The X-Men Are the Secret Villains of ‘Avengers: Doomsday’

It’s confirmed that the X-Men will appear in Avengers: Doomsday. Marvel revealed a video on YouTube showing director’s chairs with the names of Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, James Marsden, and Channing Tatum on them, indicating they’ll be returning as their X-Men characters (and Tatum will also reprise his role from Deadpool & Wolverine).

It’s not surprising that this information is coming out. However, the X-Men’s role in the movie might be unexpected. Traditionally, the X-Men are heroes who protect a world that distrusts them due to their mutant abilities. But recent hints and the first teaser for Doomsday suggest they could actually be the villains – or at least a villain. Robert Downey Jr. is playing Doctor Doom in the film, and he’s certainly not a hero either.

You can find more details about our theory on who the next X-Men villain might be in our recent Avengers: Doomsday article. It includes everything we’ve discovered so far.

What do you think? Are the X-Men about to become a Brotherhood of Evil Mutants?

Enjoyed our video about the X-Men in Avengers: Doomsday? Check out more videos on our channel! We’ve got deep dives into the entire Wonder Man season – including all the hidden secrets and Easter eggs – a look at the secret cast members in Avengers: Doomsday, and an explanation of how the four Avengers: Doomsday teasers connect to form one big story. You’ll find tons more content on the ScreenCrush YouTube channel, so be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss anything! Avengers: Doomsday is coming to theaters on December 18, 2026.

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Forgotten Animated Disney Movies That Deserve Another Look

1. The Rescuers Down Under (1990)

While many didn’t clamor for a sequel to the 1977 film The Rescuers, The Rescuers Down Under (1990) surprisingly surpasses the original. This adventure follows two mouse rescue agents on a mission to save a boy kidnapped by a poacher in the Australian Outback. The film boasts impressive aerial sequences, a beautifully realized Australian wilderness, and vibrant animation. Though overshadowed by the massive successes of The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, it remains a fondly remembered favorite for those who grew up watching VHS tapes in the 1990s.

2. Onward (2020)

Pixar’s 2020 film, Onward, unfortunately suffered because of its release timing. It came out right as movie theaters were closing due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which severely hurt its chances of success in theaters. Many people were understandably focused on what was happening in the world at the time and didn’t notice it, though it did find an audience through streaming.

It’s a shame that Onward is often overlooked when people talk about the best recent Pixar films. It’s a genuinely touching and magical story with beautiful animation, charming characters, and a meaningful message about dealing with loss and moving forward.

3. Treasure Planet (2002)

Released in 2002, Treasure Planet is a unique animated film that reimagines Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island in a futuristic, intergalactic setting. It came out during a time when CGI animation was becoming more common, following the success of movies like Toy Story and Shrek, but unfortunately, it didn’t do well in theaters. However, Treasure Planet has since gained a dedicated fanbase who appreciate its compelling characters, stunning blend of storybook visuals and science fiction, and heartfelt story about finding your place in the world. As one of the characters says, it truly has the potential to be a classic.

4. Dinosaur (2000)

I still remember being blown away by Disney’s Dinosaur when it came out around the year 2000! It really felt like a leap forward, blending real footage with incredible CGI. The story of that young dinosaur and the family he finds after a huge meteorite strike was so captivating. It was actually the biggest animated hit of its year and critics mostly loved it – it even got its own ride at Disney World! It’s a shame, though, that it seems to have faded from memory over time, overshadowed by Disney’s other films as the studio moved on from its golden age.

5. The Black Cauldron (1985)

1985’s The Black Cauldron is a somewhat divisive Disney film. It wasn’t a hit when it came out and is often called the movie that nearly ruined Disney, due to its poor box office performance and criticism for being too different from the original books, as well as its dark tone and underdeveloped characters. However, over the past 40 years, it’s gained a dedicated following. People appreciate its unique, dark fantasy world, beautiful animation, and truly frightening villain.

6. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

I’m a huge fan of Atlantis: The Lost Empire, and I think it’s the Disney movie that most dedicated fans still remember and passionately hope will get a live-action remake – honestly, what’s taking so long?! It doesn’t get nearly the recognition it deserves from people who aren’t die-hards, and Disney itself rarely mentions it. I think that’s because it came out right after their incredibly successful Renaissance period, and it was so different from the typical Disney formula at the time.

The movie is a fantastic, action-packed adventure about a team of quirky explorers searching for the lost city of Atlantis, and discovering a powerful, ancient force. It’s beautifully animated, with a really unique, Jules Verne-inspired style, and I just love the characters. It’s not flawless, but it’s a truly enjoyable film!

7. Meet the Robinsons (2007)

Released in 2007, Meet the Robinsons came out during a challenging period for Disney, after the studio’s successful Renaissance era. It struggled to compete with Pixar and didn’t perform well in theaters, ultimately leading to the cancellation of a planned sequel. However, the film—about a young orphan inventor who journeys to the future to alter his destiny—has since gained a dedicated fanbase. People appreciate its surprisingly heartfelt story, quirky characters, and unique, optimistic vision of the future.

8. Brother Bear (2003)

I absolutely love Brother Bear! It’s one of the last traditionally animated films Disney made, and I think it gets overlooked sometimes when people talk about the early 2000s. Everyone remembers Lilo & Stitch and the Pixar movies like Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles, but Brother Bear has such a beautiful and touching story about family and learning to forgive. Honestly, the animation is stunning – those North American landscapes are gorgeous – and the music by Phil Collins is fantastic. Plus, Joaquin Phoenix and Jeremy Suarez really bring their characters to life with their voices. It’s a truly special film!

9. A Bug’s Life (1998)

Despite being a Pixar film, 1998’s A Bug’s Life often gets overlooked when people discuss the studio’s most important works. While some consider it a classic – and rightfully so – it’s largely seen as less memorable than other major Pixar titles. The movie tells the story of a well-intentioned but awkward ant who tries to save his colony from danger, and ends up joining forces with a quirky group of circus fleas. It’s a charming and visually appealing film with funny, unforgettable characters, and it surprisingly offers insightful messages about community and the downsides of unchecked power.

10. Bolt (2008)

Released in 2008, Bolt was a reasonably successful and well-received film, but today it’s largely forgotten. The movie centers on a dog actor who stars in a popular TV show and genuinely believes he has superpowers. After escaping the set, he must find his way home and grapple with the truth about himself. Released during a competitive time for animation—between Disney’s classic Renaissance period and the start of its successful Revival era, and while Pixar was dominating the box office—Bolt didn’t achieve the same level of critical acclaim or lasting impact as other Disney films. However, it remains a sweet and enjoyable adventure with a strong voice cast and vibrant animation.

11. Frankenweenie (2012)

Despite coming out in 2012, Tim Burton’s quirky horror-comedy Frankenweenie doesn’t often get mentioned, even when people talk about fun Halloween movies for families. That’s surprising, given how much artistic skill went into this playful take on classic sci-fi horror. The movie, which started as a short film Burton made for Disney in 1984, tells the story of a boy who brings his dog back to life – and things get crazy when his friends try to do the same! With beautifully crafted black-and-white stop-motion animation and lovable characters, this overlooked Burton film is full of heart, even if its subject matter is… revived.

2026-02-10 18:27