We examine the arcs necessary to adapt the X-men to cinema
From the enigmatic debut of Charles Xavier in Dr. Strange’s Much Madness to Namor and Ms. Marvel being confirmed as the first mutants in the MCU, we’ve been preparing the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the arrival of the X-Men. In anticipation of the all-time high, we’ll examine ten Marvel comics adaptations to the MCU and how they fit into the current cinematic narrative.
Dark beginnings and the reflection of today’s society
E’s story could mark an epic debut for the X-Men in the MCU. In this arc that changed the world of mutants forever, Cassandra Nova activated the Sentinel Master Mold in Ecuador, leading to the destruction of Genosha and the death of 16 million mutants. This story not only brings the X-Men into the global spotlight, but also explains their sudden appearance in the MCU.
The God Loves, Man Kills narrative highlights the prejudice and racism against mutants. Unlike other stories, here the X-Men face a human enemy: the televangelist Reverend William Striker. This arc, which was already partially addressed in X2, gives the MCU a chance to tackle these themes with the weight and maturity they deserve, thereby differentiating itself from previous speculations.
Look at the past and conflicts
Just as Nick Fury formed the Avengers team, X-Men: First Class shows the early days of the X-Men in the MCU. This comic series features standalone stories that explore the original team’s first missions, perfect for developing each member’s origin stories before the final alliance.
Schism shows us the internal division between the X-Men led by Cyclops and Wolverine due to external and internal pressures. This arc will reflect the issues of coexistence between humans and mutants and will create an interesting and high-value story for the MCU.
Defend the earth and the new mutant nation
Broodfall pits the X-Men against an invading alien race, which could serve as a big first mission for the X-Men in the MCU. This arc balances action and drama, showing how Loki’s raid by the Avengers brought the original team together.
House of X introduces a nation of mutants called the Krakoa, and Moira MacTaggert reveals that they are mutants with the ability to reboot the timeline. This story would fit perfectly into the MCU, explaining the sudden appearance of mutants and fitting in with the current direction of the cinematic universe.
A world without mutants and darkness
House may agree to explain the lack of previous mutations in the MCU. After changing reality, Wanda Maximoff removes all mutants, which may lead the MCU to a post-“House M” reality where mutants begin to gain their abilities.
In Mutant Massacre, the X-Men face a terrible tragedy when they fail to save a group of mutants underground. This dark story could open the door to darker narratives in the MCU and highlight Mr. Sinister’s evil.
Amazing show
This comic series features a showdown between the Avengers and the X-Men in Return of the Phoenix Force. With the possibility of the X-Men starting in Avengers: Secret Wars, this adaptation could become a reality, providing an interesting crossover in the MCU.
Finally, Return of the King gives us a chance to see Magneto reach his full potential as a villain in the MCU, a story that takes place on the scale of Infinity War.
Each of these arcs represents a unique opportunity for the MCU to explore different aspects of the X-Men, from their origins and internal conflicts to epic shows that could change the fate of the universe. The addition of these characters to the MCU not only enriches the cinematic universe, but also brings new complexity and emotion to the stories we know and love.