A future where mutants fight for justice in theMCUis starting to take shape. News thatThunderbolts*directorJack Schreierwill bereturning to helmthe nextX-Menfilm hasMarvelfans feeling renewed excitement for the franchise. Of course, the next big and more important mystery to solve is which members of the X-Men will make their way in front of the camera.
Although multiple mutants have slapped an X on their spandex to fight for Charles Xavier’s team, there are specific characters that are instantly thought of when the team is mentioned. Some are also a more natural fit with the MCU’s now-well-known brand, making them obvious fits for the upcoming lineup.Here are the essential X-Men to make up an all-star roster for their MCU debut. They won’t be ranked in any specific way; instead, the list aims to suggest the ultimate lineup for the beloved team of mutants.
Thunderbolts*
10Jean Grey
A True Original at the Heart of Iconic Stories
The most powerful telepath of all mutants is a required member of any X-Men team. Once operating under the name of Marvel Girl before using her real name, Jean Grey’s telepathic prowess is so strong that she could bea danger to others if she were to lose control of her powers.
It’s fairly guaranteed that Jean will be present for any major X-Men story told in the MCU. Although storylines like The Dark Phoenix Saga need to rest for a considerable amount of time before being revisited, Jean isan essential part of the X-Men’s identity. She’s often portrayed as stoic to a fault in the past movies and animated series, so it would be a welcome change to portray her with a little more personality than she’s received in onscreen adaptations.
Fur or No Fur, A Valued Member in Any Era
Dr. Hank McCoy, commonly referred to as Beast, needs to be prominently factored into any new X-Men stories for the MCU. Beast’s physical gifts of superhuman strength and agility are only surpassed by his genius-level intelligence. Although his outer appearance of blue fur makes him look like an animal, Beast is often the X-Man who isdiscovering scientific breakthroughs to assist the teamin the numerous threats they receive from all manner of species and alien forms.
The Beast is in many waysthe thoughtful heart of the X-Men, and a new version of the team will suffer from his absence. Based on what little we’ve seen of the Beast in thepost-credits sceneofThe Marvels, he’s a character who will likely benefit from updated visual effects. Prosthetics and makeup were necessary whenKelsey Grammeroriginally played the character inX-Men: The Last Stand, but now it’s possible to see Dr. McCoy fight in all his acrobatic glory.
A Leader Starting to Get the Respect He Deserves
As the most faithful devotee to the cause of the X-Men,it’s unthinkable to exclude Cyclops, or Scott Summers, from any upcoming storylines. Scott’s ability to shoot destructive beams from his eyes makes him immensely dangerous, but his skills are not limited to his mutant powers. As the very first X-Man, Scott committed his entire life to becoming an expert tactician who leads the team through threats while incorporating all of their powers for maximum benefit.
For the longest, he was unfairly burdened with the title of lame leader while Wolverine instigated conflict, butScott is a multifaceted characterwho can be used in a variety of ways. While he takes Xavier’s mission gravely seriously, Scott’s stubbornness can instill the character with edgy unpredictability when his core beliefs are challenged.X-Men ‘97did a great job of showing how his optic blast can be used more creatively than target practice on enemies, and ideally, that approach can be used for the next live-action Cyclops.
Ororo Munroe, X-Men codename Storm, is an Omega-Level mutant whose ability to control the weather makes herone of the most dynamic characters in the pages of X-Men comics. Overcoming a troubled past that included a stint as a skilled child street thief, Storm found a community of friends at Xavier’s Institute. Her adventures haven’t been limited to the X-Men, with Storm going on to marry the Black Panther and even serving as a member of the Fantastic Four.
Although Storm has appeared in numerous X-Men movies, most famously played by Oscar winnerHalle Berryin the original trilogy, her presence has felt largely underwhelming. Marvel Studios has an opportunity to turn Storm into thepowerful leader of the X-Menshe’s meant to be. A great example to draw from is how Storm is portrayed in the animated series, infused witha sense of regal pathos that commands respect.
He’s Earned a Spot After Babysitting Deadpool
Colossus, real name Piotr Rasputin, joined the X-Men at the same time as Storm buthasn’t gotten the same onscreen attention. Colossus’ mutant power is to turn his body into a form of metal that is virtually indestructible in battle. Although the appearance of his metal form would appear restrictive, Piotr’s enhanced body gives the mutant increased strength and speed, creating an advantage for the skilled fighter in dangerous situations.
