Can the MCU's X-Men Address Disney's Representation Concerns?

Article Key Points

Marvel's track record of excluding the LGBTQ+ community from its cinematic narratives has been a source of concern. However, with the X-Men joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), there is a promising chance to tackle this issue and present significant queer representation.

The next iteration of MCU X-Men should prioritize LGBTQ+ characters who are exceptionally talented young adults facing challenges in a society that discriminates against them. This would present an opportunity for them to deeply contemplate their ethical principles and capabilities while also rescuing the very people who oppress them. To achieve this, Kitty Pryde, a mutant with bisexual orientation and the remarkable power to pass through solid matter, should emerge as the leader, as her personal journey of battling prejudice and grappling with her own sense of self strongly echoes the desire for significant LGBTQ+ inclusion.

The X-Men have a rich history of taking a stand against bigotry in comics, and recent entries highlight the importance of improving LGBTQ+ representation. Despite Marvel Studios' commitment to representing the diverse identities of their characters, they have not fully demonstrated this commitment onscreen. While LGBTQ+ characters have been included in MCU films, their representation has often been limited to superficial moments or clichéd tropes, as seen in Loki's queerbaiting reference to bisexuality.

These fleeting scenes lack meaningful LGBTQ+ representation, particularly if they have no significant impact on the overall story. Marvel and Disney have a history of underrepresenting the LGBTQ+ community in their cinematic storytelling, but introducing the X-Men into the MCU presents an opportunity to correct this issue. However, it is important for the onscreen stories to go beyond mere visibility of LGBTQ+ characters. Genuine queer representation should explore the characters' conflicts and experiences living as part of the LGBTQ+ community, reflecting the challenges faced by historically marginalized groups or "the other." An example of this can be seen in Iceman's story in X-Men #14.

The X-Men’s History Fighting Inequality and Discrimination

Marvel has effectively utilized the mutant status of the X-Men as a powerful symbol of discrimination, aiming to combat inequality. Mutants often find themselves marginalized and living in constant fear of being exposed. Even those who proudly embrace their identity are not exempt from the prejudice, harassment, and other forms of mistreatment they face. This portrayal resonates with the experiences of many LGBTQ+ individuals and offers Marvel an incredible opportunity to inspire and empower the queer community, much like the impact of Black Panther on people of color.

In X-Men #14, a journalist submits a report on the gay hero Iceman, only to receive an insensitive and dismissive response from the editor. This response undermines the significance and legitimacy of the hero's sexuality and deems it unnecessary to disclose. However, Iceman holds a contrasting viewpoint. Following his heroic act of saving people from a solar flare, he engages in a conversation with a reporter, highlighting how this battle represents his personal struggles – both as a mutant and as a gay man.

How The MCU X-Men Can Fix Disney’s Representation Problem

Queer storytelling goes beyond the usual themes of coming out or romantic relationships, both of which should be seen as ordinary. Queer characters should not be restricted to minor or supporting roles. The potential MCU X-Men should strive to be different from its previous entries. By focusing on gifted young adults in the LGBTQ+ community, the X-Men can explore their struggle to fit into a world that rejects them, forcing them to question their beliefs and abilities to save those who oppress them. This could be the start of a powerful LGBTQ+ superhero journey. If there is any X-Men character who is capable and deserving of leading this team, it should be someone other than Iceman.

Well-known characters like Wolverine and Jean Grey do not necessarily need to be central figures or even appear on screen. Marvel Studios has the opportunity to start afresh, perhaps in a separate universe from the Avengers, and give one of the X-Men's most overlooked queer heroes a chance to shine. While Kitty Pryde may not possess the same power level as Iceman, she should not be disregarded based solely on her abilities. She has never been an Avenger or a mainstream fan-favorite, and that is precisely why she should be the leader of the next MCU X-Men. Additionally, she has numerous instances of leading the X-Men and other teams in the comic books.

Why Kitty Pryde Should Lead The MCU X-Men

Kitty Pryde, besides having a fitting last name and being bisexual, possesses the ability to phase through objects. In addition to her mutant powers, she is also skilled in martial arts, technology, and sword fighting in the comics. With her intangibility combined with her other talents, Kitty becomes a formidable opponent. She lives between two worlds, finding it difficult to choose between her human life and mutant life while still blending in. Kitty's mutant powers serve as a metaphor for her identity, unlike Iceman who embraces and displays his ice powers. Constantly questioning her true self with the recurring thought of "Who am I?" is something many queer individuals can relate to, even after openly expressing their sexuality. Kitty's struggle with her own identity as an X-Men leader, fighting against prejudice while battling her own uncertainties, could present a compelling narrative in the X-Men's MCU reboot and echo Iceman's aspirations. The message is clear: embrace who you are without hesitation or shame.

Iceman’s plea should be the central theme in an MCU X-Men. Their stories go beyond simply fighting supervillains who aim for destruction and domination. Instead, they often revolve around combating the internal evils that hinder peaceful coexistence and mutual respect for diverse ways of life. While this may alter the dynamics of potential video games based on such a film, X-Men narratives distinguish themselves from most MCU and cinematic superhero stories in this regard, and that is perfectly fine. Disney and Marvel Studios venturing into LGBTQ+ led X-Men stories, with authentic representation onscreen, is certainly a departure from the norm; however, embracing this difference can yield positive outcomes.

MCU

Beginning with the release of Iron Man in 2008, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has blossomed into an expansive franchise comprising both movies and television shows. This interconnected universe showcases the captivating tales of various superheroes such as Captain America, Thor, Spider-Man, Hulk, Black Widow, and many others. The MCU has achieved great acclaim, both commercially and critically, amassing billions of dollars at the box office and transcending into a cultural sensation. Alongside the movies, the MCU has expanded onto the small screen with popular television shows like WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki, Ms. Marvel, and She-Hulk.

Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of the X-Men and an advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in media, I am thrilled about the potential for the X-Men's inclusion in the MCU to address Disney's representation concerns. The X-Men have always been a symbol of fighting against inequality and discrimination, making them the perfect vehicle to explore LGBTQ+ stories and experiences.

Kitty Pryde, as a bisexual character, would be an excellent leader for the MCU X-Men. Her personal journey of battling prejudice and grappling with her own sense of self strongly echoes the desire for significant LGBTQ+ inclusion. By making Kitty Pryde the leader, Marvel would be sending a clear message that LGBTQ+ characters are capable and deserving of leadership roles.