Some iconic X-Men are coming to the MCU in Avengers: Doomsday, but there are also some notable characters missing from the roster. It has been confirmed that Avengers: Doomsday will see the return of the Fox X-Men characters, with the likes of Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and James Marsden reprising their iconic roles. Even more exciting, it appears they will finally be wearing their comic book-accurate costumes.
As exciting as it is to see these actors back in their X-Men roles, not all the famous Marvel mutants will be returning. Famke Janssen’s Jean Grey and Halle Berry’s Storm are two notable names that have been left out of the casting thus far. While it is certainly possible there will be some big surprises, the Avengers: Doomsday trailer hints at another explanation for where the rest of the X-Men are.
Are most of the X-Men dead in Avengers: Doomsday
Among the massive cast of Avengers: Doomsday, the confirmed X-Men actors so far are Patrick Stewart as Professor X, Ian McKellen as Magneto, James Marsden as Cyclops, Rebecca Romijn as Mystique, Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler, Kelsey Grammer as Beast, and reprising his Deadpool and Wolverine role, Channing Tatum as Gambit. As impressive as that is, the movie will still have to explain the whereabouts of the missing characters.
Given the Avengers: Doomsday trailer featuring the X-Men, it seems clear that tragedy has struck these characters. The first line in the trailer is “Death comes for us all,” which is heard over images of the X-Men mansion in ruins. The final image also sees Cyclops crying out as he unleashes his powerful energy blast. It is clear these characters have suffered, and it is likely their loved ones and fellow mutants they have lost.
With this being a multiverse movie, some tragedy may have befallen the X-Men, and they seek another universe to save those who remain. This would not be the first time such a story has unfolded with these characters. X-Men: Days of Future Past saw the original X-Men using time travel after most of them had been wiped out in the future. Logan suggested that Logan and Charles were the only remaining members. Even Deadpool and Wolverine featured a reality in which Wolverine was the only survivor of the team.
Having seen this play out so much, it does take away a bit of the impact when Avengers: Doomsday inevitably reveals the loss the X-Men have suffered. However, it also puts them on an interesting footing in the movie compared to the other superhero teams. They will be broken, desperate, and perhaps bitter heroes who may not be as heroic as we remember them. It also sets the stage for what is likely to come with these characters.
The X-Men’s fate rea sealed in Avengers: Doomsday
While the X-Men are likely trying to save their universe in Avengers: Doomsday, it is likely they’ll fail in that mission. The MCU might be thrilling fans by bringing back these original X-Men actors, but they also have their own version of the X-Men they will soon be building. In order to do that, the slate must be wiped clean.
The reality is, this will be the last time we see most of these actors in these roles. Avengers: Doomsday will most certainly kill off the Fox X-Men in order to make room for the new mutants in their established timeline. Of course, you can expect a grand heroic end for these characters. As much as he has said goodbye to them before, this time will be the final farewell.