Here Come the Mutants: An MCU Invasion

Vega
Mar 30, 2021
13 min read

It's been almost two years to the day since Disney officially purchased the assets from Fox's entertainment division, which most notably included reacquiring the movie rights for the Fantastic Four and X-Men properties. While we have received official word that the Fantastic Four will be brought to the big screen by current MCU Spider-Man director Jon Watts, Kevin Feige and Co. have remained ho-hum on the mutant subject matter. This is not a surprise, considering the extensive movie universe that Fox gave the X-Men, regardless of reception, when compared to the measly three Fantastic Four movies, the last of which many refuse to acknowledge even exists. Last week, though, rumors spread that Marvel Studios had begun development on an X-Men themed movie titled "The Mutants". These reports also indicated that the title indicated Marvel's decision to separate the characters from being called "X-Men".

Regarding these rumors, I am sure there is some level of development regarding the X-Men/mutant's MCU introduction, but as WandaVision has recently reminded me, all rumors should be taken with single grains of salt. That being said, I think it would make sense for Marvel Studios to introduce the X-gene and mutants prior to the formation of an actual X-Men team, considering that's how the entire MCU began prior to "The Avengers". There is a separate set of rumors that there will be hints/Easter eggs for mutants appearing in the upcoming "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" Disney+ series. This comes primarily from leaked photos that appear to confirm the island of Madripoor as a location for the series, which is a fictional nation deeply ingrained in X-Men lore. Whether any of this is true or not remains to be seen, but it has jumpstarted heavy conversations about what to do with the X-Men characters in the MCU.

I have 3 separate ideas for storyline progressions that the Marvel Studios could follow once the mutants are introduced. Note that none of these ideas include HOW mutants are explained into the MCU. Quite frankly, it would not require a lengthy and crazy explanation. I would be completely fine with the MCU saying "oh yeah, and there are people starting to develop special abilities, let's see what's happening there". I do think characters can and will be introduced in other movies/series, even just as teasers, but I trust Kevin Feige will figure out how to present the overall integration to the general audience. Instead, I want to focus on some ideas of what an initial trilogy (should that be the plan) could look like. These are NOT predictions and just a fun, imaginative exercise.

SCENARIO #1:

Xavier's School of Powers and Mutantry

This is inspired a bit by the X-Men: Evolution animated series, which is my favorite X-Men property by far. This scenario provides a smaller scale look at everyday problems that homosuperior face when trying to conform to the world. It will have a bit of a Harry Potter-feel, with the focus on a younger group of mutants and a good deal of events happening during school. With this trilogy, Wolverine's introduction will be inspired by how he was introduced in Ultimate X-Men, which is fitting considering a lot of the MCU is based on Marvel Comics Ultimate Universe.

1. The X-Men

Follows a group of mutants attending the Xavier Institute for Gifted Children, which does not yet serve as a school, but solely as a boarding home. The individuals who live here still attend school in the community. It focuses on Cyclops, Jean, Kitty, Iceman, and new student Rogue. Beast and Storm are older members of the home who work closely with Xavier. The growing world's concern is what the increasing presence of mutated DNA could lead to (different diseases, a shift in the status quo, more super villains) which is how the fear of mutants will be separate from any concerns of the usual Marvel heroes. This film will focus on the relationships of the characters, the struggle of existing in public while hiding their powers, and a lot of smaller scale ways of inserting themselves secretly as a team to stop minor crimes/disturbances in hopes of building credit with the community for a future reveal. Throughout the film, there will be many tensions between the heroes about whether to intervene or not and risk exposure. Xavier exists in the background, never leaves the Institute, and the main plot and climax of the film is an attack on the Institute by an unknown assassin (Wolverine), who ultimately fails and Xavier helps clear his head and he ends up leaving to do his own thing, but not before sharing some form of father/daughter bond with Kitty. Magneto is the big villain and will slowly be built as a threat. He will be shown as a shadow figure pulling the strings with no actual reveal, but will float and have a cape and be wearing a helmet so people will know its him. He will only be seen a few times in the movie lurking in the background, most prominently ordering the assassin's hit on Xavier. He will also be seen having won over some young mutants looking for direction before Xavier is able to reach them himself.

