Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has opened up about the X-Men’s return in the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday. He teased what could become one of the most nostalgic and monumental crossovers in cinematic history.
In a recent statement, Feige reflected on the long journey that has gradually brought beloved X-Men characters back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It began with Deadpool & Wolverine and, now, it seems to be culminating in an even more expansive exploration in Doomsday.
“It was another dream that we just didn’t think about for many years. Deadpool & Wolverine scratched the surface of that. And now, we’re really delving into it with Doomsday,” Feige said.
A Dream Years in the Making: X-Men’s Return Becomes Reality
Feige’s comments, in fact, highlight a long-standing desire among fans — and Marvel creatives alike — to integrate the original Fox-era X-Men into the mainline MCU. Ever since Disney’s 2019 acquisition of 21st Century Fox, the question of X-Men’s return has continued to loom large.
That dream first began to take shape in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which, notably, featured a brief but unforgettable appearance by Patrick Stewart’s Professor X from an alternate universe. However, the momentum truly picked up with Deadpool & Wolverine, which reignited fan excitement. Not only did it bring Hugh Jackman back as Logan, but it also paired him with Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool — both of whom are now officially canon within the MCU’s multiverse.
Avengers: Doomsday Could Define the X-Men’s Return
Unlike earlier cameos, Avengers: Doomsday, by contrast, appears to go much further. In fact, it’s shaping up to be a massive multiverse event that is widely expected to bring back several original X-Men cast members. Among the rumored names are James Marsden (Cyclops), Famke Janssen (Jean Grey), Halle Berry (Storm), and Ian McKellen (Magneto).
Feige’s remark — “now, we’re really delving into it” — indicates that this won’t be a simple nod to the past. Instead, Doomsday could serve as both a farewell and a celebration of the X-Men legacy. Moreover, it aims to actively tie these characters into the MCU’s expanding multiverse narrative. In this way, the X-Men’s return isn’t merely fan service — rather, it’s a crucial piece of the MCU’s evolving structure.
Deadpool & Wolverine Set the Stage
Before Doomsday, Marvel first tested the waters with Deadpool & Wolverine. Notably, the film marked the first major step in welcoming Fox-era characters into the MCU. As a result, fans responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, clearly showing that the multiverse is fertile ground for legacy characters.
How Avengers: Doomsday Will Honor the X-Men’s Return
Feige’s vision seems to mirror what worked in Spider-Man: No Way Home, which brought back Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and past villains. If Doomsday follows that model, it could be a “Secret Wars-lite” event — a bold step toward Avengers: Secret Wars.
With Doctor Doom rumored as the film’s main antagonist, the stakes are higher than ever. Timelines may collide, variant heroes may rise, and the X-Men’s return could help anchor the emotional weight of the entire saga.
What to Expect Next
Marvel has not officially confirmed the full cast of Avengers: Doomsday, but Feige’s comments confirm a major shift. This won’t be a parade of cameos. Instead, legacy characters like the X-Men are poised to play a significant role in shaping the MCU’s future.
With Deadpool & Wolverine proving that legacy roles can evolve within multiverse storytelling, Doomsday may go even further. It could finally deliver the crossover fans have dreamed about for decades — with the X-Men’s return at the center of it all.
Kevin Feige’s statement offers clear insight: the X-Men’s return is no longer a theory — it’s a turning point. As Avengers: Doomsday nears production, fans can expect a thrilling blend of legacy, multiverse mayhem, and the continued expansion of the MCU’s grand narrative.
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