X-MEN: 10 Storylines Marvel Studios Could And Should Eventually Adapt For The MCU's Mutant Saga

We don't anticipate the X-Men franchise being rebooted until after Avengers: Secret Wars, but when that eventually happens, there are some storylines which need to be a priority for Marvel Studios...

By JoshWilding - Feb 10, 2023 01:02 PM EST

Filed Under: X-Men

As we write this, Phase 5 is about to begin and take us even deeper into Marvel Studios' Multiverse Saga. While a Fantastic Four reboot will be part of that, Kevin Feige is clearly in no rush to put a new spin on the X-Men franchise, something that's hardly a surprise when Fox came close to destroying the property.

We have, however, had a couple of "m" word mentions, with Ms. Marvel and Namor both confirmed to carry the X-Gene. The X-Men's MCU debut is clearly on the horizon, but likely not until after Avengers: Secret Wars is released.

Our hope is the team will debut and finally battle comic-accurate Sentinels, but there are countless stories Marvel Studios can tell in that first movie and beyond. Whether it's sequels or spin-offs, the X-Men should be a massive part of the MCU and we have some ideas for the stories the studio needs to strongly consider borrowing from in the coming years.

From beloved classics to modern epics, these are the comic books we think the next wave of X-Men movies should borrow from. Check them out by hitting the "Next" button below!

10. Return of the King

In Fox's X-Men movies, Magneto flip-flopped between being a hero and villain for years, either ending up in prison or deciding to retire every time he came close to assembling the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants.

However, in the Ultimate X-Men story arc "Return of the King," the Master of Magnetism decided that enough is enough and prepares to destroy the Earth in order to remake it in his image. There are some similarities to that first X-Men movie here, but this was Magneto preparing for human genocide on a global level.

During this storyline, the villain's powers were amplified thanks to a machine built by Forge. The X-Men came together to take Magneto down, and this arc was so good that the series was never quite able to live up to what happened moving forward. This could be an epic culmination of years of stories that finally gets Magneto right.

9. Deadly Genesis

Just like Ed Brubaker's work shook up the Captain America franchise when Marvel adapted The Winter Soldier, Deadly Genesis could do wonders for the X-Men.

This story revealed that before putting together the team of X-Men made up of heroes like Wolverine, Storm, and Colossus, Professor X assembled another group of mutants (which included Cyclops' brother Vulcan). They all seemingly died during their first mission, but in the present, it was revealed that Gabriel Summers was still alive...and desperate for revenge.

The story ended with Cyclops banishing Professor Xavier from his own school, leaving him the new leader of the X-Men. Revelations like this early on about Charles could help the MCU move past telling the same old stories with the team reporting to the all-knowing Professor X. After all, how can anyone live up to Sir Patrick Stewart?

8. Mutant Massacre

Arguably one of the most iconic X-Men crossovers of all time, "Mutant Massacre" introduced the sewer-dwelling Morlocks and featured Mister Sinister sending in his Marauders to wipe them out.

There are a number of big name characters this adaptation could bring to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including Gambit. Mister Sinister's big screen debut is also long overdue at this stage, and even a loose adaptation of this storyline would be a great way to throw him into the X-Men's world.

Seeing the X-Men pushed to their limits (many of them were gravely wounded here) would be great, and as Magneto also played a role in the story, there are lot of places it could take us. Ultimately, though, it would show audiences that there's more to being a mutant than dressing up like a superhero and living in a fancy Westchester mansion.

7. Broodfall

Fox's X-Men took on some big threats over the years, so Marvel Studios will need to top that somehow.

Well, how about an alien invasion? That's where the Brood would come in. "Broodfall" was packed full of cool fights and character drama, while the sight of Wolverine attempting to fight off the infection which would turn him into one of them remains iconic to this very day.

Adapting a story like this would be something vastly different (which is crucial for the characters at this stage), and takes the team in an unexpected direction which includes elements of sci-fi and horror. That would make it a darker and more mature tale, embracing the cosmic side of the team too. That's definitely long overdue.

6. E Is For Extinction

Written by Grant Morrison, his first New X-Men arc was, in places, every bit as baffling as the rest of his run. However, there are elements here, and from other parts of the series, which would work really well on the big screen. Among them is Scott Summer's affair with Emma Frost, the mystery surrounding the mega-powerful Xorn, and a huge revelation about Charles Xavier.

That saw us learn that he has a twin sister (made up of psychic energy) he knowingly murdered in the womb.

