Is ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Finally Going To Be What It Takes for This Ship To Become Canon?

Arriving this December, Marvel Studios' Avengers: Doomsday marks a major step forward for both the titular sub-franchise and the wider universe in which it belongs. Since Disney acquired Fox in 2019, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has gradually integrated the X-Men and their world of mutants into its established canon. So far, they've largely been relegated to cameos in films like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and The Marvels, and their biggest showcase yet, 2023's Deadpool & Wolverine, still mostly kept the Fox characters separate from those within the MCU.

That's set to finally change with Doomsday, which will see the return of several original X-Men actors. Even more excitingly, it'll feature two of the Fox films' biggest stars: Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen, who will reprise their roles as Charles Xavier/Professor X and Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto. The relationship between Professor X and Magneto has long been a key element of the X-Men franchise, and its complex, ever-evolving nature has compelled fans from their first appearances on the page and screen. As friends-turned-enemies who sometimes still team up, there's always been plenty to explore between the two characters, and for many, the idea of a romantic relationship isn't too far outside the realm of possibility. No piece of X-Men media has overtly considered this, but the latest Avengers: Doomsday teaser has reignited the conversation once again.

'Avengers: Doomsday's X-Men Teaser Puts the Spotlight on Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr’s Relationship

After spotlighting two prominent Avengers — Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) — Marvel turned its Doomsday marketing to the X-Men, releasing a minute-long trailer revealing Charles, Erik, and Cyclops (James Marsden). While the other teasers thus far have largely kept their focus on singular heroes — with brief glimpses of both of their children — the X-Men footage actually shows Charles and Erik together again. As voiceover from McKellen ruminates on the inevitability of death, the two frenemies reunite in the ruins of the Xavier mansion, clasp hands, and smile.

In terms of building excitement for the X-Men's role in Avengers: Doomsday, this is absolutely a smart move. Stewart and McKellen, along with Hugh Jackman, essentially created the original X-Men franchise back in 2000, and seeing them onscreen together again after all this time resonates deeply. The two actors have almost as much history between them as Charles and Erik do — albeit with far less bloodshed and tears, thankfully — and they bring that depth of affection to this brief onscreen encounter. It's a powerful, poignant moment that reaffirms that, regardless of what happens to them later in the movie, they've found their way back to each other at the apparent end of all things.

Their platonic bond is indisputable, but the romantic interpretation has merit. Whether it's their final conversation in Magneto's plastic cell in 2000's X-Men or Charles unlocking Erik's childhood memories in X-Men: First Class, it's possible to view their relationship as one between lovers — or, perhaps more aptly, exes. This notion has even been supported by some of the actors. James McAvoy, who played the younger Charles in Fox's prequel films, told GQ in 2022, "If it was well-written I would be bang up for it. I would be bang up for it. And maybe that's why Marvel have taken their time because they need to get it right." Additionally, McKellen joked years ago (via Pink News), "It would be wonderful if the camera hovered over Magneto’s bed, to discover him making love to Professor X."

“Cherik” Isn’t Likely To Happen, but 'Doomsday' Might Be Its Best Chance

"Shipping" culture isn't new, and there's a long history of fans becoming enamored with hypothetical queer couples in major franchises and shows. Most recently, controversy erupted over the pairing of Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) and Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard) on Stranger Things, and the MCU itself is home to a number of "slash" pairings, like Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan). Charles and Erik — together known as "Cherik" in fandom spaces — are a prominent ship with dedicated fans. Nevertheless, considering the overall queer track record of the MCU and the sheer size of Avengers: Doomsday's plot and cast, it seems highly unlikely that they actually will have a romance.

And yet, it's worth discussing whether it's possible. Avengers: Doomsday might be the best opportunity to give "Cherik" a try, even if only briefly. Marvel head Kevin Feige has made it clear that the X-Men will be rebooted after the upcoming Avengers movies, meaning a new cast and storyline. Future MCU projects won't be beholden to anything established within Doomsday's version of the characters, so the movie could allude to a Charles/Erik romance without needing to keep it going. Additionally, this would give McKellen and Stewart the opportunity to play a new side of their characters while tipping their hats to a section of the fanbase that would love to be represented onscreen.

Though there hasn't been a live-action iteration of Professor X and Magneto onscreen since McAvoy and Michael Fassbender in 2019's X-Men: Dark Phoenix, fans have remained passionate and enthusiastic online, creating works that celebrate the characters and the pairing to this day. The latter has its roots in the comics and animated shows that gave rise to Marvel's popularity, and few could deny that it gives their dynamic an interesting twist. Suddenly, Erik accidentally paralyzing Charles in X-Men: First Class takes on a very different look if there's romantic love between them.

When it comes to shipping, it is best to keep expectations in check. The short Doomsday trailer is hardly a strong enough indicator of what will happen between Charles and Erik in the film, and Marvel's admittedly risk-averse approach typically means they'll never consider such a plotline. There's also a fair portion of the audience that has never entertained the idea. At the very least, it already looks like Avengers: Doomsday is aware of the incredible history Charles and Erik share and will pay tribute to that. Whether one ships "Cherik" or prefers them as friends, it's impossible not to be excited about what's ahead.

Avengers: Doomsday comes to theaters on December 18.