The X-Men are definitely coming to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it's just a matter of when. Theories abound as to when and how the classic X-Men characters should enter the MCU, ranging from transporting the existing Fox X-Men franchise over intact, to completely rebooting the concept. One thing is for sure: Some major X-Men characters will be involved in the hugely successful franchise. Some of them should be introduced as soon as possible.
There are endless possibilities for how the MCU can approach the mutants, but they've already established a fair amount of groundwork for some characters. Certain franchises active in the MCU already provide a ready and natural path for major X-Men characters to appear.
10 The Multiples Lives Of Moira MacTaggert Will Integrate Well Into MCU's Multiverse-Heavy Future
Moira MacTaggert has only been known as a mutant for a little over a year, since it was revealed in Dawn of X— though within the X-Men canon, she's actually been one all her life. That makes her an ideal and potentially fascinating mutant to introduce early on.
Depending on how the MCU approaches mutants, the idea of the many lives of Moira MacTaggert has a lot of promise. The multiverse seems to be a major concept going into the next phase of the MCU, and Moira's different lives could be a platform to introduce her or mutants in general.
9 Nightcrawler Will Pave The Way For Other Key Characters' Appearances
The X-Men will make the MCU better, without a doubt. Nightcrawler will make it amazing. Nightcrawler made his first film appearance in X2 and was one of the best parts of that movie. He hasn't featured too heavily since.
His swashbuckling spirit, combined with his unique mutant ability to teleport, make him a fun and ideal character to introduce early on. Kurt Wagner greatly expands the world and universe of the MCU with his presence and his introduction would also tie into other characters likely to show up early on.
8 Magik Has Strong Ties To Doctor Strange And The Multiverse
Magik recently appeared in The New Mutants movie, but with the ultimate fate of the Fox franchise characters in doubt, there are plenty of opportunities to revisit her. That said, it would be in Marvel's interest to retain Anya Taylor-Joy, who was excellent in the role.
Magik has ties to another dimension, Limbo, and Doctor Strange, in the comics. Considering Doctor Strange will be going into the multiverse in his sequel, this makes her a natural choice to get into the MCU early to establish some pretty key concepts of the larger X-Men world.
7 Armor Would Be A Great Way To Inject More Youth Into The MCU
A more modern X-Men character who would be a great addition to the MCU is Armor. Hisako Ichiki debuted during Joss Whedon's Astonishing X-Men and has since played an increasingly prominent role with the team. Her youth and her unique power to create a transparent shell of armor around herself make her a fun and new way to introduce mutants.
Astonishing X-Men hasn't aged well in some ways, but Armor certainly has. The X-Men tend to incorporate characters like Kitty Pryde or Jubilee to help incorporate a point of view that appeals to younger readers, and Armor would be a great new choice to do so for the MCU.
6 Wolverine And Captain America Have An Established History In The Comics To Draw From
Wolverine is a given in the MCU. The most popular X-Man will likely play as significant a role in the new franchise as he did with Fox. Hugh Jackman has retired from the role, meaning a new actor will take over. It's also an opportunity to revisit the character.
Logan's long history intersects with Captain America for example, meaning there is an opportunity to retroactively establish him in the history of the MCU. There are many essential Wolverine stories to draw from. However he emerges, he's a critical character and important to introduce early on.
5 Kitty Pryde's Romantic History With Peter Parker Could Be Explored On Screen
Kitty Pryde's role as an audience surrogate for the X-Men makes her a natural character to introduce early. There is already a way for this to happen, established in the Ultimate Spider-Man comic from the early 2000s. A younger Kitty started dating Peter Parker, making Spider-Man one of Kitty Pryde's love interests.
It's easy to see how Kitty could be introduced in a Spider-Man film as a student at Mid-Town High, who then graduates to the Xavier School For The Gifted and becomes part of the eventual X-Men.
4 Namor Bridges The Gap Between The X-Men And The Fantastic Four
Namor is one of the most powerful mutants in Marvel Comics. As the ruler of Atlantis, he also opens a vast new corner for the MCU to explore. The underwater kingdom has yet to play a role in the movies— aside from tantalizing vague reference to earthquakes beneath the Atlantic in Avengers: Endgame— but the time has come.
With both the Fantastic Four and X-Men coming to the MCU, Namor represents major connective tissue between the two. He also potentially could factor as a villain or hero, depending on the movie he appears in.
3 Mystique Is Already An Established Avengers Villain
Mystique played a major role in numerous appearances in the X-Men franchise, so it's likely she'll continue to factor heavily in the MCU. Mystique is a classic villain of the Avengers as well, making her an ideal candidate to introduce early on. Her connections to both Nightcrawler and Rogue also make it critical for her to show up sooner rather than later.
It's possible Mystique has already appeared in the MCU and fans don't know it. The shapeshifting villain can impersonate anyone she wants, meaning she could be active in the ranks of the MCU right now, pretending to be someone she isn't.
2 Rogue Is A Former Avengers Villain And Also Got Her Powers From Carol Danvers
Rogue has a well-known and critical connection to a major MCU player: Captain Marvel. Rogue's strongest powers, including her immense strength and stamina, come from touching Carol Danvers in a chaotic encounter in the '80s.
This former Avengers villain is more than a natural choice to debut early— she's necessary. Establishing Rogue as a villain in Captain Marvel 2 for instance would present Carol a major challenge and help introduce a major pillar of the X-Men at the same time.
1 Storm And Black Panther Were Married For A Time
Storm is perhaps the most important classic X-Men character for the MCU to introduce. As a leader of the team, it's unlikely she wouldn't appear with them. More than that, she has a major connection to a major MCU character, Black Panther.
In the comics, Storm and T'Challa were married for a time (and are one of Marvel's best couples). Though the status of Black Panther 2 is unclear in the wake of the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman, should the franchise continue, Storm would need to be a major player in it.