As the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) gears up for a new chapter, anticipation runs high for the arrival of the X-Men and the culmination of Phase 6 with Avengers: Secret Wars. In a revealing conversation, Kevin Feige, the president of Marvel Studios, shared crucial updates that hint at transformative changes for the franchise. With the ground breaking new phase featuring The Fantastic Four: First Steps, fans are eager to understand what lies ahead.
Feige confirmed that Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars will effectively close Phase 6. More importantly, he elaborated on how these films will pave the way for the full integration of the X-Men into the MCU. Although the project is currently under development, Thunderbolts director Jake Schreier is confirmed to helm the new X-Men film, although casting announcements remain forthcoming.
Kevin Feige: “We’re utilizing that [story] not just to round out the stories we’ve been telling post-Endgame, just as importantly — and you can look at the Secret Wars comics for where that takes you — it very, very much sets us up for the future. Endgame, literally, was about endings. Secret Wars is about beginnings.”
Feige also addressed speculation surrounding a potential reboot of the MCU. Rather than starting from scratch, he offered a more nuanced vision of a “reset,” indicating that the timeline and narrative structure will shift, particularly as they introduce the X-Men.
Kevin Feige: “Reboot is a scary word. Reboot can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. Reset, singular timeline — we’re thinking along those lines. X-Men is where that will happen next.”
“They have been a place to tell stories about young people who feel different and who feel Other and who feel like they don’t belong. That’s the universal story of mutants, and that is where we’re going.”
Feige’s perspective on X-Men is particularly exciting, as it implies a focus on younger iterations of these iconic characters. Marvel Studios aims to take audiences on a journey from the characters’ beginnings, rather than introducing them mid-arc. This choice not only fosters a deeper emotional connection but also enriches the storytelling, making it feel fresh and relatable.
While details about both X-Men and Avengers: Secret Wars remain tightly guarded, the enthusiasm for these upcoming projects is palpable. With Phase 6 still unfolding, the industry will be watching closely as Marvel balances its legacy with bold new storytelling. The comparison between how the X-Men will be integrated into the MCU versus their portrayal during the Fox-Marvel era promises to be a captivating narrative thread that fans won’t want to miss.
As we await the further unveiling of Phase 6 and what its conclusion holds for the X-Men, one thing is clear: the universe is expanding, and there’s a lot more to come.
Source: Variety