Wolverine may be the face of the X-Men, but there’s no guarantee that he will be once the X-Men officially debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Whether it’s X-Men: The Animated Series, 20th Century Fox’s X-Men films, or the comics, Wolverine is always front and center in the spotlight.
His live-action popularity can be attributed to Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Logan, and he returns to reprise the role in last year’s Deadpool & Wolverine. That film continues the process of integrating the X-Men into the MCU, and they will play a larger role in the shared universe after Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
If there is one thing X-Men fans should brace themselves for, it’s the high possibility that Wolverine won’t have as important a role in the MCU’s X-Men as Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine did in the Fox films. All signs are pointing to the X-Men’s field leader, Cyclops, being the face of the X-Men instead of Wolverine.
This is a popular topic on Reddit, where the idea of the MCU X-Men films giving Cyclops the redemption he deserves really gains traction. There are some spirited debates from both sides of the pro-Wolverine and pro-Cyclops brigades, but the one that makes the most sense is Team Cyclops.
Cyclops, Not Wolverine, Has Been The Face Of The X-Men In The Comics
Wolverine Has Already Taken A Backseat To Cyclops
Cyclops leading the X-Men on the promotional art for From the AshesImage via Marvel Comics
Wolverine will always be a central, important figure for Marvel Comics, but he’s slowly taken a backseat to Cyclops, even dating back to before the X-Men began their Krakoan era. Cyclops is the man out front leading the X-Men, both figuratively and literally. For example, Cyclops holds one of the highest titles on Krakoa: Captain Commander.
The Captain Commander is basically the Head of Security, tasked with keeping Krakoa’s borders safe for all mutants. Whenever the X-Men face off against the likes of the evil anti-mutant organization Orchis, it’s Cyclops leading the charge. Cyclops is even arrested and presented as a political martyr for all mutants during the Fall of X.
Marvel’s relaunch of the X-Men line for “From the Ashes” features Cyclops as the leader in the ongoing X-Men series. He’s at odds with both Charles Xavier and Rogue, leader of the Uncanny X-Men, in the crossover events “Raid on Graymalkin” and “X-Manhunt.” It’s not Wolverine making the tough decisions for the X-Men; it’s Cyclops.
Avengers: Secret Wars Can Be Hugh Jackman’s Swan Song As Wolverine
Hugh Jackman Can’t Play Wolverine Forever
Hugh Jackman as Wolverine popping his claws
If you flash back in time, there is a point when Hugh Jackman says he’s retiring from playing Wolverine. The promotion and marketing for 2017’s Logan includes Jackman speaking about the movie being the last time he’ll pop Wolverine’s infamous Adamantium claws. To his credit, Jackman is a man of his word… until Ryan Reynolds comes calling.
The duo reunite in Deadpool & Wolverine, and the movie is a box office success for Marvel Studios. Though nothing is confirmed, there is a belief that Reynolds and Jackman will return in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Jackman’s X-Men castmates are already confirmed for Doomsday, so it doesn’t make sense to exclude him.
Avengers: Secret Wars concludes the Multiverse Saga, and the film is the perfect launchpad for a soft reboot of the MCU, while also officially introducing the X-Men. Marvel will most likely look to recast the X-Men, which includes finding a new Wolverine. Whoever it is will have some big shoes (and claws) to fill.
Hugh Jackman has joked about playing Wolverine until he’s 90 years old, but there will come a time when he’ll actually step away from the role for good. Instead of looking for an actor to be the next Hugh Jackman, Marvel is better off elevating some other members of the X-Men to carry the torch for the franchise.
X-Men ’97 Proves That Cyclops Has What It Takes To Be A Leading Man
Cyclops Can Be Just As Cool As Wolverine
Cyclops leading the X-Men in X-Men ’97
Another project that highlights the positive qualities of Cyclops is X-Men ’97 on Disney+. Fans of X-Men: The Animated Series have been clamoring for a return to that universe, and X-Men ’97 delivers in that regard. One of the many storylines in the Disney+ animated series includes the love triangle between Cyclops, Jean Grey, and Madelyne Pryor.
Cyclops is shown as more than just the emotionless leader of the X-Men. X-Men ’97 puts Scott Summers through an emotional rollercoaster as he deals with the birth of his son, the revelation that Jean is replaced by Madelyne, and saving his son by sending him to the future, where he becomes the time-traveler Cable.
The leader of the X-Men stands tall through it all, but is also not afraid to be vulnerable. This kind of soap opera dynamic is tailor-made for the big screen, and X-Men ’97 lays out the blueprint for how to properly present Cyclops to the viewing audience. Not as second fiddle to Wolverine, but as equals.
Wolverine’s Time In The Spotlight Is Almost Over. That Honor Now Belongs To Cyclops
The MCU Is Better Served Leaning Into Cyclops Over Wolverine
Wolverine and Cyclops on the cover of House of X #3
There are already reports out there that Marvel Studios is prioritizing Cyclops over Wolverine when it comes to the X-Men debuting in the MCU. Kristian Harloff recently stated on his podcast that Cyclops and the Summers Family are what Marvel Studios is going with, as Wolverine takes a backseat for the time being.
“One of the things that could be in the X-Men,” Harloff said, “because they’re going to be leading—everyone knows they’re leading with the X-Men—Cyclops is going to get a heavy push with him and the Summers family. So Wolverine wouldn’t be a big focus.” Take this with a grain of salt, but Harloff is known for his insider connections.
The Summers Family is already an important part of X-Men ’97, so it makes sense for the MCU to utilize it as well. In a sense, the relationship between Cyclops and Jean Grey is the backbone of X-Men storytelling, right up there with the rivalry between Charles Xavier and Magneto. Cyclops is important to everything X-Men.
This is not to say that Wolverine can’t and won’t be a member of the X-Men when they show up in the MCU. Whether it’s at the very beginning or somewhere down the line, we all know Wolverine will be involved. However, the X-Men have such a large roster that Wolverine can be a supporting character.
Movie(s)
X-Men (2000), X2, X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), X-Men: First Class (2011), The Wolverine (2013), X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), Deadpool (2016), X-Men: Apocalypse (2016), Logan (2017), Deadpool 2 (2018), Dark Phoenix (2019), The New Mutants, Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
First Film
X-Men (2000)
TV Show(s)
X-Men: Pryde of the X-Men, X-Men (1992), X-Men: Evolution (2000), Wolverine and the X-Men (2008), Marvel Anime: Wolverine, Marvel Anime: X-Men, Legion (2017), The Gifted (2017), X-Men ’97 (2024)
Video Game(s)
X-Men: Children of the Atom (1994), Marvel Super Heroes (1995), X-Men vs. Street Fighter (1996), Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter (1997), Marvel vs. Capcom (1998), X-Men: Mutant Academy (2000), Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes (2000), X-Men: Mutant Academy 2 (2001), X-Men: Next Dimension (2002), Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (2011), Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (2011), X-Men Legends (2005), X-Men Legends 2: Rise of Apocalypse (2005), X2: Wolverine’s Revenge (2003), X-Men (1993), X-Men 2: Clone Wars (1995), X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse (1994)
Character(s)
Professor X, Cyclops, Iceman, Beast, Angel, Phoenix, Wolverine, Gambit, Rogue, Storm, Jubilee, Morph, Nightcrawler, Havok, Banshee, Colossus, Magneto, Psylocke, Juggernaut, Cable, X-23
Comic Release Date
213035,212968