The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) recently experienced a remarkable turnaround with the announcement of Avengers: Doomsday, which has captured attention through its antecedent, The Marvels, despite the latter being the MCU’s lowest-grossing film. This underappreciated film now features what many consider one of the most pivotal post-credits scenes in recent years. During a compelling 5-hour live stream event, Marvel confirmed the return of key characters such as Shang-Chi and Namor and unveiled that production for Avengers: Doomsday is officially underway.
This resurgence in interest comes at a crucial time, as the long gap since the recent appearances of these characters threatened to erase them from the minds of fans. The discussion surrounding Avengers: Doomsday has prompted speculation about how these familiar faces will intertwine within the larger narrative.
Avengers: Doomsday’s Cast Features Returning X-Men Stars
Many (But Not All) Of Fox’s X-Men Actors Are Coming Back
The live stream revealed several surprises for fans, including Kelsey Grammer’s return as Hank McCoy, also known as Beast. His presence was further bolstered by familiar names from Fox’s X-Men franchise who joined him. Notably, Patrick Stewart reprises his role as Professor X, while others like Ian McKellen and Alan Cumming have made stunning returns after long absences.
| Returning X-Men Actor | Character | Last Seen |
|---|---|---|
| Kelsey Grammer | Hank McCoy/Beast | The Marvels (2023) |
| Patrick Stewart | Charles Xavier/Professor X | Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) |
| Ian McKellen | Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto | X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) |
| Alan Cumming | Kurt Wagner/Nightcrawler | X2 (2003) |
| Rebecca Romijn | Raven Darkhölme/Mystique | X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) |
| James Marsden | Scott Summers/Cyclops | X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) |
| Channing Tatum | Remy LeBeau/Gambit | Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) |
Fans are particularly excited about Alan Cumming’s reprisal of Nightcrawler, a character he has not portrayed since 2003. His past expressed reluctance to return due to the extensive makeup required, but recent social media posts reflect his unexpected enthusiasm. Similarly, James Marsden hopes to redeem Cyclops, a character who met an untimely end in earlier films.
Kelsey Grammer’s Beast Debuts in The Marvels Credits Scene
Kelsey Grammer Appears As A Comics-Accurate Version Of Beast
Watch the scene here
The Marvels’ post-credits scene established a link between the MCU and an alternate universe where the X-Men exist. This development is underscored when Monica Rambeau, who finds herself in a parallel universe, meets Grammer’s Beast, who explains her unintended journey into their realm. With insights that Charles Xavier desires updates, this scene sets the stage for further exploration in Avengers: Doomsday.
Though the audience for The Marvels was disappointingly small, the post-credits scene is now viewed as crucial for understanding the Multiverse Saga, creating anticipation for what lies ahead.
Avengers: Doomsday Elevates the Importance of The Marvels’ Credits Scene
The Marvels Now Directly Connects to Avengers: Doomsday
The implications of The Marvels’ post-credits sequence now resonate powerfully within the MCU. Kelsey Grammer’s involvement in Avengers: Doomsday ties back to Monica Rambeau’s journey, suggesting she may play a pivotal role in connecting the X-Men to Earth-616. This connection hints at the potential for more cast announcements as the MCU continues to expand its storytelling universe.
There is growing speculation regarding an Avengers vs. X-Men narrative arc, where these two iconic teams may collide to protect their respective universes from destruction. Given the age of the returning cast members and the overarching narrative focus on Earth-616, it seems that characters from the X-Men universe are facing significant stakes.
The Marvels Post-Credits Scene Has Emerged as Vital in the Last Five Years
The Marvels Delivered a Post-Credits Scene That Will Be Substantially Addressed
The Multiverse Saga has often faced criticism for its perceived disjointed narrative. Various post-credits scenes over the years have introduced exciting possibilities without concrete resolutions. Unlike other standalone scenes, such as the introduction of Eros or various non-committal teases, The Marvels succeeded in creating a narrative thread that directly influences following films like Avengers: Doomsday.
| MCU Credits Scenes From The Multiverse Saga | ||
|---|---|---|
| MCU Movie | Release Date | Credits Scene |
| Captain America: Brave New World | February 14, 2025 | The Leader warns Captain America about other heroes from another universe. |
| Deadpool & Wolverine | July 25, 2024 | Deadpool reveals evidence of a clash with Johnny Storm and Cassandra Nova. |
| The Marvels | November 10, 2023 | Monica Rambeau encounters Kelsey Grammer’s Beast in an alternate universe. |
| Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 | May 5, 2023 |
|
| Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania | February 17, 2023 |
|
| Black Panther: Wakanda Forever | November 11, 2022 | Shuri comes to terms with her loss and meets her brother’s son, Toussant. |
| Thor: Love and Thunder | July 8, 2022 |
|
| Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness | May 6, 2022 |
|
| Spider-Man: No Way Home | December 17, 2021 |
|
| Eternals | November 5, 2021 |
|
| Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings | September 3, 2021 |
|
| Black Widow | July 9, 2021 | Valentina Allegra de Fontaine recruits Yelena Belova. |
As Marvel ventures deeper into its Multiverse Saga, certain post-credits sequences like Eros and the symbiote’s appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home have largely lost their seeming relevance. The pivot away from Kang as the primary villain suggests the future direction may veer toward characters like Doctor Doom. Comparatively, the post-credits scene that introduces Beast has gained significance, indicating it will have substantial consequences in Avengers: Doomsday, enhancing its weight in the overall saga.
- Word Count: 1,653