Beast's monstrous secondary mutation would also be fun to explore, and just like "E Is For Extinction" freshened up these characters at a time they were beginning to feel stale, borrowing ideas from this run could be a nice way to take some drastic new risks with these incredible characters.

5. Avengers vs. X-Men

This is a no-brainer. While some might argue it would make sense for the X-Men to be introduced in a movie that pits them against the Avengers, it makes far more sense for that to be an event Marvel Studios builds towards.

After spending a few years familiarising fans with this new version of these mutant characters, bringing them into the orbit of Earth's Mightiest Heroes for an epic battle would be mind-blowing.

There are a number of ways to make this happen, but a simple misunderstanding - the Avengers being fooled into thinking the X-Men are the threat the government and press claim, for example - might be best. A team-up will inevitably take place, but creating some tension between the heroes would be no bad thing.

4. The Dark Phoenix Saga

Look, we know what you're thinking: been there, done that, right? It's true that Fox tried and failed to adapt this storyline (twice), but there's still a lot you could do with this one.

As we've mentioned, exploring the cosmic side of their adventures would be awesome, especially if it led to the introduction of the Shi'ar Empire (that's something a more faithful adaptation of the "Dark Phoenix Saga" could build to). The X-Men have headed into outer space just as many times as the Avengers, and a sci-fi take on the team would be refreshing and exciting.

There definitely needs to be a lot of breathing space between Dark Phoenix and a new interpretation of this storyline, but given the right build and creative direction, the whole thing could finally be redeemed.

3. Astonishing X-Men

Joss Whedon's name is now mud, but there are still ideas from his and John Cassady's Astonishing X-Men run which would fit well in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

X-Men: The Last Stand already borrowed the "Cure" idea, and there's really no reason to bring that back to the big screen. However, setting the action on the alien Breakworld and utilising Ord as a big bad would work nicely, as would the team's decision to step out of the shadows and finally suit up so that they can be seen by the world as legit superheroes.

Throw in other Whedon-created characters like Danger (the Danger Room brought to life), and we could be in for a real treat. Once upon a time, the filmmaker could have even helmed this adaptation, but that's obviously not something we're anticipating seeing ever happen now.

2. House of M

The Scarlet Witch was never part of Fox's X-Men movies, but that's probably for the best. After all, it meant they didn't get the chance to completely screw the character up before Marvel's take.

Neither WandaVision nor Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness revealed that Wanda Maximoff is a mutant, but with Ms. Marvel and Namor confirmed to be among them, this is a retcon it would be pretty easy to pull off in the near future.

House of M featured a lot of Avengers characters. Wolverine was (of course) the main focus, as was Magneto and his family after this alternate reality essentially turned them into the world's royal family. Exploring a world where mutants are the dominant species and Magneto rules over everything has a ton of potential, as does that now iconic "No More Mutants" scene.

1. Schism

Just like Captain America: Civil War divided the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice pit two DC Comics icons against each other, the X-Men franchise could very easily follow in their footsteps by loosely adapting Schism.

That story featured the X-Men split right down the middle, with Cyclops and Wolverine's friendship completely obliterated as they went to war with each other and fought for control of the team.

Splitting the team into two factions (and two franchises) would be a fun direction for the series heading into the future, and just like Cap and Iron Man were eventually reunited, Scott and Logan could be too. This isn't something we'd expect to see for a very long time, though.

X-MEN: Marvel Studios Live-Action Reboot Gets An EXciting Update As Hunt For A Writer Nears Its End

Recommended For You:

Jean Grey Rises "From The Ashes" In Her New Costume On PHOENIX #1 Variant Covers

DISCLAIMER: ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and... [MORE]

ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.

Do you have what it takes to write for us?

Want to contribute?

55 Comments

1 2

FireandBlood - 2/10/2023, 1:33 PM

Idc, I just want them to show my boy respect.

FilmGuy7878 - 2/10/2023, 2:07 PM

@PlusUltra - Scott always been given the short end of the stick when it came to movie appearances. He needs to be done with dignity and badassery.

soberchimera - 2/10/2023, 2:14 PM

@PlusUltra - Then you would hate adaptations of Schism and Avengers vs X-Men since they're just character assassinations of Scott.

FireandBlood - 2/10/2023, 2:43 PM

@soberchimera - It really depends how loose they played with it. Civil War was just a total character assassination for multiple characters, but the movie handled it incredibly, so you never know.

soberchimera - 2/10/2023, 2:54 PM

@PlusUltra - True, I'm just over hero vs. hero stories that are just obvious marketing ploys.

