The Marvel Cinematic Universe is on the verge of something huge: the full debut of mutants. As Earth-10005 faces potential threats during the Multiverse Saga, fans are buzzing about how Deadpool and the X-Men will fit in. Between 2000 and 2020, Fox’s X-Men franchise gave us 13 films that proved superhero movies could be both exciting and emotionally resonant, paving the way for the MCU we know today.
Now, Marvel Studios has the chance to honor that legacy while crafting something fresh. Several actors from the Fox era are rumored—or hoped—to return in some form. Let’s break down who deserves a second chance and why their return could be a game-changer for the MCU.
Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool
If there’s anyone who is Deadpool, it’s Ryan Reynolds. His journey with the character began with X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), though that film’s take was… less than ideal. Reynolds persevered, ultimately bringing the R-rated Deadpool films to life in 2016 and 2018.
Why Reynolds is irreplaceable:
-
Reynolds understands Deadpool like no other actor. He describes their bond as “the worst relationship I’ve ever been in: on-again, off-again, occasionally sleeping together,” highlighting the struggles behind creating a faithful adaptation.
-
He wasn’t just acting—he produced and protected Deadpool’s story, ensuring the character stayed true to the comics.
-
His irreverent comedy style matches Deadpool’s personality perfectly, from snappy one-liners to expressive physical humor.
Hints of Deadpool’s MCU future:
Deadpool & Wolverine is set for 2024, and Reynolds has teased that Deadpool might appear in supporting roles rather than leading new films—a strategy reminiscent of Tony Stark’s Phase 3 appearances. With the TVA’s multiverse involvement, Deadpool could become key to multiverse storytelling, offering meta-commentary only he can deliver.
Deadpool and the multiverse:
His self-awareness and fourth-wall-breaking ability make Deadpool perfect for navigating the chaotic multiverse. Fans could see him guiding heroes, poking fun at timelines, and reshaping Marvel stories in ways no other character could.
Lana Condor as Jubilee
Jubilee is a fan-favorite, but her Fox-era appearances never did her justice. Lana Condor was cast in 2016’s X-Men: Apocalypse, yet most of her scenes were cut.
Missed potential:
-
Jubilee’s powers and personality weren’t fully explored on screen.
-
Fans remember the 1990s animated series, which set high expectations.
Why Condor deserves a second chance:
-
Condor has proven herself as a strong lead in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.
-
She’s eager to return and bring Jubilee’s firecracker personality to life: “I think now is a really good time… I would really like to do her justice.”
How Jubilee fits into the MCU:
-
As a teen Asian American mutant, she diversifies the next generation of heroes.
-
Her pyrotechnic abilities could make for visually stunning action sequences.
-
The MCU could finally give her the spotlight Fox never did.
Famke Janssen as Jean Grey
Famke Janssen’s Jean Grey brought emotional depth to Fox’s X-Men trilogy. Her portrayal combined wisdom, telepathic power, and heartbreak, but her story in The Last Stand left fans unsatisfied.
Unresolved storylines:
-
Dark Phoenix’s arc was rushed and tangled with the mutant cure subplot.
-
Writer Simon Kinberg admitted regrets about squashing “the ultimate X-Men story” into a minor subplot.
Janssen’s chemistry:
-
Her on-screen dynamic with Cyclops and Wolverine remains iconic.
-
Jean Grey balanced the “Greek goddess” mystique with relatable emotions, grounding the films.
Multiverse possibilities:
-
The MCU could use Janssen’s Jean Grey as a variant in multiverse storylines, giving her the ending fans deserve.
-
Her return could explore Phoenix saga consequences or guide new mutants in the MCU.
James Marsden as Cyclops
Cyclops may have suffered the most in Fox’s trilogy, overshadowed by Wolverine’s dominance.
Poor treatment in Fox films:
-
Reduced to “the other guy” in a love triangle.
-
Died off-screen in The Last Stand, leaving only his glasses behind.
Marsden’s potential:
-
Critics and fans loved his performance, but he never had material to shine.
-
The MCU can now position Cyclops as the tactical leader from the comics, a true counterpart to Wolverine’s brawn.
Kodi Smit-McPhee as Nightcrawler
Nightcrawler, aka Kurt Wagner, is visually striking and morally complex.
Comic evolution:
-
Can teleport long distances, climb surfaces, and uses his tail in combat.
-
Mystique and Destiny’s complicated parental story adds depth.
Actor growth:
-
Smit-McPhee channels personal experiences, including chronic pain, into his portrayal, adding authenticity.
Role in a modern X-Men team:
-
Could serve as a spiritual guide and tactical asset.
-
Teleportation and stealth abilities make him versatile in MCU team dynamics.
Anna Paquin as Rogue
Rogue has one of the most compelling comic backstories, but the Fox films underutilized her.
Comic Rogue:
-
Fierce, confident, and independent.
-
Powers include absorbing abilities and memories, superhuman strength, flight, and near-invulnerability.
How the MCU can improve her portrayal:
-
Present her as a full-fledged powerhouse.
-
Explore her rivalry with Captain Marvel, turning past tensions into engaging storytelling.
Also Read : The Truth Behind American Pickers’ Danielle’s Tragic End Rumors: What Really Happened?
Halle Berry as Storm
Storm’s Fox-era appearances never fully showcased her powers or potential.
Character legacy:
-
Omega-level mutant controlling weather on a planetary scale.
-
Comes from a lineage of African witch-priestesses, giving her magical and spiritual depth.
Berry’s underused performance:
-
Studio politics limited her role despite her talent and understanding of Storm’s significance.
Goddess-level return:
-
MCU multiverse stories could finally highlight her full divine power.
-
Berry wants a return, and it would honor both her performance and Storm’s legendary status.
Patrick Stewart as Professor X
Professor Charles Xavier is one of the most nuanced characters in superhero films.
Legacy:
-
Stewart portrayed wisdom, morality, and emotional depth.
-
Logan highlighted his struggles with a neurodegenerative disease, elevating the character beyond mentor tropes.
Multiverse opportunities:
-
Appeared as Earth-838 Xavier in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
-
Could serve as a mentor or guide for MCU’s new mutant generation.
Conclusion: Why These Actors Deserve a Second Chance
The MCU has a chance to honor X-Men’s legacy while creating something new.
-
Ryan Reynolds remains Deadpool incarnate, ideal for supporting multiverse narratives.
-
Patrick Stewart provides emotional weight and mentorship.
-
James Marsden, Anna Paquin, Famke Janssen, Halle Berry, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Lana Condor all have untapped potential.
The multiverse concept allows these actors to return without rewriting past events, giving fans the closure and redemption their characters deserve.
Marvel Studios can craft a new path for mutants while celebrating the actors who made superhero films unforgettable. For fans, it’s not just about nostalgia—it’s about finally giving these beloved characters their moment to shine.
