At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel Studios unveiled exciting plans for the future of the MCU, including the surprising announcement that Robert Downey Jr. will reprise his role, this time as Doctor Doom. Doom will play a pivotal role in the climactic events 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 return as Beast in *Doomsday*, expanding on his cameo in 2023's *The Marvels*.

This news has sparked speculation that *Avengers: Doomsday* might secretly be an adaptation of the iconic *Avengers vs. X-Men* storyline. Could this film set the stage for a monumental clash between these two powerhouse teams? Let's delve into the comic's plot and explore how it might translate to the MCU.

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What Is Avengers vs. X-Men?

The Avengers and X-Men have shared the Marvel Universe since their early 1960s debut, frequently collaborating in epic events like *Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars* (1984) and *Secret Invasion* (2008). However, *Avengers vs. X-Men* (2012) marked a significant departure, pitting the two teams against each other.

The tension arises from a dire situation for the X-Men. Following Scarlet Witch's actions in *House of M* (2005), the mutant population dwindled to near extinction. Internal divisions between Wolverine and Cyclops further complicated matters. Amid this turmoil, the cosmic Phoenix Force set its sights on Earth, sparking the conflict.

The Avengers perceived the Phoenix as a global threat, while Cyclops saw it as the mutants' last hope for survival. When the Avengers attempted to destroy the Phoenix Force, the X-Men interpreted it as an act of war. The storyline was enriched by unexpected alliances, such as Wolverine siding with the Avengers and Storm being torn between her affiliations.

The narrative unfolded in three acts. Initially, the X-Men fought as underdogs to protect the Phoenix Force. However, Iron Man's attempt to eliminate the Phoenix backfired, splitting it into five parts that empowered Cyclops, Emma Frost, Namor, Colossus, and Magik, forming the Phoenix Five.

In the second act, the empowered mutants turned the tables, forcing the Avengers to retreat to Wakanda, which was subsequently flooded by Namor. The Avengers pinned their hopes on Hope Summers, the first mutant born post-*House of M*, to absorb the Phoenix Force and end the Phoenix Five's reign.

The final act saw Cyclops become the Dark Phoenix, leading to a climactic battle where he tragically killed Professor X. Despite this loss, Hope, with Scarlet Witch's assistance, managed to eradicate the Phoenix Force and restore the mutant gene, leaving even the imprisoned Cyclops satisfied with the outcome.

How the MCU Is Adapting Avengers vs. X-Men

Details about *Avengers: Doomsday* remain scarce beyond its title and cast, which have seen changes since its initial announcement as *Avengers: The Kang Dynasty*. The MCU currently lacks a formal Avengers team, and the X-Men's presence is even more fragmented, with only a few mutants introduced and primarily from alternate universes.

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

Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch, traditionally mutants, may also be revealed as such in future MCU narratives.

The potential for an *Avengers vs. X-Men* movie stems from the multiverse concept. We theorize that *Doomsday* will depict a war between the MCU's heroes and those from another universe, specifically the Fox X-Men universe. This could serve as a final chapter for the Fox X-Men characters, building on the post-credits scene in *The Marvels* where Monica Rambeau finds herself in the Fox X-Men universe.

The MCU's adaptation might draw inspiration from both *Avengers vs. X-Men* and the initial chapter of *Secret Wars* (2015), where an Incursion between the classic and Ultimate Universes forces a battle for survival. Similarly, an Incursion between Earth-616 and Earth-10005 could set the stage for the Avengers and X-Men's conflict, leading to epic confrontations and character dilemmas.

How Doctor Doom Fits In

Doctor Doom's role in *Avengers: Doomsday* could be pivotal, as he is known for exploiting conflicts to further his own ambitions. He might see the war between the Avengers and X-Men as an opportunity to weaken both teams, setting the stage for his ultimate goal of attaining godhood.

In the comics, Doom's actions lead to the collapse of the multiverse, setting the stage for *Secret Wars*. We anticipate *Doomsday* will reveal Doom's involvement in the deteriorating state of the MCU's multiverse, positioning him as a central antagonist.

How Avengers: Doomsday Leads Into Secret Wars

Originally planned as *Avengers: The Kang Dynasty*, *Doomsday* is expected to be a crucial precursor to *Avengers: Secret Wars*, much like *Infinity War* was to *Endgame*. Drawing from *Secret Wars* #1, the film may end with the multiverse's destruction due to the ongoing conflict between the Avengers and X-Men, leading to the creation of Battleworld.

This setup would position Doctor Doom as the God Emperor of Battleworld in *Secret Wars*, with the Avengers and X-Men's battle being part of his grand scheme. *Avengers: Doomsday* could thus serve as a dark prelude to *Secret Wars*, where a diverse array of Marvel heroes must unite to restore the multiverse and defeat 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 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.