The X-Men’s MCU Era Will Force Wolverine to Step Aside for Cyclops

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Though Wolverine is often seen as the most recognizable X-Man, it’s not certain he’ll be the star when the X-Men finally appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. From the animated series to the Fox films and the comics themselves, Wolverine has consistently been the primary focus.

Hugh Jackman’s iconic performance as Logan (Wolverine) has made the character incredibly popular. He’s returning to the role in the recent film Deadpool & Wolverine, which is building towards bringing the X-Men more fully into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We can expect them to have a significant presence in the MCU after the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars movies.

Okay, fellow X-Men fans, listen up. I’m getting the feeling that when the X-Men finally join the MCU, Wolverine might not be the main guy like he was in those fantastic Fox movies with Hugh Jackman. Everything I’m seeing suggests Cyclops is going to be the leader and the face of the team going forward, not Logan. It’s a big shift, but honestly, it could be really interesting to see Cyclops take center stage!

On Reddit, a lot of fans are excited about the possibility of seeing Cyclops get a satisfying story arc in future Marvel Cinematic Universe X-Men movies. While there’s lively discussion between those who favor Wolverine and those who support Cyclops, many believe a focus on Cyclops’ redemption makes the most sense.

Cyclops, Not Wolverine, Has Been The Face Of The X-Men In The Comics

Wolverine Has Already Taken A Backseat To Cyclops

Image via Marvel Comics

Wolverine remains a key character for Marvel, but Cyclops has increasingly become the primary leader of the X-Men, even before the recent changes with Krakoa. Cyclops is now the visible face of the team, both in terms of strategy and public image – he even holds the important position of Captain Commander on Krakoa.

The Captain Commander is essentially Krakoa’s head of security, responsible for protecting all mutant borders. Cyclops typically leads the X-Men when they battle threats like the anti-mutant group Orchis. He even sacrifices his freedom, being arrested and portrayed as a symbol of mutant resistance during the Fall of X.

I’m really excited about Marvel’s new X-Men relaunch, especially how they’re handling Cyclops! He’s taking the lead in the main X-Men series, and it’s cool to see him stepping up. Things are tense though – he’s clashing with Professor X and even Rogue, who’s leading the Uncanny X-Men team. It’s a really interesting dynamic playing out in events like “Raid on Graymalkin” and “X-Manhunt.” What I love most is that Cyclops is the one making the hard calls now, not Wolverine. It feels like a fresh direction for the team!

Avengers: Secret Wars Can Be Hugh Jackman’s Swan Song As Wolverine

Hugh Jackman Can’t Play Wolverine Forever

Hugh Jackman famously announced his retirement from playing Wolverine, and the marketing for his 2017 film Logan emphasized that it would be his final appearance as the character. He seemed true to his word—until Ryan Reynolds asked him to return.

Deadpool and Wolverine recently teamed up in a hit movie for Marvel Studios. While it hasn’t been officially announced, many fans expect Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman to appear in the upcoming Avengers films, Doomsday and Secret Wars. With other members of Jackman’s X-Men already set to be in Doomsday, it would be surprising if he wasn’t included as well.

With Avengers: Secret Wars, Marvel’s Multiverse Saga will come to an end, setting the stage for a fresh start to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film will also officially bring the X-Men into the MCU, and Marvel is expected to find new actors to play these characters, including a new Wolverine, who will have a lot to live up to.

Hugh Jackman often playfully suggests he might play Wolverine even into his nineties, but eventually, he’ll retire from the role. Rather than searching for someone to replace Hugh Jackman, Marvel would be smarter to focus on developing other X-Men characters to lead the franchise forward.

X-Men ’97 Proves That Cyclops Has What It Takes To Be A Leading Man

Cyclops Can Be Just As Cool As Wolverine

Disney+’s X-Men ’97 is a great example of what makes Cyclops a compelling character. The show is a revival of the beloved X-Men: The Animated Series, and fans have been eagerly awaiting its return. A key part of the show’s story involves a love triangle between Cyclops, Jean Grey, and Madelyne Pryor.

The new X-Men ’97 series shows a more vulnerable side of Cyclops than fans may be used to. The show explores Scott Summers’ emotional journey as he navigates becoming a father, discovering Jean Grey has been replaced by Madelyne Pryor, and ultimately making the difficult decision to send his son to the future, a decision that shapes him into the hero known as Cable.

The X-Men’s leader, Cyclops, is shown as both strong and willing to show his softer side. This mix of strength and vulnerability works perfectly for a dramatic story, and X-Men ’97 demonstrates how to portray Cyclops effectively. The show establishes him as Wolverine’s equal, rather than simply a supporting character.

Wolverine’s Time In The Spotlight Is Almost Over. That Honor Now Belongs To Cyclops

The MCU Is Better Served Leaning Into Cyclops Over Wolverine

Recent reports suggest Marvel Studios is focusing on introducing Cyclops and his family to the Marvel Cinematic Universe before Wolverine. According to podcast host Kristian Harloff, Cyclops is currently the priority, with plans for Wolverine being delayed for now.

According to insider Harloff, the upcoming X-Men project will likely focus heavily on Cyclops and his family, the Summerses, as the leaders. This suggests Wolverine won’t be a major character. While this information should be viewed cautiously, Harloff has a reputation for reliable sources.

The Summers family plays a key role in X-Men ’97, and it would be a smart move for the Marvel Cinematic Universe to feature them too. The connection between Cyclops and Jean Grey is central to almost every X-Men story, just as important as the long-standing conflict between Professor X and Magneto. Cyclops, in particular, is fundamental to the entire X-Men universe.

Just because Wolverine will likely join the X-Men in the MCU doesn’t mean he’ll be a central figure right away. He’ll definitely appear at some point, but with so many X-Men characters, he could start as a supporting player.

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2025-12-01 01:20