The MCU should consider bringing back iconic X-Men characters who shone in past films and possess undeniable charisma and appeal. These heroes, who were previously sidelined in the X-Men franchise, deserve a chance to reclaim their former glory.
Former actors like Rebecca Romijn and Halle Berry expressed a strong desire to return and offer their talents for Marvel to explore. Their presence would undoubtedly enhance the MCU's ability to attract and retain fans.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has subtly integrated the cast of Fox's X-Men franchise, but still possesses notable performances by iconic figures such as Patrick Stewart, Kelsey Grammer, and Evan Peter. Moreover, the MCU has introduced several iconic mutants in recent films, including Professor X, Beast, and Quicksilver, solidifying the X-Men's status as a significant element within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
For as impressive as the MCU's starting roster of X-Men alumni has been, there are still some standout performances in the Fox X-Men movies that deserve to return to the big screen. Some of them, like those Marvel has already acquired, are career-defining superhero casting choices too iconic not to consider. However, a healthier number of former X-Men also never got a fair chance to shine, being utterly wasted in the few films they did appear in. These underappreciated heroes of the Fox continuity deserve another shot in the limelight in the MCU.
A newer addition to the X-Men's cast of familiar faces in both the comics and movies, Magik is a fantasy-themed hero with feet in both the mutant world and the mystical realm of Limbo. This dual nature as a sorceress and mutant would make her far better suited to the fantasy trappings of the MCU compared to the relatively grounded Fox universe. Additionally, Anya Taylor-Joy's role in The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga will draw bigger crowds than 2020, with her increased prominence due to the MCU's growing popularity.
Forming a duo with the Merc with a Mouth for a long time in the comics, Josh Brolin finally made his first film appearance alongside Deadpool in Deadpool 2. His take on the time-traveling anti-hero was the perfect straight man to Wade Wilson's absurdity, and his joining of the MCU alongside Deadpool would be a welcome inclusion. While Josh Brolin already played Thanos, that character has long since been retired, and it wouldn't be the first time that an actor in the MCU played multiple roles.
Of the two actresses to play Storm, Halle Berry may be the less famous, but her performance was undeniably a better representation of the shape-shifting mutant compared to Jennifer Lawrence's check-cashing sleepwalk through the prequel trilogy. Berry gave the character the right sense of tragedy while still actually feeling like an actual villain. Not only that, but Berry herself has expressed enthusiasm for returning, a sure prospect Marvel would be smart to take advantage of.
Like most X-Men characters, two different actresses have taken on the role of Jean Grey at different points in time, but Jennifer Lawrence's portrayal of Jean Grey is by far the more acclaimed. Channelled the power of the nature itself, Jennifer Lawrence was able to convey Jean Grey's vulnerability, strength, and intelligence while also making it clear how the powerful character could come to be worshiped as a goddess. Jennifer Lawrence's Jean Grey performance was a beacon of hope and empowerment that the MCU would be well-served to replicate.
On the topic of leading women from the original X-Men timeline, James Marsden's Cyclops was something of a fumbled character. It's undeniable that the first trilogy's adaptation of the Dark Phoenix storyline wasn't handled very well, and Cyclops's character suffered for it despite Marsden's solid performance as a conflicted young man. If given stronger material to work off of, Marsden could join the MCU's cast of returning X-Men for some much-needed redemption.
Of all the core X-Men to be introduced in the earliest Fox movies, few characters got robbed like Anna Paquin's Rogue. Paquin's performance as Rogue in the Fox films was a standout, with her character struggling to maintain authority amidst Wolverine's unruliness and being caught in a love triangle with Jean. While Paquin's acting talents were evident in the films, her role as Rogue received relatively little screen time, with her character being robbed only a few times throughout the series.
One of the most tragic figures in the entire X-Men lineup, Rogue's powers are more of a curse than a blessing, forming the crux of the character's dramatic arc. While the source material presents a more somber and tragic portrayal of Rogue's life, Paquin's portrayal in the comics introduced a surprising dose of lightheartedness and romance into the character's narrative, showcasing the rich drama and vulnerability of a mutant who was initially disregarded by the X-Men.
Ian McKellen's Magneto first appears in X-Men (2000).
Ian McKellan's masterful portrayal of Magneto in the MCU showcases the tragedy of the villain's journey from holocaust survivor to persecuted mutant. Despite multiple opportunities for a final cinematic swansong, he has consistently delivered a powerful and unforgettable performance that deserves one last hurrah as Magneto.
Key Release Dates
Deadpool 3 Release Date: 2024-07-26
Captain America: Brave New World Release Date: 2025-02-14
Marvel's Fantastic Four Release Date: 2025-05-02
Marvel's Thunderbolts Release Date: 2025-07-25
Blade (2025) Release Date: 2025-11-07
Avengers: The Kang Dynasty Release Date: 2026-05-01
Avengers: Secret Wars Release Date: 2027-05-07