2. The X-Men: Brotherhood

Focus of the film is on a rogue group of mutants causing trouble and shedding a negative light on mutant-kind, of course being Magneto's Brotherhood. This will include Blob, Gambit, Mystique, Nightcrawler, Pyro, Boom-Boom, and Avalanche (primarily, the mutants that Magneto was able to reach before Xavier). Sabretooth presents as a temporary member, but solely to oppose Wolverine. Magneto continues to remain a background presence in this film, building to his clash with the X-Men in the 3rd film, though he does more here and does get into the action a bit at the end. He has semi-regular meetings with Nathaniel Essex and his corporation, providing Essex with mutant DNA in exchange for looking for ways to enhance mutant powers and "perfect" mutant evolution. The main battle between Brotherhood and X-Men takes place at Essex Labs, as the Xavier's team attempts to stop any and all mutant experimentation with Magneto's team in opposition. Magneto calls off the battle and seemingly has his team retreat, but it's because he received what he wanted from Essex, a formula for enhancing mutant powers. Wolverine returns during the main battle and makes a dramatic save. With a more public battle and exposure for the mutants, their days in public school ends and they remain at the Institute as Xavier begins to transition it into a school at the end. Some members of Magneto's team change sides and quit towards the end, with Nightcrawler coming to the institute and Gambit going out on his own. The end credit is Essex's transformation to Mr. Sinister.

3. The X-Men: Evolution

The finale sees Magneto's ultimate plan brought to light, as he plans attacks on multiple major governments to overthrow them, using the power enhancement formulas on him and a few mutants he trusts. He and his team are operating from an unknown, floating location that Magneto identifies as "M", which you learn some about in the 2nd film. The X-Men break into multiple teams (two of which are designated as Blue and Gold) to thwart the attacks. Local mutants, mostly no names, are recruited and join in during the fights, like the one in Russia, where Colossus joins the X-Men team and sticks with them. Of course to the world, all mutants are enemies at this point, so the militaries are trying to stop all mutants. I honestly haven't thought this one out as much as the other two films, but Xavier ends up "working" with world leaders to cease the military attacks so they can focus on Magneto and the threat of "M" as a moving weapon.

Scenario #2:

A Tour through the Comics

With this scenario, I will use and expand on the idea of "The Mutants" being the initial film title. In this trilogy, each movie will represent a major X-Men comic book milestone. The first movie will be the X-Men's introduction from X-Men #1, the second will include a cultural expansion of the team from Giant Size X-Men #1, and the third will represent the resurgence of the X-Men in the 90's following Chris Claremont/Jim Lee's new X-Men #1.

1. The Mutants

Again, inspired by the debut of the X-Men in 1963, this film will follow the group of Angel, Iceman, Cyclops, Beast, and Jean Grey. The film will follow each of these characters and their struggles transitioning into their new abilities. By mid-movie, they have each been approached by Charles Xavier and all agree to live under his supervision at his boarding school. Of course, once there, they figure out that there is more to the school than just learning about their powers. They also begin training to use their powers as a team and this causes some dissonance between the members, as some disagree with being used as "weapons". An old friend of Xavier's, named Erik Lehnsherr, starts causing trouble on the island of Krakoa with some other mutants due to discovering a facility there that is illegally holding mutants, but fronts as an advanced research facility. Xavier's team is sent to the island to stop Lehnsherr's team from damaging the public view of mutants while also attempting to rescue mutants from the facility. The facility is run by Mr. Sinister and Mastermind (who creates illusions to control other mutants into fighting on their behalf) which are the primary antagonists. The mission ends up a partial success, as Lehnsherr retreats after rescuing a couple of selected mutants. For Xavier's team, only 2 of the original members returns unscathed, having rescued a handful of mutants, with the other members having been captured themselves. The movie ends with Xavier recruiting a new team for the mission of rescuing the other members.

