The early 2000s X-Men storylines are prime material for live-action adaptations in the MCU, with a particular focus on the Ultimate Universe for its reworked narratives and more badass characters. New X-Men is excluded from consideration here. These storylines offer potential for standalone character arcs as well as opportunities to pave the way for future storylines. Here are the 10 best early 2000s X-Men storylines that the MCU should consider adapting! [Image: Early 2000s X-Men]
Here is a list of 10 X-Men comic book storylines from the early 2000s that the MCU should adapt, including both the Ultimate Universe and Earth-616. These storylines have the potential for live-action adaptations, and with some minor adjustments, could fit into the established MCU canon. While House of M and Messiah Complex are iconic omissions from this list, these 10 X-Men stories are some of the best that could smoothly fit on the big screen without extensive buildup. The Ultimate Universe, which was created to modernize Marvel characters and storylines, is perfect for live-action adaptation and made every character more badass, including the Ultimate X-Men.
The assembly of mutants into the original five panels is a noteworthy storyline on its own, but Tomorrow People goes even further by incorporating the Sentinels, Magneto, and the Brotherhood of Mutants. This story arc could easily serve as X-Men’s first trilogy in the MCU, laying the groundwork for future storytelling.
The ‘Return to Weapon X’ storyline in Ultimate X-Men #7-12 by Mark Miller and Adam Kubert should not be neglected by the MCU, despite elements of it already being depicted in X2: X-Men United. This storyline serves as a perfect introduction to the villainous organization and allows for the natural exploration of Wolverine’s past, while also introducing iconic X-Men villains like Sabretooth and Juggernaut.
‘Brotherhood’, as depicted in Wolverine Vol. 3 #1-5 by Greg Rucka and Darick Robertson, serves as a modern-day ‘Logan’-style storyline and deserves attention in the MCU. It offers a compelling exploration of the horrors of Weapon X, paving the way for future storytelling.
Wolverine has plenty of standalone storylines, but they often delve into his mysterious past or have significant implications for his future. Fans loved Logan because it was a self-contained and emotional Wolverine story. However, it was set in a post-mutant world, and he died at the end. Not every Wolverine standalone story needs to be profound. Sometimes Wolverine just needs to go on a dark, gritty, and badass mission, which is exactly what 'Brotherhood' allows him to do.
‘Brotherhood’ is a self-contained storyline that takes place in the modern day, yet is ambiguous enough to fit into the wider X-Men canon, making it a story the MCU can tell anytime. Darick Robertson’s depiction of Wolverine in the story should be how the character is portrayed in live-action - in all his short, grumpy glory.
Gambit was supposed to have his own live-action standalone film, but the idea was scrapped, and his live-action debut in X-Men Origins: Wolverine was also seen as a misfire. While Gambit fans have suffered because of this, it’s actually a good thing because it has effectively wiped the character's slate clean, making him more than ready for the MCU treatment.
Given the previous disappointment with Gambit's live-action depiction, the MCU is under pressure to get the character right. The storyline of Gambit as a solo hero in New York City's criminal underworld could tie in with Echo or Daredevil. The MCU could adapt the storyline of Mojo as a fairly normal-looking person with a survival-based television series filmed on Krakoa, making it easier for fans to accept than the Earth-616 version. This could also introduce Krakoa and lead to a live-action adaptation of the X-Men's Krakoan Age. "Ultimate War" is a more straightforward "Avengers vs X-Men" story and could be adapted into the MCU.
When the X-Men make their debut in the MCU, it's inevitable that they will clash with the Avengers. While the iconic 'Avengers vs X-Men' storyline in Earth-616 is deeply rooted in lore and may be a bit too much to adapt, 'Ultimate War' is a perfect choice for a live-action adaptation. It is based on a simple misunderstanding that arises from the wider distrust of mutantkind, making it more relatable and understandable for viewers.
An 'Ultimate War' event in the MCU may not be as grand as the upcoming Secret Wars, but it could have a more significant impact due to its focus on division. This adaptation could also allow for the X-Men to exist in their own separate corner of the MCU after the conclusion of the storyline. This would enable more self-contained X-Men storylines within the shared universe of the MCU.
The matchup of 'Ultimate Wolverine vs Hulk' is deeply ingrained in the characters' history, and while they have never fought in live-action, it's a showdown that MCU fans deserve. Adapting this storyline for the MCU would be a way to make it count and deliver an impactful experience for viewers.
Wolverine is hired by Nick Fury to track down the Hulk in a simple 'Hulk vs Wolverine' story, known for its brutal showdown. The X-Men's doorway into the cosmic side of the Marvel Universe, the Shi’ar Empire, could be introduced in the MCU with the adapted storyline 'The Rise and Fall of the Shi’ar Empire', adding depth to Cyclops' character. Cable's convoluted origin story could be revamped in the MCU, using his cooler Earth-1610 origin from Ultimate X-Men #75-78.
In the Ultimate Universe, Cable is not Nathaniel Summers, but rather Wolverine. This version of Wolverine, who has lost his healing factor and arm (replaced with a robotic one), travels back in time to warn the X-Men of a grim future. The version of Cable in Deadpool 2 could easily be the Ultimate version, allowing the MCU to explore this direction for the character without significant retcons.
The Dark Angel Saga in Uncanny X-Force #11-18 by Rick Remender and Mark Brooks could set up the Age of Apocalypse storyline in the MCU. While it may not be one of the first storylines told, it could serve as a bridge between Earth-616 and Earth-295. Introducing the Age of Apocalypse after the fact could open the door for a prequel series that adapts the iconic crossover storyline from the 90s.
The Dark Angel Saga is a compelling storyline that deserves to be adapted, but its impact goes beyond just its own plot. It has the potential to bring the live-action Age of Apocalypse film franchise to life, something that MCU fans would be thrilled to see. That is why it is one of the 10 early 2000s X-Men stories that should influence the MCU's portrayals and be adapted for the big screen.