Marvel Studios has set the stage for something monumental in its cinematic universe, with the long-awaited inclusion of the X-Men in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and its sequel, ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’. While this news is exciting, it also raises some complicated questions about the future of the MCU.
The return of the original X-Men from the Fox-era films is undeniably what fans wanted. However, as much as their appearances feel like a reward for decades of fan loyalty, they might also pose a strange dilemma as Marvel Studios prepares to introduce a new generation of mutants into the MCU’s primary timeline, Earth-616.
The X-Men Would Pay Homage To Their Comic Roots In ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
The announcement that multiple original X-Men characters will appear in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ was enough to have fans on their toes. According to insider Daniel Richtman, the inclusion of the X-Men leads right into the high-stakes sequel, ‘Secret Wars’, which is being directed by the Russo Brothers and written by Stephen McFeely. They will also reportedly wear “more comic-accurate” costumes in the film.
Related: Marvel Studios Is Reportedly Working On An X-Men Series Which Includes Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine
Additionally, Marvel’s recent livestream confirmed that legendary characters like Professor X, Magneto, Beast, Mystique, Cyclops, Nightcrawler, and even Channing Tatum’s Gambit are all part of Doomsday’s ensemble. The moment these characters walk onto the screen beside mainstay MCU heroes like Sam Wilson’s Captain America or even Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom, audiences will burst with happiness.
The emotional and cinematic power of watching X-Men and Avengers fight side-by-side cannot be overstated. It’s the kind of crossover that comic book dreams are made of. However, even this long-awaited union doesn’t come without its complications in the MCU.
The Problem With Introducing The X-Men
While the nostalgia-driven return of the original X-Men is thrilling, it also sets a complicated precedent. What happens when Marvel Studios finally debuts their own Earth-616 versions of the X-Men? Will audiences embrace an entirely new cast of mutants? The danger lies in creating attachment to characters who are only around temporarily.
In case you missed it: ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Set Photos Reveal Returning X-Men Stars Including Cyclops And Magneto
If these Fox-era X-Men leave a strong impression (as they surely will), it could overshadow the eventual introduction of the new cast meant to carry the MCU forward. And if the Avengers in Earth-616 already fought side-by-side with these variant mutants, what happens when they meet entirely new versions from their own timeline? It could feel redundant, confusing, or even emotionally underwhelming.
Moreover, this isn’t a theoretical issue, it’s a narrative challenge. Marvel has been masterfully weaving a tightly-knit universe for over 15 years. Introducing alternate versions of beloved characters in a way that doesn’t fracture the emotional continuity is a monumental task. Without a full reboot following ‘Secret Wars’, the MCU risks overcomplicating its future.
There’s also the potential awkwardness of reintroducing new versions of characters like Wolverine, Cyclops, and Magneto down the line. If fans get attached to Hugh Jackman or James Marsden all over again, how will they respond to a completely different actor stepping into those roles? It’s a risky gamble. Additionally, the most plausible solution would be a soft or hard reboot after ‘Secret Wars’.
