Just a few weeks from now, Marvel Studios will end Phase 4 and kick off the next one. But, while we already have a "complete" list of all the shows and movies that are coming in the next phase, starting with Ant-man and the Wasp: Quantumania, we know very little about Phase 6 and beyond.
One thing is clear though, and that is the MCU will eventually welcome the X-Men. Kevin Feige has confirmed this himself with the Russo brothers also open to directing the team's debut in the MCU, Hugh Jackman is also going to be a part of Deadpool 3, which will hit theaters on November 8, 2024.
So, the basic gist is that the X-Men will join the MCU in Phase 6. But, while it's unclear which of the X-Men will make their way to the MCU outside of Deadpool and Wolverine, it's all but guaranteed that Professor X will be included.
Having said that, Giancarlo Esposito might have just confirmed his role as the Omega-level telepath leader of the iconic group.
The perennial Hollywood bad guy appeared at Comic Con Chile 2022 where a follower had asked him to sign a Funko Pop! figure of Charles Xavier. The actor couldn't help but chuckle as he signed the statue before saying, "See you on the big screen."
Fans are taking this as proof that Esposito will play Professor X after he declared his intent back in August.
¡Dario Friedman se encontró con Giancarlo Esposito en la Comic Con de Chile y cuando le dió la Funko de Charles Xavier para firmar ambos se rieron!
El actor acabo con un "Nos vemos en la pantalla grande". pic.twitter.com/7TOSGg4KJh
— 𐋀 QuidVacuo 𐋀 #WakandaForever (@QuidVacuo_) October 29, 2022
Patrick Stewart has played the role of Professor X for over two decades in a handful of films with James McAvoy later appearing as a "younger" version of the character.
Given Giancarlo Esposito's advanced age, it'll be interesting to see how the MCU will explain how such a powerful character has hidden behind the scenes all of these years. Perhaps the Multiverse is going to come into play and Esposito will come from a different reality, one that will be merged into the main continuity. It's certainly possible given that Phase 6 will conclude with Avengers: Secret Wars.
Ultimately, all we can do right now is to speculate and wait for an official announcement.
Until then, fans can enjoy watching Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which hits theaters on November 11.