The1st - 2/10/2023, 2:55 PM

@PlusUltra - Mostly any not named Logan or Erik for the most part

RolandD - 2/10/2023, 3:50 PM

@PlusUltra - Yes for sure. He should be the leader and a featured player but I would like it if they would leave off some of his worst moments.

RolandD - 2/10/2023, 3:50 PM

@soberchimera - I agree to both of your comments in this thread.

GhostDog - 2/10/2023, 1:37 PM

There's countless versions of this list in the Goggle Doc drafts I am sure...

Superspecialawesomeguy - 2/10/2023, 1:37 PM

Dunno but I hope that the team looks something like this:

Urubrodi - 2/10/2023, 1:39 PM

@Superspecialawesomeguy - Good lineup but would also add Gambit and Rogue.

DudeGuy - 2/10/2023, 1:46 PM

Back in the 90s I saw that movie Wolf. After that I always thought Jack Nicholson would have made an interesting wolverine.

TheBlueMorpho - 2/10/2023, 2:30 PM

They will definitely do a version of AvX.

marvel72 - 2/10/2023, 4:36 PM

@TheBlueMorpho - I agree but it would be a shame not having the original Avengers line up taking on The X-Men.

Just imagine Captain America Vs Cyclops, won't feel the same with Captain Falcon America against Cyclops.

mountainman - 2/10/2023, 2:36 PM

None of these would be good early stories for the first phase of MCU X-Men. They need to be established before any of these happen.

Mrtoke - 2/10/2023, 2:46 PM

@mountainman - it says “eventually” in the headline. Couple can be the end of the first phase similar to the avengers being the near end to phase one

1 2

Related Headlines

X-Men '97

X-MEN '97: Could We See BLACK PANTHER In A Future Episode Of The Animated Series?

MarkCassidy

2 hours ago

X-Men

X-MEN: Marvel Studios Live-Action Reboot Gets An EXciting Update As Hunt For A Writer Nears Its End

JoshWilding

5 hours ago

X-Men '97

X-MEN '97 Artwork Pays Tribute To The Tragic End Of Gambit And Rogue's Relationship

MarkCassidy

16 hours ago

Related Headlines

X-Men '97

X-MEN '97: Could We See BLACK PANTHER In A Future Episode Of The Animated Series?

MarkCassidy

2 hours ago

X-Men

X-MEN: Marvel Studios Live-Action Reboot Gets An EXciting Update As Hunt For A Writer Nears Its End

JoshWilding

5 hours ago

X-Men '97

X-MEN '97 Artwork Pays Tribute To The Tragic End Of Gambit And Rogue's Relationship

MarkCassidy

16 hours ago

X-Men '97

X-MEN '97: Fans Spot Clues In Previous Episodes Teasing [SPOILER]'s Debut In "Bright Eyes"

JoshWilding

18 hours ago

Marvel Studios

RUMOR: Marvel Studios Interested In NOPE Star Keke Palmer For A Major MCU Role

MarkCassidy

20 hours ago

X-Men '97

Deadpool & Wolverine

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Won't Require Viewers To Watch Any Previous MCU Films According To Shawn Levy

MarkJulian

1 hour ago

X-Men '97

X-MEN '97: Could We See BLACK PANTHER In A Future Episode Of The Animated Series?

MarkCassidy

2 hours ago

Latest Headlines

Horror

Michael B. Jordan Channels BLADE In First BTS Look At Ryan Coogler's Untitled Vampire Movie

MarkCassidy

42 mins ago

Deadpool & Wolverine

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Won't Require Viewers To Watch Any Previous MCU Films According To Shawn Levy

MarkJulian

1 hour ago

X-Men '97

X-MEN '97: Could We See BLACK PANTHER In A Future Episode Of The Animated Series?

