The MCU’s X-Men Has To Avoid Cyclops’ Wolverine Problem

The X-Men are coming to the MCU at some point, and Marvel needs to avoid a problem that the original movies made with Wolverine and Cyclops. Wolverine is coming to the MCU in Deadpool 3, however, it’s not confirmed if Hugh Jackman’s version of the character will be in the universe moving forward. It’s most likely that Marvel will recast the character as they will want to reboot the franchise with a younger cast that they can keep in the MCU for a long time. While there are plenty of fantastic mutant heroes, Wolverine is the most iconic and, therefore, the most marketable.

Jackman’s iconic portrayal of Wolverine made him a classic superhero character in cinema, but the character isn’t constantly the main focus in the comics. He’s an essential member, but he isn’t always a leader, and that role has often gone to Cyclops. Wolverine will likely have a large role in the MCU, but Marvel needs to ensure he doesn’t overshadow other important X-Men members, especially Cyclops, who has already been sidelined in previous films.

Wolverine Has Wrongly Overshadowed Cyclops In X-Men Movies

There are many intriguing members of the X-Men, but the one most people think of first is Wolverine. Jackman made him an icon and the character is the only member who has received his own solo films (depending on whether one considers Deadpool an X-Men). Even in the second iteration of the X-Men franchise, Wolverine had a central role in X-Men: Days of Future Past, and made cameos in First Class and Apocalypse. This constant focus on Wolverine has led to several other characters being overshadowed, especially Cyclops who is one of the main leaders of the team in the comics.

Related: Every X-Men Movie, Ranked Worst To Best

James Marsden first portrayed Cyclops in X-Men and was the field leader of the team. However, one might not know that with all the attention spent on Wolverine, despite him being the newcomer. Cyclops’ role then shrunk throughout the trilogy, with the most egregious example being when he was killed by Jean Grey in The Last Stand so that the film could focus more on Wolverine’s relationship with her. Tye Sheridan had more independence in Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix since Wolverine wasn’t there, but he never turned into the leader of the group.

Cyclops Deserves A Far Bigger Role In The MCU’s X-Men

Cyclops is a crucial member of the X-Men, and he deserves to have a central role in the MCU that explores his character and his role as a leader. His progression as a leader in the comics is intriguing, and showcasing it would stop him from being a flat, two-dimensional character once again. His relationships with the other X-Men, especially Jean Grey, are fascinating, and it could be worthwhile for the MCU to dive into them. The MCU should devote time to Wolverine who is a fan-favorite, but it needs to remember all the other X-Men that make the mutant team such a complex and dynamic group.

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