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

At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel Studios unveiled exciting news about the future of the MCU, including the surprising return of Robert Downey, Jr. as Doctor Doom. Doom is set to 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*. This has sparked speculation about the nature of *Avengers: Doomsday*—could it secretly be an *Avengers vs. X-Men* movie?

The idea of the Avengers and X-Men clashing might raise eyebrows, especially considering past lessons from films like *Batman v Superman*. Let's delve into Marvel's *Avengers vs. X-Men* storyline 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 crossed paths since their early 1960s debuts, collaborating in numerous stories such as 1984’s *Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars* and 2008’s *Secret Invasion*. However, the 2012 *Avengers vs. X-Men* stands out because it portrays a fierce rivalry rather than teamwork. The tension arises during a dark period for the X-Men, following Scarlet Witch’s actions in 2005’s *House of M*, which drastically reduced the mutant population, pushing them towards extinction. Additionally, a rift between Wolverine and Cyclops leads to the formation of rival schools, further complicating the situation.

The conflict escalates with the arrival of the Phoenix Force, a cosmic entity heading towards Earth. The Avengers view the Phoenix as a dire threat to the planet, while Cyclops sees it as the last hope for mutantkind. When the Avengers attempt to destroy the Phoenix, the X-Men interpret this as an act of war.

The story unfolds in three acts. Initially, the X-Men struggle to protect the Phoenix. However, when Iron Man’s weapon splits the Phoenix into five parts, empowering Cyclops, Emma Frost, Namor, Colossus, and Magik into the Phoenix Five, the tables turn. The Avengers retreat to Wakanda, only to face further chaos when Namor floods the country. Their hope lies with Hope Summers, the first mutant born post-*House of M*, who they believe can absorb the Phoenix and end its reign.

In the final act, Cyclops becomes the new Dark Phoenix, leading to a climactic battle where he tragically kills Charles Xavier. The story concludes with Hope bonding with the Phoenix and, with Scarlet Witch's help, eradicating it while restoring the mutant gene.

How the MCU Is Adapting Avengers vs. X-Men

Currently, details about *Avengers: Doomsday* are sparse, with the title and cast undergoing changes. Initially announced as *Avengers: The Kang Dynasty*, the shift to *Doomsday* came after Marvel parted ways with Jonathan Majors, refocusing the Multiverse Saga on Doctor Doom. The MCU lacks a formal Avengers team post-*Captain America: Brave New World*, and the X-Men presence is minimal, with only a few mutants introduced, such as Iman Vellani’s Kamala Khan and Tenoch Huerta’s Namor.

The MCU's version of *Avengers vs. X-Men* might be a multiverse story, pitting the MCU against heroes from another universe, specifically the X-Men from the Fox universe. This theory builds on the post-credits scene in *The Marvels*, where Monica Rambeau finds herself in the Fox X-Men universe, hinting at a potential Incursion that could threaten both worlds.

Drawing inspiration from the 2015 *Secret Wars*, *Avengers: Doomsday* could depict a battle between the Avengers and the X-Men, driven by the necessity to prevent an Incursion from destroying both Earths. This setup could lead to epic confrontations and force characters to navigate conflicting loyalties, such as Ms. Marvel facing her fellow mutants or Deadpool fighting his once-idolized Avengers.

How Doctor Doom Fits In

Doctor Doom's role in *Avengers: Doomsday* could be that of an opportunistic villain, manipulating the conflict between the Avengers and X-Men to weaken them and further his own ambitions. Known for stealing powers and manipulating heroes, Doom might see the war between the teams as a means to an end. His actions could mirror those of Zemo in *Captain America: Civil War*, orchestrating events from behind the scenes.

Moreover, Doom's central role in the comic's buildup to *Secret Wars*—where his war with the Beyonders leads to the multiverse's collapse—suggests he may be the catalyst for the MCU's multiverse crisis. A war between the Avengers and X-Men could be a step in his plan to reshape reality.

How Avengers: Doomsday Leads Into Secret Wars

Originally titled *Avengers: The Kang Dynasty*, *Avengers: Doomsday* is expected to lead into *Avengers: Secret Wars*, much like *Infinity War* led to *Endgame*. Drawing parallels with the first chapter of the 2015 *Secret Wars* comic, *Doomsday* could end with the multiverse's destruction due to the Avengers and X-Men's failure to unite against the impending crisis.

If *Doomsday* concludes with the multiverse's obliteration, it could set the stage for *Secret Wars*, where Doctor Doom reigns as the God Emperor of Battleworld. This would pave the way for a grand ensemble of Marvel characters from various universes to unite and challenge Doom's rule, aiming to restore the multiverse.

For more insights into the MCU's future, explore why *Secret Wars* needs Downey's Doom as its villain, and keep up with all the latest Marvel movies 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.