In anticipation of Avengers: Doomsday, Anthony Mackie’s recent statements about the X-Men have heightened excitement among fans to witness what has long been a dream moment in Marvel cinema. Since its announcement, the latest Avengers film has captivated audiences, particularly as it transitions from the previously titled Avengers: The Kang Dynasty to this intriguing Doctor Doom-centered narrative. This shift has sparked keen interest in the evolving Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) storyline.
The casting news surrounding Avengers: Doomsday has further fueled speculation, especially the revelation that Robert Downey Jr. will portray Doctor Doom. This development raises questions about how the iconic Iron Man actor will embody a villain and seamlessly integrate the character of Victor Von Doom, who bears a resemblance to Tony Stark. With each update, the film’s prospective X-Men involvement adds another layer of thrill to this upcoming chapter in the MCU.
Avengers: Doomsday’s X-Men Cast Confirmations Heighten Anticipation
As the excitement builds around Avengers: Doomsday, the recent casting announcements have notably enhanced its appeal. The news divulged in March 2025 confirmed not only the inclusion of familiar Marvel figures from the Thunderbolts and the God of Thunder but also revealed that several legendary X-Men actors will reprise their roles. This revival includes Channing Tatum as Gambit, Kelsey Grammer as Beast (the same version featured in the post-credits scene of The Marvels), and Patrick Stewart returning as Professor X, who was previously seen in a variant role in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
The last Fox X-Men movie, 2020’s The New Mutants, focused on characters who hadn’t yet joined the X-Men, while the last major ensemble installment, 2019’s Dark Phoenix, has now faded into the backdrop of the past for six years. Notably, Ian McKellen’s return as Magneto suggests potential fireworks alongside Stewart’s Professor X. Fans can look forward to beloved characters like Alan Cumming’s Nightcrawler, Rebecca Romijn’s Mystique, and James Marsden’s Cyclops re-emerging after significant gaps from the franchise.
Mackie’s Comments Spike Excitement for X-Men Collaboration
In a recent interview with ScreenRant’s Joe Deckelmeier, Mackie shared his enthusiasm for the inclusion of X-Men characters in Avengers: Doomsday. Particularly, he revealed a personal connection with Cyclops, stating:
Look, I am a big Cyclops fan. That’s my favorite X-Men. I have a Cyclops action figure on my key chain that I’ve had since high school. When I was in high school, the X-Men cartoon was really big, and this was before the movies. I’ve always been a huge Cyclops fan, and I’m really, really excited – hopefully, knock on wood – for them to be a part of it and come into it. [I’m excited] to hang out with Xavier and Beast and all those guys. But my favorite is Nightcrawler. If I can hang out with one character? Me and Nightcrawler in the French Quarter during Mardi Gras for two weeks, that’s what I do.
The prospect of a Fox X-Men and MCU Avengers collaboration is particularly exhilarating, given Mackie’s strong appreciation for the characters, suggesting these heroes may not only share the screen but also engage in dynamic battles together. This synergy is backed by Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, who stated that characters from various factions, including the Avengers, Wakandans, Fantastic Four, and original X-Men will unite against Doctor Doom, indicating a collaborative spirit that is long-awaited by fans.
Why Avengers: Doomsday & Avengers: Secret Wars Are Primed for X-Men’s MCU Integration
Recent Marvel entries such as The Marvels, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and Deadpool & Wolverine have provided glimpses of the mutant landscape without formally introducing the X-Men as a cohesive unit. However, with Avengers: Doomsday poised to approach the narrative more directly, the film stands as a significant opportunity for the X-Men to emerge prominently within the MCU narrative.
With the franchise hinting at integrating the X-Men into the Marvel fold, this film may serve as a pivotal platform for their official debut. The long-desired crossover of the X-Men and Avengers appears to be materializing, promising exhilarating collaborations and fight sequences that fans have yearned for since the MCU’s inception. Given Mackie’s affinity for these characters and the imminent release of Avengers: Secret Wars, the timing appears ideal for a major resurgence of the X-Men on the silver screen.
- Reviving iconic characters and actors from the X-Men franchise
- Creating dynamic team-ups with beloved Avengers
- Setting the stage for future crossovers in the MCU