Marvel’s new X-Men era is taking an unusually patient approach with Jean Grey. The studio has started building the character in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’, rather than introducing her when the reboot comes.
That combination could prove to be very significant.
Marvel’s New X-Men Era Is Starting With Jean Grey
Sadie Sink’s performance provides Marvel with a chance to make Jean more than just another name on an X-Men roster. Her presence in ‘Brand New Day’ puts her in a bizarre emotional state, as she first clashes with Peter Parker and then ultimately aids him.
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Jean has been one of the most complex mutants in the Marvel universe. She is extremely powerful, not only because of her immense telepathic and telekinetic powers, but also because she understands and controls them.
Sink believes that Jean’s powers don’t necessarily make life easier. If anything, they can make her existence considerably more difficult. “Yes, she will. It’s been really exciting all the conversations we’ve had, and I feel really lucky that I have this introduction through ‘Spider-Man’ and her backstory. I think that’s what X-Men is all about, too,” she told Variety.
Marvel Can Build Jean Before The X-Men Arrive
The greatest benefit of introducing Jean early is that Marvel will not have to rush her character’s development once the X-Men reboot starts. The MCU could take the time to show Jean how to be a mutant, rather than just dumping her into the X-Mansion with Cyclops, Storm, Wolverine, and the rest of the team.
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Her journey might set up why she is afraid of her powers, how she gains control of her powers, and how she eventually decides to join other mutants. This may also help her make her connection with Scott Summers more significant when they do meet.
“They have to find their relationship to their powers. Because it’s not like they’ve asked for this or that these strengths make their lives easier; they make them a lot harder, actually. So, knowing Jean’s struggle will be important in the future of her character and where she goes, just makes her really well-rounded.”
Marvel appears to already have a big cast lined up, with Kit Connor cast as Cyclops and Samara Weaving as Emma Frost. If Marvel gets that balance right, Jean Grey’s introduction could end up being much more important than simply setting up another X-Men movie. It might start one of the most interesting mutant storylines in the MCU.
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