The 10 X-Men Who Should Join the MCU First

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Now that many of the X-Men movies from Fox are part of the Avengers: Doomsday universe, the possibility of seeing mutants join the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) feels closer than ever. Fans are excited and have strong opinions about which X-Men characters should appear first.

Look, as a huge Marvel fan, I’m dying to see the classic X-Men finally join the MCU, and trust me, it’s going to happen. There are so many awesome heroes in Marvel who deserve their time to shine. I think the next X-Men movie is a perfect chance to shake things up – a mix of the original team and some fresh faces would be amazing!

Rogue Could Begin as A Villain

Rogue has been a popular character with fans since the early days of the X-Men films and the animated series. Interestingly, while the movies made her well-known, they didn’t show her original story from the comics – she actually started as a villain. It would be great to see that side of her again, setting up a compelling story about her turning things around.

Introducing Rogue early on would make her one of the most nuanced characters in the series and signal to fans that the team will more closely resemble the comics. The quicker she appears, the faster this compelling storyline can begin. With Gambit already present, their combined history promises an instantly captivating partnership.

Kitty Pryde Has Grown A Lot In Past Years

The X-Men movies have already featured Kitty Pryde, also known as Shadowcat, played by Elliot Page. But since X-Men: The Last Stand came out, the character has changed a lot in the comics. She’s now the leader of a team called the Marauders, has become more aggressive in her approach to problems, and even prefers to be called Kate instead of Kitty, abandoning her Shadowcat identity.

Watching Kate transform throughout her personal journey was incredibly compelling for readers. Now calling herself Kitty again, her future is uncertain, but Marvel should bring her into the movies quickly. Adapting her comic book storyline would firmly establish her as a key mutant character within the cinematic universe, and the time to do that is now.

Polaris Deserves The Spotlight

Lorna Dane, also known as Polaris, has been a part of the X-Men world for almost as long as the most popular characters. First appearing in 1968, she’s Magneto’s daughter but hasn’t received the same attention as Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. With the Marvel Cinematic Universe establishing that Wanda and Pietro aren’t mutants, Polaris now has a real opportunity to shine.

The TV show The Gifted introduced a live-action version of the character Polaris, played by Emma Dumont, but the series ended before her story could be fully explored. Now, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has the opportunity to give Lorna Dane the spotlight she deserves. She’s a very powerful character, just like her father Magneto, and has been surprisingly underutilized in comics and on screen.

Storm Is More Powerful Every Day

Ororo Munroe, better known as Storm, is a hugely significant character in the Marvel universe. However, the films haven’t fully showcased her depth, as much of her recent backstory developed after Halle Berry and Alexandra Shipp played her in the previous movie series. Now, with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there’s an opportunity to explore more than just her ability to control the weather and really dive into her rich history.

Storm has a rich backstory with many exciting possibilities for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Her unique origins, marriage to Black Panther, and role as an Avatar of Life all offer compelling storylines that could be explored, potentially establishing her as a key figure in the MCU’s next phase.

Angel Has Potential For A Great Evolution

Angel is a visually impressive X-Man and a founding member of the team in the original comics. Unfortunately, the Fox movies didn’t give him much focus, first by sidelining him with a family story and later by making him a quiet follower of Apocalypse. Now, Marvel Studios has the opportunity to give him a proper role.

As a huge X-Men fan, I really hope Marvel Studios does Warren Worthington III – Angel – justice. I think the key is giving him a real, developed story. To see him become Archangel, it needs to feel natural, not just happen suddenly. They should bring him into the main MCU timeline soon, and really explore all the difficult, morally grey stuff that happens during his transformation. Honestly, I think it could be one of the most compelling character arcs they’ve ever done in the MCU if they handle it right!

Iceman Was Underused In The Fox Movies

Iceman is a character who could really benefit from a fresh start. While Shawn Ashmore played Bobby Drake as likeable in the Fox movies, his story felt weak, especially when compared to the comics where he’s incredibly powerful. He was mostly used as part of a love triangle and didn’t get much development beyond that.

As a fan, I’m really hoping Marvel finally gives us a truly great Iceman in the MCU! They could make him so much funnier and more powerful than we’ve seen before. Plus, it would be amazing to have some strong LGBTQ+ representation with his character. And honestly, he’d be a perfect bridge between the X-Men and the Avengers – he already has connections with Spider-Man and the Human Torch, so it just makes sense!

Colossus Is More Than Just Muscles

Colossus showed up in a lot of X-Men movies from Fox, but he didn’t really get a significant role until the Deadpool films. Sadly, even then, the movies didn’t do his character justice. He ended up being used mostly for jokes and as just the strong, muscular guy, which isn’t what Piotr Rasputin deserves.

Colossus is one of Marvel’s strongest heroes, often acting as the protector for his team. What makes him interesting is that he’s also a peaceful person. This creates a compelling contrast between his strong abilities and his gentle nature. Combined with his connection to the character Magik, he has the potential to be a central, emotionally resonant figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe if Marvel chooses to develop him further.

The Movies Reduced Psylocke To A Minion

Olivia Munn’s portrayal of Psylocke in X-Men: Apocalypse focused heavily on her appearance and action sequences, but lacked substantial character development. Because the previous films primarily showcased her fighting abilities, fans are hopeful that the Marvel Cinematic Universe will offer a more compelling and nuanced version of Betsy Braddock, even if it isn’t a perfect adaptation of the comics.

Psylocke would be a great addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, especially given its current focus on realistic characters and stories. Her ongoing battle with being in a different body, and her complicated history with her brother, Captain Britain, offer compelling drama. Plus, her psychic powers could lead to visually stunning and original scenes the MCU hasn’t explored yet, making her a truly fresh character for the franchise.

Beast Is An Incredibly Complex Being

Beast, also known as Hank McCoy, is a key figure in the X-Men universe, which explains why he appeared in the Fox films played by two different actors – Nicholas Hoult and Kelsey Grammer. While both actors did a good job, the movies didn’t fully capture what makes Beast such a compelling character. He was often portrayed as either a scientist struggling with his own transformation or a figure used for political maneuvering. The comic book version of Beast is much more complex – he’s incredibly intelligent, but also surprisingly funny and empathetic.

A version of Beast who is both intellectually brilliant – capable of reciting Shakespeare – and powerfully dangerous deserves a movie adaptation. His story arc during the recent Krakoa era, specifically his descent into villainy, would be a compelling addition to the beginning of a new X-Men film series. X-Men fans would especially enjoy seeing Beast’s transformation and downfall play out on screen.

Cyclops Could Lead The Mutant Saga

Cyclops is a core character in the X-Men stories, but the Fox movies didn’t really do him justice, portraying him as quite flat. Instead of being a strong leader, his story was overshadowed by his relationships with Wolverine and Jean Grey, particularly after her death. He also came across as overly perfect, which isn’t how he’s depicted in the comic books.

Marvel needs to finally give Cyclops the development he deserves in their movies, portraying him as the strong leader, brilliant tactician, and powerful figure he is in the comics. As a central character in the X-Men, a reboot could allow audiences to see his emotional complexity and his role as the team’s leader. Just like Iron Man anchored the Infinity Saga, Cyclops could become the core of the entire mutant storyline.

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2025-12-06 03:40