Marvel Studios has a number of options about how to introduce the X-Men into the MCU. But, the studio will need to carefully evaluate which elements are best suited to introduce newcomers to mutants in a way that fits within the established cinematic universe.
Many classic comic runs can provide memorable characters and plot threads to adapt while establishing the divide between humans and mutants that portrays the best X-Men narratives. It will be fascinating to see what approach Marvel Studios takes to reboot this beloved franchise for new audiences.
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5. Mutant Massacre
Released in 1986, this arc saw the Marauders mercilessly slaughter the Morlocks, an underground community of mutants, on behalf of Mr. Sinister. Arriving too late, the X-Men were left emotionally shattered as they witnessed the horrific deaths of friends.
Pairing the trauma of such a brutal mutant bloodbath with the deeply personal connection to the Morlocks gives this story maximum emotional impact. Within the MCU, the Morlocks could serve as one of the first communities for displaced mutants to find belonging.
Having them massacred in such a way would be devastating for the X-Men. Their failure to save lives could undermine mutant trust in the group.
4. Return Of The King
Written by Mark Millar in 2000, this storyline portrayed Magneto at his most formidable as he attempted nothing less than global mutant supremacy and human genocide. Believing his superior race deserved to rule, Magneto amassed a terrifying army as he sought to destroy humanity.
Magneto has long been one of the X-Men’s greatest foes but he was rarely utilized to his full potential on screen. Having him return with the intent to commit full-blown genocide, raises the stakes to apocalyptic levels.
Not only would this version of Magneto be the most menacing big bad, but defeating him could establish the X-Men as true heroes worthy of joining the larger MCU.
3. House Of M
Published in 2005, this crossover event was kicked off by Scarlet Witch losing control of her chaos magic. Uttering the words “No more mutants”, she depowered approximately 90% of the mutant population within the Marvel universe.
Having the emerging mutants within the MCU be victims of such a massive loss can provide an easy explanation for why they’ve been in hiding. The lingering trauma of having their abilities taken also adds compelling drama and relationship dynamics for the characters to work through. Meanwhile, story potential abounds in exploring what drove Scarlet Witch to such an act in this reality.
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2. E Is For Extinction
Running for just three issues in Joss Whedon’s Astonishing X-Men run, this tale had huge repercussions. The mutant-hating Cassandra Nova activated a long-dormant Sentinel factory targeting the 16 million mutants living on the island of Genosha. Scenes of the robot killers mercilessly slaughtering the inhabitants were truly disturbing.
By wiping out millions, this story established the very real threat mutants face. It also highlighted why the X-Men are so important as the only ones who can properly defend mutant-kind. Within the MCU, Genosha can serve as the site of the first major anti-mutant atrocity. Witnessing such carnage would be what fully galvanizes the forming X-Men team to protect their people.
1. Avengers Vs X-Men
Published in 2012, this event saw the two biggest superhero teams in the Marvel Universe go head to head over the returned Phoenix Force. Believing the cosmic entity would bring mutant-kind’s rebirth, Cyclops and the X-Men attempted to control its power. However, the Avengers felt the Phoenix would destroy the world and sought to stop it.
This story works well as it not only features two heavy-hitting teams clashing but explores ideological differences between them. Within the MCU, tensions are already high between regular humans and the newly emerged mutants.
The Phoenix’s arrival could be the spark that fully ignites the conflict. Having the Avengers represent human interests while the X-Men fight for mutant rights makes this a perfect story to launch the new era.
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