Marvel is almost halfway through their announced projects of Phase 4. But looks like fans are still unsatisfied as they seem to ask just one big question—where are the mutants? Now with the Disney-Fox merger in the past, fans are excitedly awaiting any news regarding the return of the ‘X-Men’ to the big screen.
Though Marvel seems reluctant to respond. We know one thing for sure a reboot is almost certainly in the works. But all information about its development is tightly guarded. They seem to have sealed their lips on why the reboot is taking so long.
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‘X-Men’ Characters Get Featured In other Marvel Movies
Even though no official plans have been revealed regarding mutants but that hasn’t stopped a slew of mutant-related teases from making their way into the MCU. The recent ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness‘ is perhaps the best example of this. It not only featured one scrapped ‘X-Men’ character(Professor X) but also hinted toward the upcoming’ X-Men’ ’97 animated series and a brief glimpse at a famous ‘X-Men’-related location.
These major inclusions have also dropped the word mutant, wholly ignoring this part of the character’s origin. Interviews have revealed that this was a conscious decision. The writers felt that the film wasn’t the “right place” to open the door to mutants.
More major cameos and theories, like those teasing the appearance of Storm in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ or a real mutant presence in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness‘ have been proven false. This shows a reluctance on the part of Marvel to fully show their cards when it comes to the future of mutantkind in the MCU.
Russo Brothers Answer Why The ‘X-Men’ Is Being Delayed
Fans of the X-Men suite of characters, find this omission frustrating, especially considering that the last official word on the future of MCU mutants came over a year ago. However, talent from the upper echelons of the Marvel world has recently opened up about the issue, sharing why exactly Kevin Feige might be so hesitant to plant the seeds for the emergence of mutantkind.
Speaking with AP Entertainment about a possible future in the MCU, directors Joe and Anthony Russo addressed Marvel’s approach when it comes to the ‘X-Men.’
Joe Russo revealed that Feige and co. “rightfully put aside” the Mutants as this allows Marvel Studios more room to “introduce some new characters” to the MCU.
Russo said, “That was one of my favourite comics growing up, Wolverine. One of my prized possessions is ‘Incredible Hulk 181,’ which was the first appearance of Wolverine. It’s an important part of my comic book collection.”
He continued, “Wolverine being so essential to the X-Men, of course, that would be a fun project to work on and find a new way into it. But I do think that’s probably something that Kevin has rightfully put aside for a while to introduce some new characters to the world and bring that back when it’s ready.”
The Russo brothers have directed four MCU films. They are individuals who know Marvel and Feige’s mindset and approach. As such, their insight into the decision-making process surrounding the X-Men is likely accurate.
MCU Phase 4 Busy With New Content Every Week
The MCU is balancing so many storylines at the moment (the Dark Avengers-like ‘Thunderbolts,’ a Skrull infiltration in ‘Secret Invasion,’ and a whole bunch of Multiversal breaches). It makes sense that the time isn’t quite right for the ‘X-Men’ to make their grand appearance.
There is still the question of how mutantkind will be introduced into the MCU? The possibilities though are endless. There could be plausible avenues through the multiverse, magic, the machinations of the Celestials, and more. Even so, no clear path has, as of yet, been laid out.
The timeline is also still unclear, with the unique projects filling out Phase 4 extending well into next year and beyond. Additionally, the MCU is always in the process of introducing new characters. ‘Echo,’ ‘Moon Knight,’ and ‘Ms. Marvel’ are all new arrivals to the franchise, with ‘Blade,’ ‘Ironheart,’ and the ‘Fantastic Four’ all on the horizon.
This magical time when the franchise is “ready,” after new characters have been introduced, is extremely vague. It gives no clear sense of when fans should expect to see their favorite mutants on screen.
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