Which X-Men Character Will the MCU Introduce First: Who Will Helm the Mutant Narrative Alongside the Avengers?

Rumors and inside leaks concerning the X-Men and/or The Brotherhood of Mutants’ introduction into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) have been running rampant since the Fox/Disney merger placed mutantkind in Kevin Feige’s hands. 

How will Feige introduce the legendary characters? How will he stay close enough to the source material to ensure a depiction that will please comic enthusiasts, yet stray far enough from Fox’s illustration to guarantee a needed degree of originality and exciting expectation violations? 

Based on recent reports, a few possibilities seem most likely to occur in the MCU – certain mutants will presumably come onto the scene first, laying the groundwork for the narrative development of mutantkind in the landscape. So, let’s break down the most likely possibilities, and how such introductions would shape the MCU.

Professor X could join as part of The Illuminati in Phase 4’s ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ 

Recent insider reports suggest — tracing back to Marvel and DC insider Mikey Sutton — that Professor X may appear in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, as part of Strange’s plan to assemble a team ready to combat earthly and intergalactic threats the Avengers are not suited to confront. If this is true, fans may receive a Professor X untethered to the School for Gifted Youngsters. 

Maybe, Professor X will be a younger man, still coming into his own. Or, could Marvel Studios introduce him as an older man, who has already passed the school responsibilities onto a wise and capable protege? 

Could Storm come to play in ‘Black Panther 2,’ leading to the Jean Grey School of Higher Learning in the MCU? 

According to recent reports, Marvel Studios is eyeing none other than Janelle Monáe for Storm in Black Panther 2. If Storm is the first mutant to join the landscape, Marvel Studios may choose to introduce the mutants at a later point in the comic book plot history — when Storm is the headmaster of Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. Or, when she is the woman in charge of the rebuilt establishment in the same location named after Jean Grey (thanks to Wolverine). 

If Storm comes first, such an X-Men opening would give the MCU a unique origin point for mutantkind when compared to Fox. This would create opportunities for fascinating prequels and some time travel via multiverse magic. If Storm leads the X-Men, Professor Xavier could join at a later point in time, but an earlier point in MCU chronology, showing how Storm came into the role. 

Will Rogue introduce the Brotherhood of Mutants in ‘Captain Marvel 2?’

Rumor has it that Rogue may join the MCU via Captain Marvel 2 as an adversary, introducing the Brotherhood Of Mutants before the X-Men come into the landscape. 

If Rogue comes up against Captain Marvel, the MCU can begin the X-Men depiction with a morally gray character, whose journey takes her from misunderstood and villainous mutant to a heroic member of the X-Men. In short, the MCU has several options, but all will likely guarantee a vast departure from Fox.