Marvel Studios has confirmed the return of the Fox-era X-Men in "Avengers: Doomsday", releasing a new figure from toymaker Hot Toys that offers the first official look at James Marsden reprising his role as Cyclops. The film, due out on 18 December, is one of the most anticipated Marvel releases in years, bringing together Robert Downey Jr as Doctor Doom alongside returning X-Men stars including Patrick Stewart as Professor X and Ian McKellen as Magneto, marking a significant crossover between the studio's newer Marvel Cinematic Universe and the previously separate X-Men franchise acquired from Fox.

Hot Toys has already unveiled figures for other characters in the film, including Channing Tatum's Gambit, who first returned in "Deadpool & Wolverine", and McKellen's Magneto in his signature purple suit, while a figure for Downey Jr's unmasked Doctor Doom remains under wraps until the film's release. "Avengers: Doomsday" opens in cinemas on the same day as "Dune: Part Three", and further merchandise reveals are expected in the run-up to its premiere. The announcement follows a strong year for Marvel, with "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" earning over $2 billion at the box office and television shows such as "Daredevil: Born Again" and "X-Men '97" both confirmed for further seasons.