Unlocking the Marvel Saga: Phase 5's Sneak Peek into the X-Men's Epic MCU Comeback

Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for episode 4 of Secret Invasion.

Marvel's Phase 5 is preemptively adapting the X-Men's core narrative long before their official introduction to the MCU, courtesy of Secret Invasion. Presenting a rebellion of shape-shifting extraterrestrial Skrulls who aim to take possession of Earth by annihilating mankind, Nick Fury (portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson) is tirelessly working to thwart their endeavors to instigate World War III and nuclear conflict. However, the similarities to Marvel's iconic mutants and X-Men have become increasingly substantial.

Secret Invasion Makes Talos The MCU's Professor X

Gravik, the Skull general, leads the alien revolution, while Nick Fury finds support from Skrull allies like Talos and his daughter Gi'ah. This alliance became evident after the events of Secret Invasion episode 4, revealing the distinct differences in opinion between Gravik and Talos regarding humanity and the Skrulls' role in the world. Their conflicting beliefs and rivalry bear a striking resemblance to the Charles Xavier and Magneto dynamic in the X-Men franchise, where they clash over the fate of mutantkind within the Marvel Universe.

In both the X-Men movies and original Marvel comics, Professor Charles Xavier, a powerful telepath, firmly believes in the potential for peaceful coexistence between mutantkind and humanity. Despite the widespread fear and prejudices directed towards mutants, who possess the X-gene responsible for their unique abilities, Xavier remains committed to protecting both mutants and humans from each other's violent tendencies. To achieve this, he establishes the X-Men, a team of highly skilled students from his school, Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. However, Xavier's unwavering optimism for peace puts him in direct conflict with Magneto, his former friend turned rival.

Gravik Copies Magneto's X-Men Villain Plot

Like Charles Xavier, Talos in the MCU shares many beliefs regarding his Skrull people. Despite being exiled due to inaction following three decades of broken promises from Fury and Captain Marvel, who vowed to assist the Skrulls in finding a new homeland, Talos remains hopeful. He envisions a future where Skrulls and humans coexist harmoniously, with Skrulls freely revealing their true forms instead of concealing their identities amidst humanity, akin to how mutants feel compelled to hide their unique traits. While Gi'ah disagrees with her father's optimistic aspirations in Secret Invasion episode 4, Talos' unwavering positivity mirrors Xavier's stance.

In a similar vein, Gravik, Secret Invasion's foremost Skrull enemy, serves as a parallel to Magneto, the Master of Magnetism and leader of the Brotherhood of Mutants. Magneto firmly believes that mutants are destined to inherit the Earth, marking it as a natural evolution where Homo superior replaces and eliminates Homo sapiens, just as humanity itself supplanted the dinosaurs. Consequently, Magneto's portrayal throughout the comics and on-screen has never harbored a desire for coexistence. Like magneto, Gravik also recognizes the necessity for mutants to exploit humanity's preexisting fear towards mutantkind in order to safeguard themselves from mankind's aggression and oppression, lest they too face eradication.

In a similar vein,

Secret Invasion Is Doing The X-Men's Story Before Mutants Arrive

has developed a profound disregard for humanity, despite initially aligning himself with Talos, much like Magneto did with Xavier.

Secret Invasion Is Doing The X-Men's Story Before Mutants Arrive

is now ready to engage in a full-scale war, no longer willing to wait for a new home. Instead, he and his Skrull forces have diligently prepared for the eradication of humanity through the use of nuclear warfare. Thanks to their radiation immunity, the Skrulls would swiftly become the dominant species on Earth, particularly since they now possess the ability to bestow themselves with new powers as Super-Skrulls within the MCU. Just like Magneto,

Secret Invasion Is Doing The X-Men's Story Before Mutants Arrive

has been consumed by hatred and trauma, to the extent that his sole determination lies in annihilating humanity.

When comparing the MCU's Secret Invasion with the X-Men franchise, it becomes evident that both storylines revolve around a fundamental premise. In Secret Invasion, there are conflicting factions of Skrulls, some good and some bad, who also face opposition from humanity. This mirrors the dynamic amongst mutants in Marvel's X-Men, where Xavier's X-Men embody goodness while Magneto's Brotherhood represents villainy. Additionally, the underlying motive of Talos' plan, which centers on gradually winning over humanity's acceptance, closely resembles Professor X's core belief.

While the execution of these similar ideas in Marvel's Secret Invasion is quite compelling in the episodes released thus far, it's peculiar that such crucial narrative themes from the previous X-Men movies and comics are being utilized for another property just a few years before the X-Men themselves are set to make their debut in the MCU. Therefore, one has to ponder what kind of story the MCU's X-Men will convey instead or if Marvel Studios will still attempt to replicate the inherent themes that have long been intertwined with the X-Men's narrative DNA, despite the fact that these same concepts are being employed in this current MCU show.

The MCU's X-Men Can't Do The Same Story As Secret Invasion

It is evident that the upcoming reboot of the X-Men franchise in the Marvel Cinematic Universe will require a different narrative approach. Exploring the potential interactions and rivalries between the X-Men and the existing superhero teams within the MCU could offer a fresh direction for storytelling. The conflict between Xavier and Magneto's mutant factions has been previously portrayed and now echoes with the Skrulls' involvement in Secret Invasion.

In recent years, the X-Men comics have showcased a united mutant population establishing their own nation on Krakoa. This story arc could potentially serve as inspiration to explain the whereabouts of mutants in the MCU. However, it is expected that it will take a considerable amount of time before well-known mutants make their appearance in the official MCU. Deadpool 3, set to be released in 2024 and featuring actors from Fox's X-Men franchise, might provide valuable insights into how the MCU will eventually introduce the X-Men. By the time the first official X-Men movie in the MCU arrives, after the events of Secret Invasion, it is possible that enough time will have elapsed for shared themes to not be as significant.