The Marvel Cinematic Universe just flipped the script on what fans thought they knew about its future. With ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ now officially filming in the UK, the internet is getting to see a lot of new set photos.
Additionally, the look into the production of the show reveals a lot. They also showcase the long-awaited crossover between the MCU and the original X-Men movie universe. Beloved stars from Fox’s X-Men films are stepping back into their iconic roles, nearly 25 years after they first hit the big screen.
Cyclops And Magneto Reunite In ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
For fans who’ve long dreamed of seeing the X-Men properly integrated into the MCU, this is nothing short of monumental. And judging by the behind-the-scenes shots that have surfaced online, Marvel Studios isn’t holding back. The set photos, shared by user @BuiltFromSmash on social media, give us our first look at some of the returning X-Men legends.
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James Marsden is back as Scott Summers/Cyclops, seen in casual attire and, notably, without his signature visor. In a shot alongside Benedict Wong, who reprises his role as Wong, Earth-616’s current Sorcerer Supreme, Marsden’s Cyclops appears more in his civilian attire. That in itself could hint at how the X-Men are introduced in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ which is probably against their will.
The photo’s caption fuels speculation, suggesting that Wong might be recruiting Cyclops to fight Doctor Doom. This immediately raises eyebrows. Why Cyclops? Why now? And how long has Wong known about the existence of mutants in the MCU? With Doom as the central antagonist threatening the multiverse, the stakes have never been higher. Moreover, it would make sense for Earth’s mightiest and most gifted heroes to band together.
However, the second leaked image is even more jaw-dropping. Marsden’s Cyclops stands face-to-face with none other than Ian McKellen’s Erik Lensherr/Magneto. The fan-favorite villain appears in a sleek black suit with a flowing purple cape. While his iconic helmet is missing, that absence could mean a lot. It suggests a possible alliance with the X-Men or even a truce with his old rival Charles Xavier.
The Return Of X-Men Cast Is More Than Just Fan Service
Alongside Marsden and McKellen, other legendary X-Men cast members are confirmed to return. Patrick Stewart as Professor X, Kelsey Grammer as Beast, Rebecca Romijn as Mystique, Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler, and even Channing Tatum as Gambit might return. While Tatum never got to play Gambit in a standalone film as originally planned, his inclusion here feels like a full-circle moment.
In case you missed it: Tom Hiddleston Breaks Silence On Loki’s Potential Return In ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
The actor has been open about wanting to play the character again. From a storytelling standpoint, bringing these characters into the fold during ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ makes perfect sense. The film is the first chapter in a two-part conclusion to the MCU’s Multiverse Saga. With Doctor Doom threatening the collapse of entire universes, it’s logical for Marvel to pull characters from across cinematic timelines.
This isn’t just fan service for the sake of excitement. There’s a deeper narrative logic here. Much like how ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ gracefully brought back Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, ‘Doomsday’ can give these X-Men heroes and villains one final, meaningful arc. And if the rumors about Doom creating a Battleworld are true then the inclusion of the original X-Men timeline might be a major plot point rather than just cameos.
