At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel Studios unveiled exciting updates about the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), with a major highlight being the return of Robert Downey, Jr. as Doctor Doom. Doom will play a pivotal role in the climax of the Multiverse Saga, featuring prominently in both 2026's *Avengers: Doomsday* and 2027's *Avengers: Secret Wars*. Additionally, *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 plot of *Avengers: Doomsday*, with many wondering if it could be an adaptation of the *Avengers vs. X-Men* storyline from the comics.
Could *Avengers: Doomsday* be a secret *Avengers vs. X-Men* film? There's growing evidence to suggest this might be the case. The Avengers and X-Men have a rich history of both collaboration and conflict in the comics. The 2012 *Avengers vs. X-Men* storyline, in particular, saw the teams at odds due to the Phoenix Force's arrival on Earth. The Avengers viewed the Phoenix as a threat, while Cyclops and the X-Men saw it as their salvation. This led to a fierce battle, with unexpected alliances and dramatic shifts in power dynamics.
In the MCU, the Avengers are currently without an official team, and the X-Men have been introduced sparingly, mostly through characters from other universes. However, the post-credits scene in *The Marvels* hints at a connection between the MCU and the Fox X-Men universe, with Monica Rambeau seemingly trapped there. This could set the stage for an Incursion between Earth-616 and Earth-10005, mirroring the conflict in the 2015 *Secret Wars* comic where the Avengers and Ultimates fought over the survival of their respective universes.
Doctor Doom's role in *Doomsday* adds another layer of intrigue. Known for his ambition and manipulation, Doom could exploit the conflict between the Avengers and X-Men to further his own goals. His involvement in the multiverse's collapse, as seen in the comics, suggests he might be orchestrating events behind the scenes, much like Zemo in *Captain America: Civil War*.
*Avengers: Doomsday* is poised to lead into *Avengers: Secret Wars*, likely ending with the destruction of the multiverse and the creation of Battleworld, a patchwork reality ruled by Doom. This setup would pave the way for a grand finale in *Secret Wars*, where heroes from various universes unite to restore the multiverse and overthrow Doom.
With these developments, the MCU is gearing up for a thrilling and interconnected narrative arc that promises to bring beloved characters together in new and unexpected ways.
Marvel Cinematic Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show
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Who Are the Mutants of the MCU?
Here’s a quick rundown of every mutant character confirmed to exist in the MCU so far, all residing on Earth-616:
- Ms. Marvel
- Mr. Immortal
- Namor
- Wolverine
- Ursa Major
- Sabra/Ruth Bat-Seraph
It's also worth noting that Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch are traditionally portrayed as mutants, though their status in the MCU remains unclear.
For more insights into the MCU's future, explore why Secret Wars finally has the villain it needs with Downey's Doom, and stay updated on every Marvel movie 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.*