Avengers: Doomsday is approaching its release as filming on the highly anticipated blockbuster reaches completion. The first half of the Multiverse Saga’s thrilling conclusion is set to debut in theaters on December 18, 2026, showcasing one of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s largest ensemble casts to date. Among the confirmed characters are the New Avengers and the Fantastic Four, with the most exciting news being the long-awaited reappearance of Fox’s beloved X-Men franchise.
With the return of iconic characters such as Charles Xavier, Magneto, Mystique, Cyclops, Nightcrawler, and Beast, Doomsday promises to be the most significant multiversal crossover since Deadpool & Wolverine. As anticipation builds, many Marvel enthusiasts may be inclined to rewatch the entirety of Fox’s X-Men saga to prepare for the forthcoming film. However, it suffices to say that only one film from this franchise is essential viewing before Doomsday.
Fans eager to refresh their knowledge of the mutant saga ahead of Avengers: Doomsday can do so without having to revisit all previous films, as Fox’s original X-Men film from 2000 is the only entry that significantly informs the upcoming Multiverse Saga event. This seminal film introduced a host of legendary mutants, led by Professor Charles Xavier, as they confronted both human prejudice and Magneto’s extremist Brotherhood of Mutants. Characters such as Professor X, Magneto, Mystique, and Cyclops are pivotal to Doomsday, while Nightcrawler and Beast are introduced in subsequent installments. Despite the extensive catalog of sequels, prequels, and spin-offs, only this initial introduction remains canon for the version of the X-Men poised to appear in the MCU.
The timeline underwent a radical shift in X-Men: Days of Future Past, where Wolverine’s time-traveling mission to prevent the creation of the Sentinels altered not just the future, but the entire timeline. Many heartbreaking events depicted in previous films appear to have been negated by Wolverine’s actions, allowing deceased characters to be resurrected within this new continuity. The implications suggest that significant events from films such as X-Men: The Last Stand and X2: X-Men United no longer exist in the new timeline climactically established in Days of Future Past.
This strategic simplification is ideal for Marvel as they look to retain focus on the essence of the X-Men narrative. The upcoming Doomsday film serves as a heartfelt tribute to the characters who were pivotal in igniting the modern superhero film era. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, who began his impressive career on the original X-Men, is personally invested in this farewell, marking a poignant conclusion to a chapter that shaped the trajectory of the MCU.
Ignoring the majority of the X-Men films’ convoluted narratives is a strategic decision that frees Avengers: Doomsday from the burden of reconciling inconsistent storylines, particularly from films like The Last Stand, Apocalypse, and Dark Phoenix. The cinematic legacy will be streamlined, preserving only the critical elements from X2 and First Class while bypassing the narrative disarray of its other sequels.
Despite the minimal impact of past X-Men events on the plot of Avengers: Doomsday, the potential for additional beloved characters from the franchise remains. In addition to those already confirmed, speculation suggests that Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine and Ryan Reynolds’s Deadpool, both of whom have proven popular, may make appearances, bolstered by their recent success in Deadpool & Wolverine. Furthermore, Evan Peters has expressed his eagerness to reprise his role as Quicksilver in the MCU, highlighting the intriguing possibilities for expanded character inclusion.
Looking ahead at the anticipated lineup, it is probable that Halle Berry will reprise her role as Storm and Famke Janssen as Jean Grey—characters that were integral to the original film and essential to its legacy. Fans may also hope for familiar faces like Shawn Ashmore’s Iceman and Anna Paquin’s Rogue as Doomsday prepares to honor the legacy of Fox’s mutants before handing off the franchise for a reboot in the coming years.
Avengers: Doomsday will hit theaters on December 18, 2026, and audiences can catch up on Fox’s X-Men film series, now available to stream on Disney+.
Based on reporting by CBR.com. Read the full story at CBR.com.