Iron Man Aka Tony Stark in MCU and X-Men to be recast?

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is preparing for a major transformation following the highly anticipated release of Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. According to Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, the conclusion of this film will mark a new era in the MCU, one that introduces a freshly reimagined lineup of iconic characters — including the X-Men and even a new version of Tony Stark.

Why Marvel Is Recasting Key Superheroes

Speaking at a recent press event, Feige confirmed that Marvel Studios will recast the X-Men characters in an upcoming standalone film helmed by Thunderbolts director Jake Schreier. This move, Feige explained, is both a narrative and strategic reset, aligning with the multiverse-shifting events seen in the 2015 Secret Wars comic storyline, in which alternate timelines collapse and merge, reshaping the Marvel universe as fans know it.

While many longtime fans associate the X-Men with familiar faces from early 2000s films, Marvel seems to be taking a hybrid approach. Several stars from those earlier movies are set to reprise their roles in Avengers: Doomsday (2026), including Patrick Stewart (Charles Xavier), Ian McKellen (Magneto), James Marsden (Cyclops), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler), and Kelsey Grammer (Beast). Some of these actors have already made cameo appearances in recent MCU entries — Stewart in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) and Grammer in the post-credits scene of The Marvels (2023).

Despite these nostalgic returns, Feige emphasized that a new generation of mutants will anchor the franchise’s future. The reset will also pave the way for a new Iron Man — a role that has sparked a flurry of speculation online, with fans wondering whether a star like Tom Cruise could take up Tony Stark’s mantle. Others questioned the status of Anthony Mackie as Captain America, though it appears his version of the hero will coexist within this refreshed universe.

Secret Wars as the MCU’s Turning Point

Feige described Secret Wars as not just the culmination of Marvel’s Phase 6 narrative arc but also as a fresh starting line for future stories. “We’re using that story not just to round out the post-Endgame era,” he said. “Just as importantly — and you can look at the Secret Wars comics for where that takes you — it very, very much sets us up for the future.”

Feige acknowledged fan concern around reboots, adding, “Reboot is a scary word,” but emphasized that this soft reset is essential to maintain the MCU’s momentum. While Endgame symbolized a close of chapters, Secret Wars represents “beginnings,” as Feige put it — a thematic shift that will guide the next generation of heroes and storylines.

A Brief Look at Marvel’s Cinematic Legacy

The X-Men film franchise originated with 20th Century Fox, running from 2000 until Disney’s acquisition of Fox in 2019. During that time, it played a pivotal role in elevating superhero cinema, predating even the formation of the MCU. With Marvel Studios now fully in control of the X-Men property, their introduction into the shared MCU timeline has been highly anticipated.

Since launching with Iron Man in 2008, the MCU has become the most expansive and interconnected franchise in movie history. With 36 films already released and at least nine more in the pipeline, the MCU’s shift to multiverse narratives and character reimaginings is seen as a way to refresh the brand and appeal to both new and returning audiences.

What Comes Next

While the fan response to the upcoming changes has been mixed, curiosity and excitement are running high. Online, speculation over potential casting choices continues to dominate discussions, as audiences await official announcements about who will take on these legendary roles in the years ahead.

Marvel’s future, it seems, will be built on a foundation of both legacy and reinvention — where classic characters are redefined, and new stories emerge from the remnants of the old. As Secret Wars approaches, the Marvel universe stands on the brink of its next great evolution.