While the Marvel Cinematic Universe debuts Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, several issues continue to move behind the camera. The franchise, in general terms, enjoys good financial health and there are various projects under development. It is the latter that are generating interest in some artists; in particular, in two of extensive trajectory: Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan.
These are two figures with extensive experience in the film industry. In that career journey, the superhero subgenre was not omitted by them. In fact, both represent a recent adaptation of a couple that, in the comics, has a long journey: the Professor X and magnetof the X Men.
Within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the franchise of the X Men it has not been adapted; even the concept of mutants has been touched on indirectly, almost bypassing it, thus far. However, there are some clues that invite us to think that, progressively, these beings will take space in the narrative. Meanwhile, Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan aren’t ruling themselves out to reprise their characters.
Patrick Stewart’s words on Professor X and Ian McKellan’s Magneto
One of the main surprises of Doctor Strange in the multiverse of madness it was the return of Patrick Stewart as Professor X. This was anticipated well before the premiere, when a trailer showing his figure was shared. Something that complemented his presentation was that, when he appeared in the production, the historic melody that musicalized the introduction of the animated adaptation of the X Men.
A subtle wink but strong enough to be recognized and invite fans and critics to assume multiple theories about it. After his time in that movie, and the possibility that some X-Men are formally introduced into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Patrick Stewart was consulted by E.T. Online about it and explained the following, involving his partner Ian McKellan:
“The truth is that it turned out very well [su aparición en Doctor Strange en el multiverso de la locura]. (Ian McKellan) was like, ‘Hey, I would have done this!’ Yes, that’s true. But Sir Ian and I are not finished. We are… we have plans”,
Patrick Stewart, to E.T. Online.
The last sentence of your comment leaves the door open to various interpretations. Both McKellan and Stewart could return to their roles. What would justify it? The multiverse and the different time lines that are opening in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. That way it was possible to introduce Professor X in the aforementioned film. So, Why couldn’t the same thing happen in Magneto’s case?
To this we must add another key issue: progressively, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is opening up to the incorporation of more sub-franchises. The introduction of Kang the Conqueror, through Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, enables multiple options through its variants. Since Disney was able to retake the rights to the characters previously held by Fox, the chances that the X-Men can add to the story have increased.
Deadpool 3, X Men and the Marvel Cinematic Universe
One of the most repeated rumors in relation to Deadpool 3 is whether the film will serve —or not— as an introduction to X Men. In theory, since Wolverine has been confirmed, played again by Hugh Jackman, could already be taken for granted. However, what about the other characters? What would be the status and role of the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning?
Through the first two installments of deadpoolreferences to the franchise X Men they were constant. Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) has a long relationship with these characters, beyond the fact that in the comics it is a kind of free verse that does what it is painted. Based on that link, perhaps, some new incorporation could be formally given, perhaps headed by Patrick Stewart either Ian McKellan.