In our previous article, we explored what Doctor Doom’s plan could be in Avengers: Doomsday. But with Marvel bringing back the original cast of the 2000s X-Men films, the question arises: what role will these mutants actually play? Let’s be honest—there’s no way 50 superheroes are all going to team up just to punch Doom.
So what if they don’t fight him…What if they fight each other?
The Comics Inspiration: Avengers vs. X-Men
The comic lore runs deep, but here’s the gist:
After House of M, where Scarlet Witch said her iconic line, “No more mutants”, she altered the reality, creating a world with almost no mutants. But then, The Phoenix Force—a destructive cosmic entity that can only be wielded by mutants—is returning to Earth.
Captain America sees it as a threat that might destroy the planet.
Cyclops believes it might save mutantkind and bring them back.
Now let’s reframe this within the MCU… by connecting it to Incursions.
Step 1: The X-Men’s Survival
The X-Men’s universe narrowly survives an Incursion. Jean Grey, wielding the Phoenix Force, pushes another universe away—accidentally destroying it in the process. This unimaginable act of power drains her completely. Jean dies in Cyclops’ arms. The Phoenix Force vanishes.
Cyclops vow to protect his universe no matter what.
Step 2: The Fantastic Four Arrive
As teased in the Thunderbolts post-credit scene, the Fantastic Four arrive in the Sacred Timeline. Their homeworld was destroyed in an Incursion, and they’re seeking refuge. But during their journey, they witness something terrifying: the Phoenix Force lingering in Earth’s orbit.
Step 3: Enter Namor and the Talokans
Another Incursion looms. This time, the Sacred Timeline is colliding with the X-Men universe. Professor X, using Cerebro, detects a mutant in the Sacred Timeline—Namor, as confirmed in Wakanda Forever.
The X-Men arrive on the Sacred Timeline and ally with the Talokanil. Cyclops and Namor are determined to prevent another Incursion at any cost.
Step 4: The Avengers & Fantastic Four Regroup
In Wakanda, Sam Wilson’s Captain America and Shuri (Black Panther) discuss the cosmic force orbiting Earth.
Meanwhile, the New Avengers bring the Fantastic Four to Wakanda. Reed Richards identifies the force: the Phoenix. And he warns them of its destructive potential—and the unstoppable chain reaction of Incursions.
Step 5: X-Men vs. Avengers
Talokanil forces breach Wakanda. Cyclops and Namor try to negotiate. Their proposal: use the Phoenix Force to protect just two universes—their own and the Sacred Timeline. All other universes? Collateral damage.
Captain America refuses. Sacrificing countless universes isn’t the answer. There must be another way. Plus, there is no guarantee that Cyclops is able control the Phoenix Force without destroying their own universes.
Lines are drawn. Ideals clash. And war begins.
Step 6: Enter Doctor Doom
While the heroes are locked in battle, the Phoenix Force finally descends to Earth. It may destroy everything. But it’s already too late.
Because at that exact moment, Doctor Doom snaps his fingers.
And just like that… Battleworld is born.
Now, both the X-Men and Avengers will be forced to unite in the twisted world Doom has created.
P.s.: Please read our previous article to find out how Doom creates Battleworld.
Disclaimer
This is all just a theory—a speculative but logical fit for the current state of the MCU. It’s not a direct comic adaptation, but it makes use of all the pieces Marvel has placed on the board.
So take it with a grain of salt—but don’t be surprised if Avengers: Doomsday delivers a multiversal war like we’ve never seen before.
