Upon revisiting one of Marvel’s intricate films, I was struck by the realization that a beloved X-Men character was subjected to brutal deaths not once, but twice within the span of the same movie—even though that film concludes with the character still alive. The X-Men cinematic timeline stands as one of the most elaborate narratives in superhero cinema, presenting both advantages and challenges as it evolves. With multiple universe and timeline alterations over the years, the Fox X-Men universe maintains a complexity that surpasses many of its counterparts, even in contemporary discussions.
The conclusion of Deadpool featuring Wolverine has shifted the Fox X-Men narrative, seamlessly integrating it into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) multiverse. As a result, the overarching storyline for this franchise has reached a new level of complexity. This shift also introduces a different variant of Wolverine, providing justification for Hugh Jackman’s return after the character’s poignant death in Logan. However, this is not the first instance where the X-Men universe has defied fate for its legendary characters; 11 years prior, one Marvel tale executed the same feat multiple times in a single film.
Iceman’s Brutal Demise in X-Men: Days of Future Past
In X-Men: Days of Future Past, which has a runtime of 2 hours and 13 minutes, Iceman suffers a fatality roughly once per hour. His first death unfolds in the opening sequences of this time-bending superhero narrative. There, Iceman, along with Bishop, Shadowcat, Colossus, Sunspot, Warpath, and Blink, faces annihilation from the mutant-hunting Sentinels, setting the stage for Shadowcat’s powers to alter the fate of Bishop in a significant twist later in the film.
In the initial combat scene, while all members of the team—aside from Shadowcat and Bishop—face tragic ends, Iceman’s death stands out as particularly gruesome. The Sentinel employs Sunspot’s powers, resulting in Iceman being melted, his neck crushed, and his head brutally detached before the machine proceeds to stomp on his icy remains. This shocking demise is all the more impactful given Iceman’s long-standing presence in the franchise since the original 2000 film.
Though Iceman’s first demise is quickly undone, his troubles aren’t over yet. At the climax of the film, while the surviving heroes battle the Sentinels, Iceman again steps into the fray and meets a similarly horrific fate. The original version depicts him stepping forward to be obliterated by a Sentinel’s energy beam, while the 2014 Rogue Cut presents an alternative demise, where Iceman’s sacrifice facilitates Magneto and Rogue’s escape.
The Significance of Iceman’s Deaths in X-Men: Days of Future Past
Throughout his evolution in the X-Men franchise, Iceman has carved a significant niche since his introduction as a young hero. This character development amplifies the weight of his onscreen deaths, making them both shocking and heart-wrenching.His brutal demises may serve to exploit the audience’s emotional attachment to Iceman, heightening the cinematic experience by showcasing the dire stakes involved in their struggle against oppression.
Moreover, the very nature of Iceman’s abilities facilitates these intense portrayals of death. While traditional heroes might face graphic fates due to concerns over audience ratings, depicting an ice-based character’s brutal end can be visually striking yet less bloody, allowing the filmmakers to convey stakes without straying into overly adult territory. Shattering a character composed entirely of ice communicates finality while avoiding the gruesomeness associated with flesh and blood deaths.
Iceman’s Miraculous Returns in X-Men: Days of Future Past
Fortunately for fans, Iceman’s harrowing deaths are ultimately reversed by the film’s conclusion. The climax reveals Iceman smiling at Wolverine in the rejuvenated X-Mansion, which has transitioned into a vibrant school. The initial death is swiftly undone when Shadowcat sends Bishop’s consciousness back into the past, enabling the group to evade the Sentinels altogether—thus erasing their initial encounter.
The second death reversal parallels this narrative device but on a larger scale, as Wolverine’s mind is transported back in time, thwarting the chain of events leading to the destruction of mutantkind. Consequently, Iceman’s second demise is negated in the film’s final moments, showcasing Wolverine’s success as the Sentinels nearly eradicate all humans during a critical demonstration, while simultaneously revealing Mystique’s unexpected act to save the President’s life.
X-Men: Days of Future Past masterfully establishes the significance of Iceman and his fellow heroes’ sacrifices. Their tragic deaths resonate throughout the storyline, emphasizing the fight for a brighter future against overwhelming odds. Thus, the brutality of Iceman’s annihilations not only heightens the stakes but also underscores the sweetness of his eventual survival—making for a uniquely compelling narrative arc.
Leave a Reply