The mutants are finally coming to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After years of speculation, teases, and fan theories, Marvel Studios is setting the stage for a major X-Men reboot in the MCU. But the biggest question remains — when will the mutants arrive, and who will be cast as Wolverine? Here’s everything we know, from official updates to casting rumors and Phase 6 possibilities.
Marvel’s Mutant Teases So Far
Marvel has already been planting mutant seeds:
- In Ms. Marvel, Kamala Khan is revealed to have a “mutation” in her DNA.
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness featured Professor X, played by Patrick Stewart, hinting at multiversal possibilities.
- Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) marks the first direct appearance of Wolverine in an MCU-adjacent movie.
These teases are building up to a proper MCU X-Men reboot, but when will it officially happen?
When Are Mutants Coming to the MCU?
The current expectation is that mutants will be introduced in full either:
- In Avengers: Secret Wars (2027) – The multiverse saga’s conclusion could reset the universe and bring in mutants.
- In a standalone X-Men movie after Secret Wars, possibly kicking off MCU Phase 7.
Kevin Feige has hinted that Marvel is taking its time to get the X-Men introduction “just right,” and with contractual obligations to Fox’s previous actors ending around 2025, the timing aligns.
Wolverine in the MCU: Who’s Playing Him?
Popular Wolverine Casting Rumors:
- Taron Egerton – The Kingsman star has been fan-favored and has met with Marvel execs.
- Karl Urban, Daniel Radcliffe, and even Tom Hardy have floated as possibilities, though no confirmation has surfaced.
It’s likely that Marvel will introduce a new, younger actor to carry the role for the next decade.
What’s the Plot of the MCU X-Men Reboot?
While no official synopsis exists, fan theories suggest:
- A post-Secret Wars multiverse reset will lead to the introduction of mutants in the main MCU timeline (Earth-616).
- Mutants may have been hidden or suppressed, similar to the Eternals’ storyline.
- The reboot may begin with a Wolverine-centric origin story or a smaller team of X-Men rather than all at once.
How Will the X-Men Fit into the MCU?
Key Connections:
- Mutants may connect with Doctor Strange, Scarlet Witch, or Kang’s multiverse war.
- Wakanda and Namor have mutant ties — the word “mutant” was directly used in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
- Phase 6 and beyond will likely establish a new Avengers-like lineup with X-Men at the center.
Fan Reaction So Far
Fans are excited but cautious. Many are concerned about how Marvel will handle such beloved characters, especially after recent mixed reviews of MCU entries.
Common Fan Reactions:
- “Please don’t mess this up like the Fox timeline!”
- “Only Jackman is Wolverine — no one else can replace him!”
- “We’ve waited a decade for this… don’t rush it.”
Still, the excitement is building. Social media explodes every time a new X-Men hint drops in the MCU.
Final thought
The MCU’s X-Men reboot is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Marvel projects of the next decade. With Secret Wars, mutant hints, and a fresh cast, Marvel is preparing to reintroduce the iconic team like never before. And the big mystery of who plays Wolverine in the MCU will remain the hottest topic until it’s officially announced.