Anna Daniels
Ever since the Fox/Disney merger and the latter’s acquisition of entities previously off-limits, fans have been wondering how the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) will usher in mutants and the Fantastic Four. One theory argues that Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) will become Peter Parker’s mentor. Yet another theory claims that Wolverine and Hulk will take to the screen in an epic face-off following Avengers: Endgame.
Whatever the plans may be, Kevin Feige and Co. may have to tinker with traditional arcs if they plan to bring certain X-Men into the present timeline. When it comes down to it, Magneto’s origin story may present a chronology issue if the studio plans to feature the mutant in all of his mighty magnetizing glory. Unless Marvel decides to pursue the character via one of the alternate timelines presented in Avengers: Endgame, there’s a logistics issue at play. He will be a bit old for a realistic, prolonged stay.
Recent insider reports also suggest that Marvel may be looking to go in a different direction — when it comes to casting choices. Thus, it’s plausible that Magneto’s origin story may fall closely in-line with the civil rights inspiration at the basis of his characterization, as well as his relationship with Professor X. Let’s start with the well-known narrative and work our way to the potential future arc.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EccZRiEUGlQ?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
Magneto’s origin story would make him well over 90 in the present MCU timeline
Magneto is traditionally depicted as an adolescent survivor of the Holocaust. However, if the MCU proceeds with this storyline, he would be over 90 in the present timeline. Not to mention, accounting for the five-year blip, he may be nearing 100.
Though mutants do not age as rapidly as humans, a surviving Magneto taking to the battlefield at 100 years of age seems a bit far-fetched, no? Though Magneto is shaped by what he experiences as an adolescent survivor of the Holocaust – laying the foundation for the sometimes good, sometimes bad guy he becomes among mutants, the MCU may choose to go in another direction. Instead, Marvel Studios may highlight the civil rights basis at the heart of the dynamic between Magneto and Professor X.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7mi9_SDVLw?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
Stan Lee once explained to The Guardian why he loved the idea behind the X-Men. He explained that they were defending humans — those who rejected their existence, and went on to state, “It not only made them different, but it was a good metaphor for what was happening with the civil rights movement in the country at that time.”
What if Magneto aligns with Malcolm X and Professor X aligns with Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights movement?
Magneto has been said to embody the Malcolm X archetype of the civil rights movement, while Professor Xavier mirrors Martin Luther King Jr. Piggy-backing off this polarized dynamic, the characters could be teenagers during the civil rights movement, and a war against mutants could occur in tandem with the movement. And, Magneto will support bringing fists to the fight against humans, while Professor X encourages peaceful protests and discussion.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5PItMhuMXk?start=2&feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
And, since the civil rights movement started in the 40s and proceeded well into the 60s, a mature (but not nearly deceased Professor X and Magneto) could make an MCU entrance. They just have to be young during the 60s.
Not to mention, We Got This Covered has already suggested that Marvel Studios is eyeing people of color to portray the iconic mutants, with Denzel Washington in the running for Magneto. Will Marvel go with the civil rights connection over the Holocaust origin story in a few years from now, when Avengers: Endgame is just a mere memory?
Written by: Cheat
