Marvel’s MCU X-Men Plans Should Include This Canceled Spinoff Movie
X-Men hit theaters in 2000. And at the time, superhero movies — especially those based on Marvel Comics — were very much a gamble. The only major hit Marvel movie at the time was 1998’s Blade. And the hard-R horror vibe of that movie isn’t in line with the more mainstream X-Men. Yet, against all odds, Fox built a franchise. Now here’s how Marvel should reboot it.
The MCU will probably be introducing the X-Men soon
When Disney acquired Fox in 2019, the business implications proved troubling. The deal greatly increased the company’s stronghold on the entertainment industry. However, Marvel fans rejoiced. Finally, Marvel Studios could include the X-Men and the Fantastic Four in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While no plans have been announced, rest assured, true believers. The X-Men are well on their way.
At this point, the question is how the MCU will take its first step into introducing mutants. With the Fantastic Four, the cleanest way is the already confirmed big-screen reboot. But the X-Men represent such a massive tapestry of characters. Should the studio move forward on an ensemble piece or stories centered on each character? One canceled Fox spinoff could be the answer to the MCU’s X-Men.
Early on, the mutants’ story should revive a spinoff idea
The obvious route to go would just a straight-up team movie, much like the 2000 X-Men. However, Marvel Studios has always been more strategic than that. More often than not, key mutant characters will pop up elsewhere before they converge as a single superhero unit. However, one X-Men character could prove to be a surprising, effective way into that world.
Thus far, the only mutants to receive their own movies are Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds). But a standalone Magneto movie would singlehandedly do a lot to bring the Marvel characters into the MCU. After all, his tragic backstory could establish the primary conflict of the Marvel universe and the long-standing existence of mutants without the necessity for the X-Men to form just yet.
Moreover, as reported way back in 2009, the movie that would become X-Men: First Class was originally intended as a Magneto spinoff. In fact, X-Men Origins: Wolverine was supposed to kick off a whole subset of mutant solo movies. But Magneto’s (Michael Fassbender) story got folded into an ensemble film instead. The character could be a compelling entry point for the MCU mutants.
Is Magneto heading to the MCU on ‘WandaVision’?
Thus far, the MCU hasn’t leaned into a full-on anti-hero adventure. Avengers: Infinity War comes the closest, since Thanos (Josh Brolin) is essentially its main character. In a time when Joker earns more than $1 billion, Marvel would be wise to take steps toward a villainous standalone story. The MCU’s first Disney+ series, WandaVision, even gives the franchise an easy way in.
Fans are quickly realizing the truth of what Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) is up to. And since Wanda’s backstory has been retconned in the comics, the stage could be set for Magneto to shock viewers with an early appearance. Besides, WandaVision fans are even speculating the show could really be the story of how Wanda becomes a villain herself. Stay tuned.
