10 X-Men Characters Unlikely to Join the MCU

Several mutants from Marvel Comics should be excluded from the MCU when Marvel Studios introduces the X-Men. Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige hinted at the inclusion of mutants in the MCU following Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox in 2019. The debut of Kamala Khan in Ms. Marvel, Namor in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and an alternate Professor X in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness set the stage for more mutants to join the MCU's main continuity in Deadpool & Wolverine in 2024, teasing the formation of the X-Men.

Deadline reported in September 2023 that Marvel Studios was searching for writers for the highly-anticipated MCU X-Men reboot. Despite the lack of updates on the project since then, the official introduction of mutants and the X-Men to the MCU is imminent. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman are expected to reprise their roles as Deadpool and Wolverine, respectively, in this introduction. However, while the inclusion of the MCU's X-Men team is thrilling, some mutants from Marvel Comics may not be suitable for live-action adaptation due to being pointless, too outlandish, or controversial.

Bailey Hoskins Is Regarded As The Worst X-Men Member Ever

Bailey Hoskins Debuted In 2016's X-Men: Worst X-Man Ever #1

Bailey Hoskins in the worst X-Man ever in Marvel Comics - Bailey Hoskins Debuted In 2016's X-Men: Worst X-Man Ever #1 - Bailey Hoskins Is Regarded As The Worst X-Men Member Ever

Bailey Hoskins made his first appearance in Marvel Comics' X-Men: Worst X-Man Ever #1 in 2016, where he was introduced as a student at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. However, due to his ability to self-detonate only once, resulting in his death, it is best to exclude Bailey Hoskins from the MCU. While his power could potentially be beneficial in certain situations, the idea of sacrificing a young student like him is highly unlikely in the family-friendly MCU.

Marrow May Be Too Grotesque For The Family-Friendly MCU

Marrow Debuted In 1994's Cable #15

Marrow with her extra bones in Marvel Comics - Marrow Debuted In 1994's Cable #15 - Marrow May Be Too Grotesque For The Family-Friendly MCU

Marrow, a mutant with the ability to grow extra bones that protrude through her skin, stands out as a character who doesn't quite align with the family-friendly vibes of the MCU. Her grotesque power places her among the Morlocks, a group of mutants with unsettling abilities who dwell in the underground tunnels beneath New York City. While there is a possibility of her being included if the Morlocks are introduced alongside the X-Men, Marrow's monstrous nature may make it wiser to leave her out of the MCU altogether. This decision could be influenced by the increasing presence of mature and R-rated Marvel Studios projects in recent years.

Skin’s Mutant Power Is Too Close To Mister Fantastic

Skin Debuted In 1994's The Uncanny X-Men #317

Skin with elongated fingers in Marvel Comics - Skin Debuted In 1994's The Uncanny X-Men #317 - Skin’s Mutant Power Is Too Close To Mister Fantastic

Angelo Espinosa, also known as Skin, may not make his way into the MCU due to the similarity of his mutant ability to Reed Richards' Mister Fantastic. Skin's unique mutation allows him to manipulate six extra feet of malleable skin at will, a power that bears a striking resemblance to the elastic abilities of Mister Fantastic. With Pedro Pascal set to portray Mister Fantastic in the upcoming film The Fantastic Four in 2025, Marvel Studios may choose to avoid introducing Skin to prevent comparisons. This decision follows Marvel's previous alteration of Kamala Khan's stretching ability to differentiate her from Mister Fantastic.

Wraith Would Be A Pointless Addition To The MCU

Wraith Debuted In 2001's The Uncanny X-Men #392

Wraith with translucent skin in Marvel Comics - Wraith Debuted In 2001's The Uncanny X-Men #392 - Wraith Would Be A Pointless Addition To The MCU

Hector Rendoza, also known as the mutant Wraith, shares a similarity with Bailey Hoskins in that his ability is considered completely useless. His mutation results in transparent skin, which exposes his internal organs and skeleton. Additionally, he has the ability to temporarily "infect" others with this condition. While this power may have limited utility in battle, it may not be visually appealing for a live-action adaptation in the MCU. Fortunately, Wraith has not played a prominent role in Marvel Comics since his debut in The Uncanny X-Men #392. This makes it feasible for Marvel Studios to exclude him from the MCU, unless he is included to illustrate the negative impact of certain mutations.

Adam-X's Blood Burning Is Too Visceral For The MCU

Adam-X Debuted In 1993's X-Force Annual #2

Adam-X in his metallic costume in Marvel Comics - Adam-X Debuted In 1993's X-Force Annual #2 - Adam-X's Blood Burning Is Too Visceral For The MCU

Adam-X's tragic backstory in Marvel Comics is compelling, as he is genetically modified from the DNA of Shi-ar Emperor D'ken and human Katherine Summers, making him the half-brother of X-Men members Cyclops and Havok. While this familial connection could add depth to the MCU's X-Men storyline and potentially tie in with cosmic narratives involving Chris Summers and the Starjammers, Adam's violent mutant ability to burn someone's blood inside their body may not be suitable for the family-friendly tone of the MCU.

