Avengers: Doomsday First Look & X-Men Crossover

Marvel Studios is officially underway with production on Avengers: Doomsday, and early footage and leaked images are already stirring massive buzz online. While some clips appear to be fake, there are a few that might be our first real glimpse into what Marvel’s next epic chapter looks like — and fans are diving deep to separate fact from fiction.

X-Men Take the Spotlight in Avengers: Doomsday

One of the most talked-about developments? The X-Men are heavily involved. Scenes suggest major destruction around the iconic X-Mansion, hinting at significant multiversal mayhem. In one particularly intriguing clip, James Marsden returns as Cyclops, seen having a conversation with Wong — yes, that Wong from the Doctor Strange films. Why would the Sorcerer Supreme be mingling with mutants? One theory is that he’s acting as a bridge between universes, especially after the sling ring moment in Deadpool & Wolverine where Channing Tatum’s Gambit appears to be saved.

Some fans speculate this means Wong could have played a key role in merging the X-Men universe with the MCU, possibly via an incursion — the universe-colliding phenomenon that’s been a central theme throughout the Multiverse Saga.

Doctor Doom Enters the Scene

Another big reveal? Robert Downey Jr. is reportedly returning — not as Iron Man, but as Doctor Doom. According to Marvel chief Kevin Feige, Doom won’t see himself as a villain but as a multiversal savior. This sets up a complex moral conflict as he takes the Thanos-like central villain role across Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars.

Five Teams, One Fight

Feige describes the film as a crossover of five major teams:

• The New Avengers, led by Sam Wilson (Captain America)
• The Thunderbolts, which may evolve into the Dark Avengers
• The Wakandans, potentially including Namor as a reluctant ally
• The classic X-Men, crossing over from their universe
• The new Fantastic Four, introduced in their standalone film before joining the fight

Expect Infinity War-style team-ups across different battlegrounds, culminating in a final confrontation against Doom.

Comic Book Accuracy & Fan Service in Avengers: Doomsday

One of the most appreciated shifts in Marvel’s recent direction is its embrace of comic book accuracy. From Beast’s upgraded CGI look in The Marvel post-credits scene to rumors of Ian McKellen’s return as Magneto, the X-Men are finally getting their comic-accurate moment. That includes Marsden’s Cyclops suit and even Wolverine’s long-awaited yellow costume in Deadpool & Wolverine.

This evolution reflects Marvel’s growing confidence in leaning into its comic roots — a huge leap from the days of all-black leather in the early 2000s X-Men films, influenced heavily by The Matrix and studio skepticism of comic aesthetics.

What About Doctor Strange?

There’s been speculation that Doctor Strange 3 has been quietly canceled, but so far, it’s still in the pipeline. Whether it hits theaters before Secret Wars remains to be seen, but Marvel’s top priority right now is filming Doomsday and Secret Wars back-to-back, aiming for the same one-two punch that Infinity War and Endgame delivered.

Looking Ahead

Between leaks, cameos, and multiverse merges, Marvel fans are eating well. Upcoming release dates include:

• Untitled Marvel Film – February 2026 (pre-Doomsday)
• Untitled Marvel Film – November 2026 (pre-Secret Wars) – possibly Doctor Strange 3

Black Panther 3 – February 2028, with Denzel Washington reportedly cast as a one-off villain

As for Shuri, she remains Black Panther throughout Avengers: Doomsday, but the torch may soon pass. Marvel is expected to age up T’Challa Jr. during Secret Wars, paving the way for a new Black Panther era.

As filming continues, expect more leaks, teases, and speculation. But one thing’s for sure — Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be a massive event film with stakes and scale that rival, if not surpass, the Infinity Saga. The multiverse is collapsing, and everyone — mutants, Wakandans, sorcerers, and more — will have to pick a side.