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The X-Men debuted in Marvel Comics back in the 1960s. Then, starting in 2000, Fox launched the team into the movies. Now fans are speculating how the Marvel Cinematic Universe will integrate the X-Men. The latest rumor, for instance, teases how the MCU will introduce one of the original mutants.

The cast of 'X-Men: First Class'
The cast of ‘X-Men: First Class’ | Murray Close/Getty Images

Rumors abound regarding the future of the MCU X-Men

Once Disney completed its acquisition of Fox, fans knew the Marvel characters previously owned by Fox — the X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Deadpool — were heading to the MCU. But Marvel Studios has been remarkably quiet about how it plans to bring the heroes in.

In the absence of official announcements, the internet has run wild with rumors and speculation. For the most part, fans agree the MCU X-Men are likely heading for a complete reboot. But then there’s always the chance some key characters — like Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool — will survive the transition intact.

One of the most popular notions seems to be that the MCU will introduce its key X-Men characters bit by bit. Then, only later on will these heroes unite to form the superhero team fans know and love. And the most recent rumor is most definitely in keeping with that approach.

The latest report supports 1 long-standing theory about the X-Men

YouTube channel Everything Always cites Mikey Sutton in reporting the rumor that original X-Men character Hank McCoy aka Beast is on his way to the MCU. The character — previously played by Kelsey Grammer and Nicholas Hoult — will reportedly make his debut on the unannounced S.W.O.R.D. Disney+ series.

In Marvel Comics, S.W.O.R.D. is the cosmic equivalent to the Earth-bound S.H.I.E.L.D., focusing on intergalactic threats. The post-credits scene of Spider-Man: Far From Home teased the emergence of S.W.O.R.D., as has the final season of ABC’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

The untitled S.W.O.R.D. show will serve as an entry point for a lot of other Marvel characters. As for Beast, the character has been romantically linked to Abigail Brand, the commander of S.W.O.R.D. in many stories. So his inclusion here makes a lot of sense, provided this rumor holds true.

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Phase 5 could entirely hinge on introducing the Marvel mutants

With everything we’ve been hearing, it sounds like Phase 5 could entirely hang on the introduction of the X-Men. S.W.O.R.D. seems destined to be a part of the MCU’s upcoming plans. After all, the organization has yet to appear on screen. So bringing in Beast this way could be in the works.

Since giving each of the core X-Men their own solo movies isn’t practical, Marvel will probably aim to provide at least some individual introduction for the mutants. For Beast, it could be through S.W.O.R.D. Meanwhile, Storm might first pop up in Black Panther II, as rumors have teased.

In any case, these are all rumors right now. But fans shouldn’t be surprised to meet their favorite mutant heroes one by one over the course of Phase 5. Perhaps that set of films will even culminate in an Avengers-style X-Men team-up movie.

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