2. Rise of the Mutants

Inspired by the next big X-Men key issue, Giant Size X-Men #1, which introduced a culturally diverse team of mutants in Nightcrawler, Storm, Colossus, and Thunderbird. Wolverine also joined the team in that issue, but I'm leaving him out for the assumption that Marvel Studios may want to build him into the universe through his own movies and give other mutants the time to shine. These new member's agree to assist Professor Xavier, each for their own reason/price. The first 1/3 of the movie has this group of mutants proficiently rescue the members of the original team from Krakoa, bringing into question the need for the original members and developing jealousy and some members abandoning Xavier and attempt to live normal lives. I would see this movie dive into the creation of the Sentinels following the Krakoa attacks and have the public violently turn against any and all mutants. While attempting to stop some tragedy caused by Juggernaut to save members of the public the new team is turned on and attacked by members of the public. Along with battling the Sentinels, the new team is overwhelmed, leading to the dramatic return of the original members to fight alongside the others. Throughout the film, the events slowly push Erik Lehnsherr's transformation into Magneto, following the destruction of multiple Sentinels as his anger towards humanity grows and shows a dangerous level of power towards the end of the movie.

3. Age of the Mutants

The movie begins with following a group who calls themselves "The Brotherhood" and acts in accordance with Magneto's worldview, though they are not currently associated with him. Since they are a nuisance and the public perceives them as aligned with Magneto, news outlets coin them the "Brotherhood of Evil Mutants". Now with an extensive group of members, Xavier sends various teams across the world to follow up on leads of Magneto's location, leading to the discovery of a mutant "safe haven" that Magneto heads called Genoshoa. Within Genoshoa, there is a group of mutants called the Acolytes that begin turning against Magneto, questioning his lack of action against Xavier and the world. As the Acolytes grow in power, including mutants like Exodus, Pyro, Frenzy, and Avalanche, their self-appointed leader Fabian Cortez begins a coup of Genoshoa. After succeeding in turning the once peaceful citizens of Genoshoa against the world, their attacks against the general public fuels the hatred from humanity, which unleashes the true antagonist behind Fabian Cortez's intentions, the Shadow King. This sees Xavier and Magneto's teams join forces to stop the Shadow King and his Acolytes. This is a final battle that could include the likes of Dr. Strange or Scarlet Witch to battle this otherworldly entity if a little crossover action was desired.

Scenario #3:

The Mutant Nation of Krakoa

For those currently reading Marvel comics, you likely know that the X-Men have been re-envisioned by Jonathan Hickman over the past couple of years with his Dawn of X and, now, Reign of X storylines. This modern telling of mutant history can easily be a starting point and influence for the MCU's X-Men stories, which bypasses a lot of the traditional "fight for inclusion" and starts with mutants declaring the island of Krakoa as their own sovereign nation. This trilogy will be MUCH different the aforementioned ideas, as it will hit the ground running acting as though the mutants are already established with their powers, etc. This is hard to envision happening since there is currently no indication of mutants even existing in the MCU, but we never know what the strategy will be for transitioning this group into the MCU.

1. Dawn of X

This trilogy would likely rely on the introductions of mutants throughout other films/series. The movie begins at a meeting of the United Nations (or whatever the MCU's equivalent is) where Charles Xavier and Magneto are introduced as co-leaders of the mutant nation of Krakoa. They issue a demand for sovereignty and independence as their place in the world is established and they develop a society based on their standards as homosuperior. It's clear that this alarms much of the world's nations, but to avoid conflict for the time being, the request is approved on a probationary standard. Throughout this film, we get to know the characters on the island flashbacks and intragroup conflict as the nation sees the development of sub-communities, factions, and the governing mutant council. This movie is less about mutants versus the world and more about tempering mutant versus mutant conflict and keeping that under control as to present well to the UN and continue avoiding human interference. I think this film is kept small and localized mostly to Krakoa, perhaps a small group of troublemakers who feel underrepresented stir up trouble throughout the movie before being stopped and ending with a court like ruling, which will establish some of the policies and procedures of the mutant nation.

