The Marvel Cinematic Universe has introduced various heroes to many moviegoers. However, the X-Men are still missing from the well-known universe. Next year, it will finally happen, and we will see the mutants for the first time in the MCU. No one deserves a new chance as much as Cyclops.
Why are the X-Men so important? The X-Men are, alongside the Avengers, arguably the most important group in the Marvel cosmos. They have their own major events in the comics and cult characters like Wolverine originated from them.
In the current MCU, the X-Men have hardly made an appearance so far. Although there was a post-credit scene in The Marvels featuring Wolverine, the fact that Fox held the rights and produced its own films meant there was no proper MCU appearance for the team.
Even though many of the X-Men films are quite good, Cyclops has never been a character who is well-highlighted. Alongside Jean Grey, Professor X, or Wolverine, he is one of the most important X-Men and also the leader of the group. Next year, Marvel finally has the chance to portray him honorably.
In the movies, Cyclops only seems like a supporting character
Who is Cyclops anyway? Scott Summers was born as a mutant and made his first appearance in 1963 in X-Men No. 1. He has the ability to shoot a powerful energy beam from his eyes. To control this, he usually wears special glasses.
He is the leader of the X-Men, founded by Charles Xavier (Professor X). He coordinates within missions. Like Xavier, Cyclops also has the desire to protect mutants on Earth.
This creates a dilemma. While he appears as a hero with his X-Men, if mutants are threatened by humans, he does not hesitate to fight against former friends or humans. A similar situation occurred in the Avengers vs. X-Men
storyline.
Throughout many stories, Cyclops developed into an important icon for mutants, who, while representing the ideals of Charles Xavier, would also resort to revolutions and violence in emergencies to save the mutants. A trait one might attribute to Magneto.
One of his most important aspects is also his relationship with other characters, especially Jean Grey, whom he loves and with whom he even has a son, the hero Cable. His rivalry with Wolverine is also significant.
What was missing from the previous films? In Fox’s films, Cyclops never feels like the leader of the X-Men. He comes off as a supporting character. This deprives him of much of his heroic side and the internal conflict triggered by his desire to protect mutants.
In the first season of X-Men ’97, one can see that the radicalism within him is slowly growing, as he can no longer stand the disdain people show towards mutants. His role as the leader of the X-Men and as an icon of mutants on Earth is absent.
Next year, the X-Men return to the big screen
It is now known that the Avengers will return in 2026 in Avengers: Doomsday. With the announcement of various actors, we also know that the mutants from the X-Men films will be included. Among them is also James Marsden, who will once again portray Cyclops.
In the big film, familiar heroes from the MCU will meet mutants from the previous X-Men films. Exactly how such a meeting will unfold is still unknown, but the end credit scene of The Marvels gives clues about how it might happen.
In the finale of the film, Monica Rambeau ends up in another universe through a wormhole. There, it is shown that she meets Hank McCoy (Beast). The mutant will be played again by Kelsey Grammer.
We also see mutants in Deadpool and Wolverine, but that all takes place in another universe. One can therefore assume that the mutants will become relevant through a multiverse storyline.
What does MeinMMO editor and X-Men fan Nikolas Hernes say about Cyclops’ upcoming appearance? Without a trailer or further content, it is difficult to assess how good this can be. I do not expect a reasonable introduction of the X-Men in Avengers: Doomsday. The time in such a film simply isn’t enough.
But the film can focus on Cyclops and show what he can do as a leader. That would also be a nice contrast to the old X-Men films where the focus was on Professor X and Magneto. If it comes to using elements from the storyline Avengers vs. X-Men
, that would also be the perfect foundation for focusing on Cyclops. Fans of the X-Men should also check out the cartoon: The new X-Men series is really good and reminds me of the good old days with Saturday morning cartoons.
