One of the actors in Black Widow is claiming his character is the first mutant to officially appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Olivier Richters portrayed Ursa Major, one of the Russian prisoners locked up with David Harbour's Red Guardian. He's only referred to by his first name, though Richters has now confirmed he was indeed portraying Ursa Major, who is a mutant member of the Winter Guard, Russia's version of the Avengers. According to the actor's claim, this means mutants are now part of the MCU, all thanks to Black Widow.
"Marvel Black Widow is out! After two years I can finally tell who my character is: Ursa Major: mutant (X-Men) that appears in the Marvel Cinematic Universe," Richter said in his Instagram post. "Ursa is part of the Winter Guard, noted for being 'Russia's answer to the Avengers.' His power transforms him into an incredible bear, transcending The Hulk in size. Ursa appears many times in the comics fightning Wolverine and The Hulk." Richter went on to say that he let out tears upon learning who he was portraying in Black Widow, since it meant he finally got to live out his movie dream of playing a comic book superhero. He concluded with the hope that "Marvel will bring back Ursa in full form."
Richter's Instagram post includes artwork of Ursa Major taken straight out of the comics. For example, we see Ursa Major in his bear form alongside the Winter Guard as they face off against the Avengers, a fight between the large bear and Wolverine, Major in his human form, a throwdown with the Hulk and more.
While Richter is understandably excited to be a part of MCU history, it's worth noting that he is the one claiming Ursa Major is the MCU's first mutant, and this is not coming directly from a representative of Marvel Studios. It's entirely possible that Richter is correct, though most fans will want to wait to hear something more concrete from Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige.
Ursa Major can be found in Black Widow, which is now available simultaneously on Disney+ Premier Access and in theaters.
Source: Instagram