The eagerly anticipated X-Men film is on the horizon as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).The cinematic rights for the X-Men were originally held by 20th Century Fox, with their journey beginning with Bryan Singer’s X-Men (2000) and concluding with The New Mutants (2020).This impressive yet inconsistent franchise spanned over two decades. However, following Disney’s acquisition of Fox, the X-Men are now once again part of the Marvel family.
Despite the acquisition taking place in 2019, Marvel Studios has taken a measured approach to reintroducing the X-Men into the MCU. While several mutants have been referenced in various MCU films and series, the official X-Men team has yet to make its debut. As Marvel begins to piece together its vision for the X-Men, the excitement surrounding their introduction continues to grow.
Latest Developments for Marvel’s X-Men
Casting Speculations Emerge
Recent reports suggest that Marvel is considering actors for key X-Men roles, although no official confirmations have surfaced yet. According to The InSneider, names like Sadie Sink (from Stranger Things) as Jean Grey, Harris Dickinson (from Babygirl) as Cyclops, and Julia Butters (from Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood) as Kitty Pryde are being considered. While these rumors should be treated cautiously, they indicate that development on the X-Men film is accelerating.
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige elaborated on the significance of the X-Men within the MCU’s future during an interview with Omelete. He stated, “On the road to Secret Wars, we already know very well what the story will be up until then and beyond.The X-Men are an important part of that future.“This statement implies that while Deadpool and Wolverine may emerge in Avengers: Secret Wars, the official X-Men introduction could potentially align with Phase 7, following the Multiverse Saga’s completion.
Confirmation of the X-Men’s Arrival
The Introduction Timeline for the X-Men
Although there have been numerous hints about the X-Men’s impending arrival, Kevin Feige has maintained a level of secrecy regarding the specifics of their introduction into the MCU. Notable characters such as Professor X and Beast have made cameo appearances in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and The Marvels, raising questions about their connection to a potential X-Men film. Furthermore, the Ms. Marvel series explicitly introduced mutants into the MCU, indicating an integration of these beloved characters is being actively planned.
Positioning of the X-Men Film Within the MCU Timeline
Potential Launch Dates Post-Secret Wars
As of now, no specific release date has been established for Marvel’s X-Men film. However, it appears that the X-Men will likely be formally introduced to the MCU after the conclusion of Avengers: Secret Wars. Scheduled for release on May 7, 2027, this film aims to wrap up the Multiverse Saga that commenced in 2021. Given the possible soft reboot implications of Secret Wars, it represents an opportune moment for the X-Men’s entry into the MCU.
Furthermore, Marvel Studios has earmarked two untitled film slots in July and November of 2027, indicating a strong likelihood that the X-Men could fill one of these gaps in the MCU timeline.
The Emerging Cast of Marvel’s X-Men
Focus on a Younger Core Ensemble
Details surrounding the character roster for the upcoming X-Men film remain scarce. While Deadpool and Wolverine have recently merged into the MCU environment, their presence appears transient. Kelsey Grammer’s Beast was featured in a post-credit scene in The Marvels, but the context of his character’s reality leaves uncertainty about his ultimate inclusion in the main MCU continuity. On the other hand, Iman Vellani’s Ms. Marvel is now confirmed as a mutant, though currently, her storyline seems directed towards leading the Young Avengers.
The interest in actors for roles such as Jean Grey, Cyclops, and Kitty Pryde suggests a strong emphasis on central X-Men characters, a crucial decision given their significant contributions to the franchise. Additionally, characters like Namor, revealed as a mutant in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, might play an intriguing role in the new dynamics of the X-Men’s storyline.
Storyline Insights for Marvel’s X-Men
Current Storyline Status: No Confirmations Yet
As of now, there is a lack of confirmed details regarding the narrative of the forthcoming Marvel X-Men film. A pressing challenge for the MCU will be to articulate the absence of the X-Men prior to their official introduction. The X-Men franchise is historically characterized by a blend of younger and mature heroes, and a fresh take within MCU’s Earth-616 realm seems improbable. However, the Multiverse Saga opens exciting possibilities that allow for the X-Men to emerge from an alternate universe where they have a rich history.
With Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness showcasing other superhero teams across different realities, including an Illuminati featuring Professor X, the groundwork for a potential multiversal narrative is already set. The interactions among characters like Monica Rambeau, Beast, and Professor X could serve as a compelling catalyst for the X-Men’s storyline in the MCU.
The MCU’s Preparation for the X-Men
Insights from The Marvels as a Key Hint
Throughout the MCU, various hints and narrative breadcrumbs have been laid to hint at the imminent arrival of the X-Men. Following the finale of the Ms. Marvel series, the confirmation of her mutant origins, underscored by the theme song from X-Men: The Animated Series, cemented the existence of mutants within the MCU. Meanwhile, Namor’s established status as a mutant further enriches the MCU’s mutant landscape. Characters such as Professor X and Beast have also made appearances, although the circumstances surrounding these cameos remain ambiguous.
While X-Men ’97, the sequel to 1992’s X-Men: The Animated Series, represents Marvel Studios’ inaugural X-Men project, it is not officially linked to the MCU continuity. On the other hand, the crossover of characters like Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine into the MCU via Deadpool & Wolverine signals an enthusiastic acceptance of X-Men lore. Even though these characters’ fates may seem sealed in their respective realities, the MCU’s integration of X-Men storylines promises exciting prospects ahead.
Existing X-Men Characters Already in the MCU
A Growing Cast of Mutants in the MCU
|
Mutants in the MCU |
Appearances |
|---|---|
|
Kamala Khan, AKA Ms. Marvel |
Ms. Marvel (series), The Marvels |
|
Namor |
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever |
|
Charles Xavier, AKA Professor X |
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness |
|
Mr. Immortal |
She-Hulk: Attorney At Law (series) |
|
The Eagle |
She-Hulk: Attorney At Law (series) |
|
Hank McCoy, AKA Beast |
The Marvels |
|
Wade Wilson, AKA Deadpool |
Deadpool & Wolverine |
|
James “Logan”Howlett, AKA Wolverine |
Deadpool & Wolverine |
|
Negasonic Teenage Warhead |
Deadpool & Wolverine |
|
Shatterstar |
Deadpool & Wolverine |
|
Colossus |
Deadpool & Wolverine |
|
Gambit |
Deadpool & Wolverine |
|
X-23 |
Deadpool & Wolverine |
As the MCU expands, numerous characters affiliated with the X-Men have already surfaced. Key figures such as Professor X, Beast, Namor, and Ms. Marvel have made their mark. Additionally, characters like Mr. Immortal and El Aguila were featured in She-Hulk, while Deadpool & Wolverine introduced several familiar faces from Fox’s X-Men universe. Whether these characters will reprise their roles in future MCU storylines remains uncertain, yet anticipation continues to build for the X-Men’s significant return.
Leave a Reply