As the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand, the integration of the X-Men into its storytelling has been a topic of much discussion and speculation. With Kevin Feige still in control of Marvel Studios, the real question many fans have is not if the beloved team of mutants will join the MCU, but rather when and in what capacity.
During the premiere of The Marvels in Las Vegas, Entertainment Tonight probed Feige about the swirling rumors of the X-Men’s appearance in the MCU, and this is what he had to say:
I don’t know if it’s delicate. It’s super exciting. But the X-Men are as solid and rich and great a concept and characters as exist. [There’s] the return of the animated series next year, which we’re very excited about. I saw some new final episodes today which really bring you back to that core of who the X-Men are and that soap opera that those characters represent. And then in live-action, people will see… perhaps, soon.
Earlier this year, Ms. Marvel, also known as Kamala Khan, was surprisingly revealed to be a mutant in her self-titled Disney+ show. This was a notable departure from her comic book origins, where she is portrayed as an Inhuman.
Bearing significant implications for the MCU, this marked the first official introduction of a mutant in the universe, which is likely paving the way for the X-Men’s arrival following their escape from legal and licensing hell.
Kamala Khan’s major role in the upcoming film The Marvels further cements the idea of mutants’ presence in the MCU, indicating that Marvel Studios is indeed weaving the X-Men into the fabric of its cinematic universe very soon.
This gradual introduction of mutantkind was further teased with the cameo of Professor X, a central figure in the X-Men lore, in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Although not an outright unveiling of the entire team, it serves as a deliberate hint at the existence of mutants and foreshadows their future roles.
The potential for the X-Men within the MCU can revitalize the vapid superhero universe. The idea of mutants interacting with established characters in the MCU presents exciting opportunities for fresh storylines and character development.
Speculation aside, what remains clear is that the introduction of the X-Men to the MCU will mark a major milestone in the ongoing saga of Marvel’s film universe. Whether this will manifest through subtle references, a standalone film, or a more integrated approach remains to be seen.
What is certain is that Feige understands the weight of fan expectations and the importance of getting it right, especially now that the superhero genre is on the decline and the MCU has been racking up flops and bombs.
Meanwhile, Deadpool 3 will explore one of the most important and iconic members of the X-Men team, Wolverine, with Hugh Jackman reprising his role.
