe X-Men in films like *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness* and *The Marvels*.

Who Are the Mutants of the MCU?

The MCU's confirmed Earth-616 mutants include Ms. Marvel, Mr. Immortal, Namor, Wolverine, Ursa Major, and Sabra/Ruth Bat-Seraph. Notably, Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch, traditionally mutants, have yet to be confirmed as such in the MCU.

Given the current state of both teams, the MCU's adaptation of *Avengers vs. X-Men* might involve a multiverse narrative, potentially featuring a clash between the MCU and the Fox universe's X-Men. This could build on the post-credits scene in *The Marvels*, where Monica Rambeau finds herself in the Fox X-Men universe. An Incursion between Earth-616 and Earth-10005 could set the stage for a battle over the survival of their respective worlds, drawing inspiration from the 2015 *Secret Wars* series.

This adaptation could feature thrilling superhero matchups and explore characters' conflicting loyalties, such as Ms. Marvel's connection to the mutant community or Deadpool's aspirations to join the Avengers. The narrative could become increasingly complex as heroes from different universes confront their counterparts.

How Doctor Doom Fits In

Doctor Doom's role in *Avengers: Doomsday* adds another layer to the narrative. Known for his scheming and power grabs, Doom could exploit the conflict between the Avengers and X-Men to further his own ambitions. His history of manipulating heroes and stealing powers from entities like the Silver Surfer or the Beyonder suggests he might use the war to weaken both teams, making Earth more vulnerable to his control. If *Doomsday* mirrors *Captain America: Civil War*, Doom could be the unseen hand, akin to Zemo, orchestrating the chaos.

In the comics, Doom's actions lead to the multiverse's collapse, a plot that might be mirrored in *Doomsday*. His involvement could be a crucial step in his plan to become a god, as seen in *Secret Wars*, where he creates Battleworld from the remnants of destroyed universes.

How Avengers: Doomsday Leads Into Secret Wars

Originally announced as *Avengers: The Kang Dynasty*, *Doomsday* is expected to set the stage for *Secret Wars*, similar to how *Infinity War* led into *Endgame*. Drawing from the first chapter of the 2015 *Secret Wars* comic, *Doomsday* could end with the multiverse's destruction, leaving only Battleworld. This scenario would position Doom as the God Emperor of Battleworld, a role that fits his ambitions perfectly.

In this adaptation, the Avengers and X-Men's failure to unite and stop the Incursion could lead to the multiverse's collapse, paving the way for *Secret Wars*. This film might then feature a diverse cast of Marvel heroes from various universes, working together to restore the multiverse and overthrow Doom.

*Avengers: Doomsday* could be a loose adaptation of *Avengers vs. X-Men*, setting the stage for a darker narrative leading into *Secret Wars*. As the multiverse crumbles, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown where heroes from across time and space unite to reclaim their reality.

For more insights into the MCU's future, explore why *Secret Wars* benefits from Downey's portrayal of Doom, and stay updated on every Marvel project 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.