2. Reign of X

As Krakoa appears to be prospering, the council is visited by the time traveling mutant, Cable, who has come to warn them of an eventual war that leads to the creation of a mutant-neutralizing android called Nimrod, which has the ability to adapt to mutant powers. Upon learning of the fall of mutantkind, the council puts together a team to investigate and destroy a project that Cable informed them of, called Master Mold. This is a defense program which is developed by S.W.O.R.D. as a safety measure against mutant uprising and, ultimately, leads to Nimrod's creation. While the mission ends up a success in the present, it comes with two negative ramifications: the first being the world's fight against the sovereignty of Krakoa due to their attack on S.W.O.R.D. and second being the Nimrod from Cable's timeline finding a way to follow Cable into the present. Nimrod becomes the primary antagonist and begins its work eradicating mutants much earlier than it did in its original timeline. The council learns that Nimrod's mutant adaptation comes from its ability to scan mutant's brains to fully understand their mutation, but that it has never been able to scan the brains of some of the most powerful mutants, namely Prof X and Magneto, which is who has kept the mutant resistance alive. To maintain that status quo, before Nimrod is able to scan Magneto's mind, Prof X makes the drastic decision to shut down Magneto's mind and void him of all consciousness so that there would be nothing from which Nimrod could learn. Consequently, this results in the darkest part of Magneto's consciousness becoming embedded in Prof X's. The conflict between having two consciousnesses attempting to occupy the same space results in an abnormal mutation in Prof X, resulting in his formation into an all powerful mutant calling itself Onslaught. Onslaught, which is visually a mental manifestation of Prof X's newly corrupted consciousness, eviscerates Nimrod and ends the movie taking over the head of the council and rules with an almighty fist, including secretly organizing the assassination of world leaders concerned with Krakoa. The end credit scene sees a group of concerned mutants meeting with a member of the Avengers about the threat that Onslaught poses.

3. AvX: Avengers vs X-Men

Thus comes one of my favorite comic events of all-time, the Avengers VS X-Men, except the conflict will pertain to concerns about Onslaught rather than the Phoenix Force. I would like a "Han shot first" moment in this film, where it's unclear who threw the first punch that began the physical conflict. Of course, the movie will continue to see the radical ideas of Onslaught begin to pose more problems for Krakoa with the rest of the world and members of the Avengers reach the shores of Krakoa for a meeting, representing the nations of the world. Onslaught presents to the meeting as a well-intentioned ruler only concerned about ensuring the safety of his people. As the Avengers leave, through a secret transmission they learn that Onslaught is planning the execution of the mutants that went to the Avengers, which escalates the confrontation and results in fisticuffs. This begins a battle that spans across Krakoa and other nations, as Onslaught sends mutants through portals to attack other parts of the world as he frames this as an attack on mutant sovereignty. Ultimately, a group of telepaths (Jean Grey, Emma Frost, Psylocke) come together to separate the psyche of Onslaught from Charles Xavier so that Onslaught could be defeated without harming Prof X. Onslaught psyche, now existing as psionic energy, takes over the armor Prof X was inhabiting, though weakened without the full telepathic abilities of Prof X. Now that Prof X is safe, the mutants team with the Avengers to defeat the still formidable Onslaught and end up trapping him in some way, unable to defeat the psionic energy that now houses Onslaught's consciousness. At the conclusion, certain mutants leave Krakoa to join the Avengers and other organizations, while some stay to rebuild and preserve the mutant nation.

I know that the first question for these movies is "Where are the Avengers and why aren't they intervening?". I am nowhere near as clever in storyboarding as the people at Marvel Studios and, thus, do not have everything worked out. Also, as seen in other MCU entries, the Avengers can't always show up or every movie would just be a large team-up. These are very ambitious ideas that I have presented and I know that none of them will happen as I wrote them or maybe even include any of the ideas. This was an exercise in hope for the possibilities mutants have in their next cinematic iteration, and regardless of what we get, I will be first in line to see my beloved X-Men on the big screen again.