5 X-Men Rumored to Be Joining the MCU in Phase 4
Following the Fox/Disney merger, the anticipation surrounding the X-Men’s entrance into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) reached an all-time high. Before the merger, Avengers and mutant fighting side-by-side or head-to-head remained a pipedream — narratives reserved for the comics. However, with the X-Men now under Kevin Feige’s control, it’s only a matter of time until some adamantium claws make their way back to the silver screen (hopefully in Hugh Jackman’s hands).
While Jackman’s Wolverine may not be joining the MCU anytime soon, five Avengers seem most likely to seize the spotlight alongside some of our Marvel heroes in Phase 4. Based on insider reports and narrative plausibility, the five X-Men below are most likely to appear in Marvel movies or TV shows already on your radar.
5. Storm: ‘Black Panther 2’
A while back, DC and Marvel Insider Mikey Sutton announced that Marvel Studios was planning to introduce Storm in Black Panther 2. The movie will proceed the Oscar-nominated film boasting strong thematic undertones — ranging from identity preservation to Western views of Africa — as well as beautiful cinematography, exquisite costume design, and narrative depth. Talk about high expectations.
Introducing Storm — who in the comics has a romantic relationship and eventually marries Black Panther — could be a way to compete with the previous film’s greatness. Not to mention, if it’s true that Marvel is eyeing Janelle Monáe for the part, a great Ororo Munroe may be on the horizon.
4. Beast: ‘WandaVision’
We Got This Covered (WGTC) reported that Abigail Brand may make her way into the MCU via WandaVision. Brand is best known as the Commander of S.W.O.R.D (a S.H.I.E.L.D division tasked with defending Earth from extra-terrestrial threats), and she boasts ties to X-Men’s Beast.
Beast and Brand go on to fight side-by-side in the comics. Teaming up to combat threats, the two also come to boast a romantic relationship. Given that S.W.O.R.D’s presence in WandaVision has virtually been confirmed, excluding Brand (directly tied to the corporation itself) seems implausible.
Further, considering the X-Men are now under Marvel’s control, Marvel may choose to seize the opportunity to pave the way for one of the smartest and strongest mutants there is. A direct presence may be unlikely; however, verbal allusions to the mutant’s existence seem probable, as to sow the seeds for future love and liaisons.
3. Psylocke: ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’
WGTC recently announced that Psylocke may be joining the MCU via Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Also known as Betsy Braddock, she boasts precognitive abilities and can manipulate minds. When inhabiting a ninja warrior’s body (one plotline explored in the comics), she boasts some fierce combat skills.
Though her capabilities are sometimes downplayed and other times godlike, depending on what works for the narrative at hand, Marvel Studios has options with this character. The studio can choose to make her extremely powerful or just average, as both would technically be “accurate” depictions (not that the Studio follows the comic books so religiously).
2. Magik: ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’
Rumor has it that Nightmare will be the main villain in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which has led to vast speculation concerning the mutant Magik. A history of attacks — at the core of Nightmare’s life journey — exists between Magik and Nightmare.
A deep-seated history also exists between Magik and Doctor Strange, as the former grew capable of wielding Strange’s most powerful relic: The Eye of Agomotto. Given Magik’s connection to the overall Strange saga and the villain at hand, his entrace seems entirely plausible.
1. Professor Xavier: ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’
Mikey Sutton recently announced that Doctor Strange will be forced to form The Illuminati in the upcoming sequel — a group of extremely intelligent and powerful individuals tasked with handling the threats the Avengers are unfamiliar and unprepared to address.
As for the members of The Illuminati likely to make an appearance in the upcoming movie: Professor Xavier and Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) are at the top of the list (if this rumor turns out to be true).
