Fans have recently received mixed messages regarding the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday and the potential crossovers with X-Men characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Following a significant live-stream event confirming several actors from the X-Men franchise joining the cast, speculation surged about how these iconic heroes might interact. However, a major theory that excite fans has been effectively dismissed.
While comprehensive details about the plot of Avengers: Doomsday remain scarce, it is confirmed that Robert Downey Jr. will return in a pivotal role as Doctor Doom, the film’s central antagonist. Positioned as a precursor to Avengers: Secret Wars, which aims to wrap up the current Multiverse Saga, the announcement of seven notable X-Men actors coming on board has naturally stoked expectations and theories. Yet, it seems that Marvel Studios’ head, Kevin Feige, has cast doubt on the ideal of an Avengers versus X-Men showdown.
A Longstanding Desire for an Avengers vs X-Men Showdown
The Start of My Waiting Game in 2012
2012 marked a significant year for Marvel, both in cinematic and comic realms. It was the year that saw the release of the inaugural Avengers film, a landmark achievement that showcased the potential of interconnected cinematic storytelling. This year also heralded the comic book crossover Avengers vs X-Men, captivating audiences by pitting Earth’s mightiest heroes against mutants in a struggle for the Phoenix Force, a powerful cosmic entity.
The conflict arose as the Avengers sought to contain the Phoenix’s destructive potential, while the X-Men recognized its life-giving capabilities for their endangered kind. The simultaneous unleashing of these two cultural phenomena ignited my longtime hope for a live-action portrayal of this epic battle, particularly with the multiverse concept now prevalent in the MCU, paving the way for possible interactions and confrontations between the two franchises.
Trusting Avengers: Doomsday Would Finally Deliver
Adapting a Comic with Multiverse Flair
The recent announcements from Marvel Studios revealed that prominent original X-Men characters are set to appear in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. These characters include Patrick Stewart’s Professor X, Ian McKellen’s Magneto, and others like Cyclops, Mystique, and more. Additionally, the cast list for the movie is not yet complete, suggesting the possibility of further mutant appearances.
Initially, this led to a widespread belief that the incoming X-Men would take the place of the Ultimate Universe in the anticipated cinematic adaptation of Secret Wars. In the comics, the last two universes—the Ultimate Universe and the main Marvel Universe—were on a collision course due to multiversal incursions, leading to Doctor Doom creating a new realm, Battleworld, where he reigned supreme. Many speculated that the X-Men would have to battle the Avengers to protect their universe. However, insights shared by Feige have brought this theory into question.
Kevin Feige Shaking the Foundation of Fan Theories
Multiple Hero Teams United Against Doctor Doom
In a recent presentation from CinemaCon 2025, Kevin Feige shared new insights from the set of Avengers: Doomsday. He confirmed that fans should expect a combination of teams—namely, The Avengers, Wakandans, The Fantastic Four, The Thunderbolts, and the original X-Men—all teaming up against Doctor Doom. This collaboration dampens hopes for a classic Avengers vs X-Men battle.
Despite this setback, the potential for initial conflict among these hero groups still exists, as history tells us many superheroes start their adventures with a skirmish before they unite against a common adversary. The idea of multiple teams rallying to combat a shared villain brings offers plenty of thrilling opportunities for storytelling.
The Potential for Avengers vs X-Men in Secret Wars
Anticipating the Future of the Mutant Saga
While it appears that a direct Avengers vs X-Men confrontation will not materialize in Doomsday, the hope remains alive for such a showdown in Secret Wars. The comic series presents numerous conflict scenarios among various factions, all under Doctor Doom’s dominion. It’s plausible that Marvel might save the grandiosity of an Avengers vs X-Men narrative for the future, possibly post-Multiverse Saga.
Although this remains conjectural, there is significant anticipation that Marvel may focus on rebuilding the X-Men in a new saga, ushering in a fresh roster of characters that fit seamlessly into its extended universe. This promise suggests that an epic showdown may still be on the horizon, waiting for the right moment to unfold.
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to hit theaters on May 1st, 2026, and fans are eager to see how it will shape the MCU’s future.