MarkCassidy

2 hours ago

Sci-Fi

REBEL MOON - PART 2: THE SCARGIVER Is Netflix's No. 1 Movie Worldwide Despite Dreadful Reviews

MarkCassidy

3 hours ago

X-Men

X-MEN: Marvel Studios Live-Action Reboot Gets An EXciting Update As Hunt For A Writer Nears Its End

JoshWilding

5 hours ago

Marvel Comics

SCARLET WITCH: Wanda Maximoff's Demonic Counterpart Lore Returns For The First Time Since 1994 This June

JoshWilding

5 hours ago

Hot Headlines

215 comments

RUMOR: Marvel Studios Interested In NOPE Star Keke Palmer For A Major MCU Role

MarkCassidy

20 hours ago EST

110 comments

DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE's Post-Credits Scene Said To Be "Mind-Blowing"

MarkCassidy

1 day ago EST

102 comments

THE LITTLE MERMAID Is Given An R-Rated Makeover In First Trailer For MSR's Adaptation

MarkCassidy

22 hours ago EST

101 comments

RUMOR: Wesley Snipes Set To Return As BLADE In The Marvel Cinematic Universe

MarkCassidy

15 hours ago EST

83 comments

More Sci-Fi & Fantasy ►

X-MEN '97: Original Voice Actor May Have Just Spoiled Major Character Return In Three-Part Finale

More Cartoons & Animated ►

Disney Reportedly Working On KINGDOM HEARTS Adaptation

More Anime & Manga ►

DEAD BOY DETECTIVES Features A Cameo From ANOTHER Member Of THE SANDMAN's Family - SPOILERS

More Horror ►

MONKEY MAN Exclusive Interview With Mask Designer Eddie Yang; Dev Patel Film Now Available On Digital HD

More Action Movies & TV ►

Jon Moxley Addresses Fan Speculation He Was Supposed To Return At WRESTLEMANIA: I Was Asleep

More Pro Wrestling ►

REBEL MOON 2 Is Netflix's No. 1 Movie Worldwide Despite Abysmal Rotten Tomatoes Critics AND Audience Scores

More Sci-Fi & Fantasy ►

More Cartoons & Animated ►

More Anime & Manga ►

More Horror ►

More Action Movies & TV ►

More Pro Wrestling ►

X-MEN: 10 Storylines Marvel Studios Could And Should Eventually Adapt For The MCU's Mutant Saga

We don't anticipate the X-Men franchise being rebooted until after Avengers: Secret Wars, but when that eventually happens, there are some storylines which need to be a priority for Marvel Studios...

10. Return of the King

9. Deadly Genesis

8. Mutant Massacre

7. Broodfall

6. E Is For Extinction

5. Avengers vs. X-Men

4. The Dark Phoenix Saga

3. Astonishing X-Men

2. House of M

1. Schism

X-MEN: Marvel Studios Live-Action Reboot Gets An EXciting Update As Hunt For A Writer Nears Its End

Jean Grey Rises "From The Ashes" In Her New Costume On PHOENIX #1 Variant Covers

X-MEN '97: Could We See BLACK PANTHER In A Future Episode Of The Animated Series?

X-MEN: Marvel Studios Live-Action Reboot Gets An EXciting Update As Hunt For A Writer Nears Its End

X-MEN '97 Artwork Pays Tribute To The Tragic End Of Gambit And Rogue's Relationship

X-MEN '97: Could We See BLACK PANTHER In A Future Episode Of The Animated Series?

X-MEN: Marvel Studios Live-Action Reboot Gets An EXciting Update As Hunt For A Writer Nears Its End

X-MEN '97 Artwork Pays Tribute To The Tragic End Of Gambit And Rogue's Relationship

X-MEN '97: Fans Spot Clues In Previous Episodes Teasing [SPOILER]'s Debut In "Bright Eyes"

RUMOR: Marvel Studios Interested In NOPE Star Keke Palmer For A Major MCU Role

X-MEN '97 Showrunner Addresses Some Of The Biggest Moments And Easter Eggs In Today's Episode

Popular Headlines

RUMOR: Wesley Snipes Set To Return As BLADE In The Marvel Cinematic Universe

THE LITTLE MERMAID Is Given An R-Rated Makeover In First Trailer For MSR's Adaptation

DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE's Post-Credits Scene Said To Be "Mind-Blowing"

RUMOR: Marvel Studios Interested In NOPE Star Keke Palmer For A Major MCU Role

THE FLASH: Today Is The Day Barry Allen Goes Missing After He Vanishes In Crisis; Grant Gustin Responds

Michael B. Jordan Channels BLADE In First BTS Look At Ryan Coogler's Untitled Vampire Movie

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Won't Require Viewers To Watch Any Previous MCU Films According To Shawn Levy

X-MEN '97: Could We See BLACK PANTHER In A Future Episode Of The Animated Series?

Michael B. Jordan Channels BLADE In First BTS Look At Ryan Coogler's Untitled Vampire Movie

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Won't Require Viewers To Watch Any Previous MCU Films According To Shawn Levy

X-MEN '97: Could We See BLACK PANTHER In A Future Episode Of The Animated Series?