Goldballs Is Too Funny To Be Taken Seriously

Goldballs Debuted In 2013's Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 3) #1

Goldballs surrounded by golden balls in Marvel Comics - Goldballs Debuted In 2013's Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 3) #1 - Goldballs Is Too Funny To Be Taken Seriously

Goldballs, also known as Egg, is a mutant character from Marvel Comics with a unique ability to shoot gold-colored, ball-shaped eggs from his body. While his humorous personality adds a light-hearted touch to the X-Men team, his unconventional power may prove challenging to adapt for the live-action MCU. As a result, it is unlikely that Goldballs will make an appearance in the cinematic universe.

Maggott’s Abilities Won’t Translate Well To The MCU

Maggott Debuted In 1997's Uncanny X-Men #345

Maggott with his robotic maggot in Marvel Comics - Maggott Debuted In 1997's Uncanny X-Men #345 - Maggott’s Abilities Won’t Translate Well To The MCU

Japheth's Maggott is another mutant whose power might not work well in the live-action MCU. His unique ability involves two giant slugs that serve as his digestive system, capable of consuming almost anything before returning to his body to grant him immense strength. While this aspect of his power may not fit the MCU, his secondary ability presents a compelling case for his inclusion. In addition to his slug-like digestive system, Japheth can also extract psychic imprints from his surroundings, granting him visions of the past and future. This added skill could hold significant value for the X-Men in the MCU.

Stacy X Is Too Controversial

Stacy X Debuted In 2001's Uncanny X-Men #399

Nightcrawler with Stacy X in Marvel Comics - Stacy X Debuted In 2001's Uncanny X-Men #399 - Stacy X Is Too Controversial

Stacy X's mutant ability is highly controversial and may not fit well within the MCU. She can exude pheromones to induce various bodily sensations in others, such as orgasms and vomiting. Despite her snake-like appearance with scales and skin shedding, it is likely that this aspect of her mutation will be overlooked. Marvel Studios may choose to avoid highlighting the pheromone aspect due to its association with non-consensual activities, which goes against their promotion of ethical behavior.

The MCU Already Proved Gin Genie’s Power Wouldn’t Work

Gin Genie Debuted In 2001's X-Force #116

Gin Genie in her purple costume in Marvel Comics - Gin Genie Debuted In 2001's X-Force #116 - The MCU Already Proved Gin Genie’s Power Wouldn’t Work

Beckah Parker's Gin Genie is not expected to be included in the MCU, mainly due to a storyline Marvel Studios has steered clear of in the past. Gin Genie's ability to create seismic vibrations based on her alcohol intake would require a significant amount of heavy drinking, a theme that Marvel Studios has actively avoided. Given the avoidance of Tony Stark's alcoholism storyline in Iron Man 2, it is highly unlikely that Gin Genie's alcoholism will be portrayed in the MCU.

Wildside Is Too Similar To DC's Joker

Wildside Debuted In 1989's New Mutants #86

Wildside in full costume in Marvel Comics - Wildside Debuted In 1989's New Mutants #86 - Wildside Is Too Similar To DC's Joker

Although Richard Gill's Wildside has potential as a character in the MCU, his resemblance to DC Comics' Joker may hinder his introduction. With his red face paint and eccentric hair, Wildside gives off a menacing clown vibe, and his ability to create vivid illusions mirrors the Joker's mind games. Marvel Studios aims to distinguish their X-Men characters from DC's, so Wildside's inclusion is doubtful.

Marvel Studios' X-Men reboot doesn't currently have a scheduled release date, but it will likely release in Phase 6 or 7.

Editor's P/S:

The article presents a well-reasoned argument for excluding certain mutants from the MCU's X-Men reboot. The author provides specific examples and explains why each mutant's powers or characteristics may not be suitable for the family-friendly tone or the overall narrative of the MCU. The analysis considers factors such as visual appeal, potential controversy, and the similarity to existing characters. While some of the excluded mutants could potentially add depth or humor to the X-Men team, the author makes a convincing case that their inclusion could detract from the overall quality and cohesion of the MCU.

Overall, the article demonstrates a deep understanding of the Marvel Comics universe and the challenges of adapting it to live-action. It highlights the importance of balancing fan expectations with the need to maintain a consistent and engaging cinematic experience. By excluding certain mutants, Marvel Studios can ensure that the X-Men reboot retains its unique identity while respecting the source material.