It’s most likely a result of having too many characters on screen to juggle, but Colossus received more screen time inDeadpoolthan he did fighting alongside the X-Men in their movies. Asone of the oldest X-Men characters, it’s time for Colossus to grow as a member of the team and have more involvement in storylines. Piotr’s gentle nature is good for the balance of the team, and visually, he’ll look amazing in fight scenes.
5Wolverine
It’s Hard To Imagine This Legendary Hero Left Out
One constant in almost every singleX-Men movie ever madehas been the claw-popping, cigar-chomping, sideburn-wearing Wolverine. He’sone of the most recognizable Marvel characters, who, alongside heroes likeSpider-Man, has long served as a face for the company.Hugh Jackmanhas played the part since the original X-Men movie was released in 2000, but it would make sense for Jackman to pass the claws to a new actor for the reboot.
The trap to avoid is having Wolverine take over the entire movie, but he’svital to the ensemble as the curmudgeon with a heart of gold. If the newly assembled roster of the X-Men uses the original group of five as a model for the first film, Wolverine could not make the cut, but it’s unlikely Marvel Studios will decide not to incorporate Logan into their plans. What’s even the point of making an X-Men movie if Disney can’t sell plastic claws to children that mainly adults buy?
4Nightcrawler
Why Wasn’t He in Every Movie to Begin With?
For Nightcrawler, real name Kurt Wagner, a demonic outer appearance hides a gentle soul. The ex-circus performer can travel great distances within seconds using his ability to teleport, making him nearly impossible to strike in the heat of battle. Nightcrawler additionally possesses superhuman agility and reflexes that, paired with his training as an acrobat, allow him the ultimate flexibility.
Nightcrawler teleported away from feature films for too long, despite beingone of the standout characters of the original movies. When discussing some of the best X-Men moments from the films, fans will quickly land on the opening ofX2: X-Men United, where Nightcrawler (Alan Cumming) invades the White House in a stunning assassination attempt. That movie was released in 2003, so one can only imagine the level of incredible possibilities with Nightcrawler after numerous advancements in special effects.
An Original Who Needs a Bigger Role
Anoriginal member of the X-Men who hasn’t received enough screen timeis Bobby Drake, more commonly known by his codename, Iceman. Bobby’s power over freezing temperatures allows him to create anything of his choosing out of ice, whether it be defensive pillars or projectiles to hurl at enemies. Additionally, Bobby can turn his entire body into ice, making it nearly impossible for opponents to hurt him.
Iceman would work perfectly as comedic relief and allow Bobby to establish an identity within the MCU, a franchise that loves a character who can’t pass up a joke. When Bobby was introduced inX2: X-Men United, portrayed by Shawn Ashmore, he often felt like an afterthought. If he were introduced as a core member of the group in his full ice form, Iceman’s contributions during fight scenes could easily bescene-stealing visuals.
A Strong Fan Favorite With Untapped Potential
Anew, more comic-book faithful version of Roguewould be a game-changer for the MCU. Rogue’s ability to absorb the energy of anyone by touch is both a blessing and a curse, giving her access to unlimited power but prohibiting her from getting close to loved ones. Although Rogue feels isolated due to her mutant powers, she remainsone of the most reliable X-Men on the team.
An aspect of the X-Men that could be explored is their willingness to accept foes as new allies by spreading a message of peace and acceptance.In the comics, Rogue is initially an opponent to the X-Men before she joins them, eventually proving herself a hero and leading a branch team.Introducing Rogue first as a villain and allowing her to go on the journey to becoming an X-Manwould add more depth to Rogue and make her a breakout star of the movie.
It’s Time for the Ragin’ Cajun to be Dealt In On The Action
Somehow, the fan-favoriteGambit has not appeared on the big screen as a member of Xavier’s team, and that should be rectified immediately. The charming mutant known as Gambit, real name Remy LeBeau, can charge objects with kinetic energy to create explosives out of anything within arm’s reach. Larger objects take a longer time to charge, so the Creole mutant sticks to his trusty playing cards to use as his weapon of choice.
Although Gambit has been known to manufacture his luck at the card table, his time on the big screen seems cursed. Gambit’s first appearance in movies was in the prequel spinoffX-Men Origins: Wolverine, whereTaylor Kitschput on the signature long trench coat; he did a solid job, but the film’s outright failure killed his chances. From there,Channing Tatumtraveled throughevery level of development hellto star as the mutant, before finally getting his chance inDeadpool & Wolverine.
NEXT:These 10 Iconic X-Men Storylines Will Always Work Better in Animation