REBEL MOON - PART 2: THE SCARGIVER Is Netflix's No. 1 Movie Worldwide Despite Dreadful Reviews

X-MEN: Marvel Studios Live-Action Reboot Gets An EXciting Update As Hunt For A Writer Nears Its End

SCARLET WITCH: Wanda Maximoff's Demonic Counterpart Lore Returns For The First Time Since 1994 This June

Hot Headlines

RUMOR: Marvel Studios Interested In NOPE Star Keke Palmer For A Major MCU Role

DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE's Post-Credits Scene Said To Be "Mind-Blowing"

THE LITTLE MERMAID Is Given An R-Rated Makeover In First Trailer For MSR's Adaptation

RUMOR: Wesley Snipes Set To Return As BLADE In The Marvel Cinematic Universe

Sam Raimi On AVENGERS: SECRET WARS Rumors And Potential SPIDER-MAN 4 Story

Sci-Fi & Fantasy

REBEL MOON 2 Is Netflix's No. 1 Movie Worldwide Despite Abysmal Rotten Tomatoes Critics AND Audience Scores

STAR WARS: THE ACOLYTE Star Explains How Vernestra Rwoh Will Differ From Books; New Still Released

REBEL MOON Director Zack Snyder Shares First Official Look At TWILIGHT OF THE GODS Animated Series

THE LITTLE MERMAID: Ariel Gets An R-Rated Makeover In First Trailer For New Live-Action Adaptation

STAR WARS: TALES OF THE EMPIRE Clip Sees General Grievous Attack Dathomir's Nightsisters

DUNE: PART TWO Honest Trailer Isn't Afraid To Point Out The Flaws In Denis Villeneuve's Sci-Fi Masterpiece

Cartoons & Animated Features

X-MEN '97: Original Voice Actor May Have Just Spoiled Major Character Return In Three-Part Finale

TALES OF THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES Teaser Trailer Hypes Up Return Of Heroes In A Half Shell

X-MEN '97: Beau DeMayo Hints At Possible Appearances From BLACK PANTHER And SPIDER-MAN

X-MEN '97 Hinted At The Show's Big Bad As Early As The Second Episode - SPOILERS

THE SIMPSONS Just Killed A Character Who Has Been Part Of The Series Since Its First Episode

X-MEN '97: Marvel Studios Commemorates A Fallen Hero With Stunning New Artwork - SPOILERS

Gaming

Disney Reportedly Working On KINGDOM HEARTS Adaptation

FALLOUT Star Ella Purnell Reveals What She Wants To Explore With Lucy In Season 2

New DESTINY 2: THE FINAL SHAPE Trailer Takes Us Into The Pale Heart Of The Traveler

GTA 5 Voice Actor Reveals Plans For "Agent Trevor" DLC Before Rockstar Apparently Scrapped It

TALES OF THE SHIRE: A LORD OF THE RINGS GAME Official Announcement Trailer Released

FALLOUT Series Showrunners Strongly Hint Season 2 Will Take Us To An Iconic Location From The Games

Anime & Manga

Classic Anime Sci-Fi Series GENESIS CLIMBER MOSPEADA Now Streaming On Crunchyroll

Bandai Namco Announces THAT TIME I GOT REINCARNATED AS A SLIME Video Game Adaptation

Netflix's ONE PIECE Season 2 Finally Gets A Release Window

UniVersus Reveals New MY HERO ACADEMIA: GIRL POWER Set

New Trailer For GAROUDEN: THE WAY OF THE LONE WOLF Released Ahead Of Netflix Debut

Netflix's ONE PIECE Finds New Showrunner In PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS' Joe Tracz

Horror

DEAD BOY DETECTIVES Features A Cameo From ANOTHER Member Of THE SANDMAN's Family - SPOILERS

First Look At Michael B. Jordan On The Set Of Ryan Coogler's Untitled Jim Crow-Era VAMPIRE Movie

THEM: THE SCARE Exclusive Interview With Star Deborah Ayorinde On The Bone-Chilling New Season

THEM: THE SCARE Exclusive Interview With Singer/Actor Luke James On His Terrifying New Character

THE LITTLE MERMAID Attacks In First Trailer For New R-Rated Live-Action Adaptation

28 YEARS LATER: Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson & Ralph Fiennes Officially Join Cast

Action Movies & TV