X-Men primed for 'new intentions and intensity' in Avengers: Doomsday, says James Marsden
James Marsden reveals how the X-Men figure into Avengers: Doomsday — but the tidbit you actually want is the one we’re holding back.
In a new sit-down with Empire, James Marsden didn’t hedge about how big Avengers: Doomsday gets. Reprising Cyclops, he said the movie doesn’t just bring old teammates back — it smashes entire worlds together and pushes those familiar mutants into places fans haven’t seen before.
“It’s an absolute collision of three gigantic universes, coming together in the face of a very serious existential threat,” Marsden said. “You’re seeing time on screen. You’re seeing these characters from 27 years ago, in new costumes with new intentions and intensities.”
Marsden’s hint lines up with what Marvel has been signaling: the X-Men are stepping into the same arena as the Avengers — and this time with Robert Downey Jr. returning to the MCU as Doctor Doom. Alongside Cyclops, the film is set to feature several familiar mutants and likely a few surprise faces the studio is keeping under wraps.
- Gambit
- Charles Xavier (Professor X)
- Magneto
- Beast
- Mystique
Homework from Joe Russo
Before Doomsday hits theaters, co-director Joe Russo has a suggestion: catch the rerelease Avengers: Endgame Encore first. In a red carpet chat with Fandango at Comic-Con, he said the Encore cut isn’t just a nostalgia trip — it’s meant to prep audiences for what’s coming in December.
“Two, I think it’s required viewing for following the story in Doomsday,” he said.
Endgame Encore adds a few minutes of new footage, includes a custom introduction, and features a post‑credits scene that leads directly into Avengers: Doomsday. Marvel rolled out a fresh trailer to announce the rerelease, which is positioned as a bridge to the team-up arriving in December.