Marvel fans believe they have uncovered a hidden detail in the recent cast announcement for Avengers: Doomsday, sparking speculation about a long-awaited Avengers and X-Men crossover.
Earlier this week, Marvel Studios unveiled the film’s star-studded cast in a unique livestream. The reveal featured a set chair being placed in a hangar, starting with Chris Hemsworth’s name. Every 12 minutes, another chair was added with a new star’s name, gradually unveiling the full roster. However, eagle-eyed fans noticed something intriguing—the shadows cast by the chairs seemed to form an ‘X’ and an ‘A’ intertwined.
This subtle visual cue has led to speculation that Avengers: Doomsday may finally bring together the Avengers and the X-Men in a shared cinematic universe. On Reddit, one fan exclaimed, “Good catch! I think this movie is going to have both Avengers AND X-Men!” Another joked, “Are you really a fan of the MCU if you’re not becoming a Marvel conspiracy theorist?”
The theory gains credibility when considering the confirmed cast list, which features both Avengers and X-Men veterans. Returning Avengers include Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson/Captain America), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier), Letitia Wright (Shuri/Black Panther), and Paul Rudd (Scott Lang/Ant-Man). Meanwhile, the X-Men lineup boasts Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), James Marsden (Cyclops), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler), and Kelsey Grammer (Beast).
The last time the original Fox X-Men cast appeared together was in X-Men: The Last Stand (2006). Now, nearly two decades later, their return in a Marvel Studios project could mark a major turning point in the MCU.
While the potential crossover remains speculation, Marvel fans will have to wait until Avengers: Doomsday arrives in May 2026 to see if the theories hold true. In the meantime, the MCU will continue to expand with Thunderbolts (May 1, 2025) and The Fantastic Four: First Steps (July 25, 2025) leading up to this highly anticipated film.