The X-Men are finally on their way to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it seems that a sinister force, literally, is set to greet them. After years of speculation, teases, and scattered hints across the MCU, the much-anticipated X-Men reboot is picking up real momentum.
While early plans are always subject to change, reports now strongly suggest that Mr. Sinister will be the primary antagonist in the newest iteration of Marvel’s iconic mutants.
Mr. Sinister Is Rumored To Be The Central X-Men Villain
Marvel fans have been waiting for a proper introduction of Nathaniel Essex, better known as Mr. Sinister, for a long time. First teased in the post-credits scene of X-Men: Apocalypse, Sinister’s full live-action debut was never realized in the Fox-era films. However, that seems to be changing with Marvel Studios’ current X-Men project. According to insider Daniel Richtman, even after multiple script revisions, Mr. Sinister remains the central villain in the latest draft of the film.
Related: Marvel Studios Is Reportedly Working On An X-Men Series Which Includes Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine
For those unfamiliar, Mr. Sinister is a brilliant geneticist obsessed with evolution, mutation, and immortality. His experiments often toe the line between genius and horror. This makes him a truly formidable threat to any team of mutants. Sinister’s dark fascination with mutantkind fits perfectly as a way to reintroduce the X-Men to a new audience. Interestingly, while this new X-Men team will feature fresh faces, it won’t completely forget its roots.
Reports suggest that some members of the beloved Fox-era cast, such as those from X-Men, X2, and Days of Future Past, will reprise their roles in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Secret Wars’. Their appearance could help bridge the gap between the old universe and the new. Marvel Studios is also quietly assembling its new mutant roster. Harris Dickinson and Jack Champion are rumored to be top contenders for the role of Cyclops.
Meanwhile, actresses like Ayo Edebiri and DeWanda Wise are reportedly being eyed for the role of Storm. Gambit and Kitty Pryde are also expected to be key team members, hinting at a dynamic and well-rounded starting lineup. As for Magneto, one particularly bold rumor suggested none other than Denzel Washington could take up the iconic helmet. While that sounds almost too good to be true, the idea alone has excited fans. There are no rumors regarding the director yet.
X-Men’s Arrival In The MCU Is Imperative
Since Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox back in 2019, the merging of the X-Men into the MCU has been very anticipated. Little by little, Marvel Studios has been setting the stage: Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel) was revealed to be a mutant, Professor X (Patrick Stewart) made a multiversal cameo in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’, and of course, ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ reintroduced Hugh Jackman.
In case you missed it: Who Is Mr. Sinister, The Rumored Main Villain For ‘X-Men’ Reboot?
Still, fans have been wanting a proper MCU X-Men team, and according to Marvel Studios’ Head of Streaming, Brad Winderbaum, the wait may soon be over. In a recent interview with Screen Rant, Winderbaum confirmed that a full-fledged X-Men feature is currently in active development. Though he side-stepped specific questions about the rumored Academy X Disney+ series, he did make it clear: the focus right now is on bringing the X-Men to the big screen.
“It’s coming together amazingly,” Winderbaum said, referencing the development process. While he couldn’t spill too many details, his enthusiasm was evident. Additionally, Marvel’s successful animated series ‘X-Men ’97’ has been renewed for two more seasons. Hearing that the X-Men’s MCU debut is actively in the works feels like a massive relief. If Mr. Sinister is indeed the first major villain, the MCU is aiming for something bigger.
