When Avengers: Doomsday was first announced, fans were already hyped, but once the concept art started spreading, the buzz grew even bigger. And now, with the latest leaks, the hype has reached a whole new level. With the official cast announcement, it became clear that some X-Men characters would finally be showing up in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. For years, fans speculated about the Avengers crossing paths with the mutants; however, what we’re seeing now might actually be better: the chance to see the X-Men integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the most faithful way possible. However, the excitement isn’t just about the characters, but also about what this means for the long-term future of Marvel’s superhero universe.
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In Deadpool & Wolverine, seeing Logan in his classic yellow suit was already enough to send fans into a frenzy, and now there’s genuine hope this kind of faithfulness could extend to all the mutants. However, longtime fans have been dreaming of a version of the X-Men that delivers on all fronts, such as consistent storytelling and genuine narrative weight. But here’s the real question: what if Marvel went even further and the first solo X-Men movie actually played out like a live-action version of the fan-favorite X-Men ’97?
The newest leak came from makeup artist Giovanna Ponci, who posted on Instagram a bag she received for working on the Doomsday set. The design on the item featured the superheroes set to appear in the movie, and upon closer inspection, the X-Men’s costumes bore a striking resemblance to their classic comic book designs and those featured in X-Men ’97. Sure, this doesn’t guarantee anything, but it strongly suggests that Marvel Studios is at least aiming to get it right, giving the mutants the spotlight they deserve in live-action.
As we already know, Kevin Feige has confirmed that the X-Men will officially be introduced into the MCU sometime after Avengers: Secret Wars. Under the direction of Thunderbolts* filmmaker Jake Schreier, the plan is to focus on a younger version of the mutants. Put all the pieces together, and it starts making perfect sense: the live-action approach could mirror X-Men ’97 – same suits and same energy. It’s still a bit tricky to figure out exactly how this could work, especially considering that the actors cast for Doomsday are all adults (and what will happen with the Multiverse is still a mystery). But this would be the perfect way to reboot the franchise, moving away from the Fox-era image of the early 2000s. It’s fresh, it’s bold, and it feels like the right move.
How X-Men ’97 Could Influence the Upcoming X-Men Movie
What’s really exciting is how this shifts expectations for their MCU debut. The X-Men would have their own space to tell their story. We saw how Marvel handled the creation and development of the Avengers; so why not give that same treatment to one of the most beloved teams in comic book history? This would finally give the characters the room to explore their internal struggles, rivalries, and friendships in ways the Fox films never fully captured.
After all, why did X-Men ’97 get a better reception? It stayed true to the characters and the classic mythology, delved deeply into internal conflicts and relationships, and tackled important topics like identity and discrimination, all while modernizing things without losing the nostalgia. Meanwhile, the movies struggled with messy scripts, inconsistent tones, questionable casting, and story choices, among other things. The animated series, on the other hand, managed to deliver something cohesive, exciting, and faithful to the source material. So bringing it into live-action now could serve as the perfect reboot.
On top of that, choosing to highlight a youth version of the team opens up a ton of storytelling possibilities as well. The MCU can explore its flaws, their growth, and how they build their identities as part of a team in an even more compelling way. That naturally allows for a stronger balance of action and drama. And when you think about it, the twist becomes even more intriguing: nobody really expects Marvel to lean this hard into the X-Men ’97 vibe, but if they do, it would be one of their boldest moves yet.
At the end of the day, the Avengers: Doomsday leak doesn’t confirm anything outright. With Marvel, you can never fully believe until it’s on screen. However, it definitely sparks hope. Ever since Avengers: Endgame, the studio has been struggling to get back on track. With Thunderbolts* and The Fantastic Four: First Steps already released, it seems like they’ve finally started to find their footing again.
The new X-Men film offers the perfect opportunity to deliver something authentic: faithful to the comics, yet seamlessly tied into the larger MCU. And if Marvel can translate the energy, chemistry, and tone of X-Men ’97 into live-action, this might just be one of their smartest bet in years.
What are your expectations for the X-Men movie? Do you think a live-action version of X-Men ’97 is possible? Let us know in the comments!
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Image courtesy of Focus Features.
