10 X-Men Characters the MCU Has Ignored for Too Long

When it comes to fan-favorite super teams, the X-Men remain near the top of the list. For some, they are the very top. Take it from me, a millennial who collected X-Men cards and action figures, watched the '90s series, was obsessed with the arcade game, and dressed as Nightcrawler for Halloween in middle school. By the time the film franchise arrived, our dreams had finally come true. And that feeling came again with the announcement that the X-Men would be joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

While we will see a group of X-Men take part in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, a new iteration of the mutant team will receive its own standalone film, coming in 2028. As of now, the official lineup of heroes and villains will include Sadie Sink as Jean Grey, Kit Connor as Scott Summer/Cyclops, Christopher Abbott as Charles Xavier/Professor X, Samara Weaving as Emma Frost, Inde Navarrette as Anna Marie/Rogue, Maya Boyd as Ororo Munroe/Storm, and Adam Driver as Nathaniel Milbury/Mister Sinister. Surely that's not the last of the mutants, right?

With the potential of the X-Men launching a new era in the MCU, the chances of more characters joining this film and beyond are quite high. So, who should join the lineup? We're going to drop 10 underrated mutants who deserve a chance in the MCU. This list will be composed of a mix of underrated characters, some of whom have had live-action iterations in the original franchise and others who have been relegated solely to animation or comics. Some of these mutants may be your favorites, so it may be difficult to accept the "underrated" moniker, but they receive it simply because they either didn't get their full journey in their previous iterations or don't receive the adoration they deserve compared to the big names. There are certainly dozens of other characters who could be added to the list, so who do you want to see in the MCU?

1 Angel

As of now, we don’t know the exact manner in which the X-Men story in the MCU is being told, especially given this initial lineup. If the story explores the original foundation of the X-Men based on the comics, then it should be an easy decision to include Angel! The wealthy-born Warren Worthington III, Angel has one of the most tragic backstories and fascinating progressions. From sprouting feathered wings, which he attempted to hide, to ultimately losing them and being manipulated by Apocalypse with techno-organic metallic wings, there is such a wealth of potential that can be found thanks to Angel’s character arc. As a mutant, Angel has powerful avian wings that enable him to fly at great speed and altitude. Archangel’s wings gave him the chance to increase speed and even use them as weapons, shooting razor-sharp feathers. Based on Angel’s on-screen history and the character's psychological depth, his Angel and Archangel origins have been explored as major side plots. Perhaps it’s time to go beyond the exploration (or the clipping) of the wings and allow him to soar in the spotlight.

On screen, both Angel and Archangel were intended to appear in X-Men and X2, ultimately being cut, and to finally appear in X-Men: The Last Stand. Played by Cayden Boyd as a kid and Ben Foster as an adult, Angel was used as a device for his father, Warren Worthington II (Michael Murphy), to invent a “mutant cure.” A new iteration of the character returned in X-Men: Apocalypse, again as a device to further Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac) as a villain. Played by Ben Hardy, he is first seen in a cage battle against Nightcrawler (Kodi Smit-McPhee) before being turned into a metallic weapon for Apocalypse. Though his action sequences were sensational, there’s so much more to this rich mutant. He is a rare mutant who, in some stories, embraced his abilities before his dramatic turn. Should the MCU give a full story, it would require a substantial young star to give Angel his wings. There have been rumors swirling that Asa Germann could be a contender for the role, which would fall into the Hardy take on the part. If the MCU is looking for a more boy-next-door rich kid vibe, someone like Joseph Zada would be perfect. Whatever happens, it's necessary that he not be relegated to the background.

2 Banshee

If there is one thing that’s been prominent in the X-Men franchise, it is that if you’re not Professor X (Patrick Stewart) or Magneto (Ian McKellen), the other mutants tend to skew younger. Though it may be a bit more complicated with the current casting, if the MCU is seeking an older, more veteran mutant, there is no better option than Banshee. The Irish mutant has had a long history with the X-Men. A former Interpol agent and cop, Sean Cassidy possesses a devastating sonic scream that can shatter steel, disorient enemies, and allow him to fly. In the comics, his arc has included a long-term connection with geneticist Dr. Moira MacTaggert, as well as later co-founding and leading the young team known as Generation X alongside Emma Frost. With Weaving already cast as Emma Frost and the MCU eager to introduce other young characters like Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld), Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani), Wiccan (Joe Locke), and Speed (Ruaridh Mollica) into bigger stories, this could lead to the addition of a Generation X spin-off. Now, if you are an X-Men fan of a certain age, then you most certainly remember Generation X, the television film that was meant to be a pilot for a Fox series. That was the first time both Banshee (Jeremy Ratchford) and Emma Frost (Finola Hughes) made their live-action debuts.

Banshee was revived for X-Men: First Class and given a much different arc. Here, he was played as the superpowered comic relief. His full range of powers was on display in extraordinary fashion. As much as Caleb Landry Jones did great work in the part, the MCU needs to give Banshee a more comic-appropriate portrayal. Giving Charles Xavier additional mature allies to lead the young mutants in other venues could easily open up the story without wearing him out too quickly. Generally portrayed as a seasoned and wise moral mentor, the role calls for an actor who can effortlessly embody those traits. If the age range falls in their 30s-40s, two dynamite options could be Domhnall Gleeson or Paul Mescal. While Jones, who has stated he’d love to return, would be a perfect option, legacy casting alongside an entirely new ensemble would be some sacred timeline-bending that even super fans couldn’t justify.

3 Dazzler

Fans of the classic X-Men comics have been begging to see Dazzler in the flesh. And though she had a brief appearance, played by Halston Sage, in Dark Phoenix, which is fitting as that’s where her comic debut came, a fully realized live-action adaptation is necessary. Born Alison Blaire, this heroine is a disco singer trying to live a normal life while keeping her mutant status a secret. Through the power of song, Dazzler’s abilities include absorbing ambient sound and transforming it into vibrant flashes, holograms, or powerful laser heat beams. Additionally, Dazzler is an agile mutant and has complete immunity to being blinded or deafened by her own light-and-sound shows. Dazzler originally joined the Uncanny X-Men roster and has adventured with multiple other teams, including Excalibur, S.H.I.E.L.D., and the all-female Avengers spin-off team A-Force.

Depending on when the MCU decides to set the X-Men in time, Dazzler could serve as a brilliant metaphor for viral fame and the challenge of maintaining a mutant identity. Dazzler’s ability to live a dual life as a pop star bridges the gap between superhero action and mainstream pop culture. Every concert she plays could serve as an instant battlefield, creating a visual and auditory spectacle. The fan obsession with bringing Dazzler to the big screen has led to many modern pop stars circling the rumor mill, from Taylor Swift to Sabrina Carpenter. Those choices make sense based on the imagery seen from Sage’s jumpsuit-wearing take. If you base her character on more classic X-Men ‘97 visuals, Dazzler would be a sporty redhead. If the MCU wants to go in a non-established pop star direction, swiftly rising talent Mckenna Grace could be a shoo-in and play any version of the character. It’s time to bring some music to the MCU!

4 Forge

Diversity is crucial, and luckily, the X-Men’s cast history of heroes and villains would satisfy that need. One vastly underrated character that has yet to be realized on screen is Cheyenne Native American Forge. A former Vietnam War veteran, Forge is a mutant super-genius and master engineer with the intuitive power to build and fix almost any piece of technology. Forge has a history and knowledge of Cheyenne medicine, though he mostly relies on science and avoids using his latent magic abilities. His proud identity makes him a brilliant figure to explore. As a former soldier who lost his hand and leg in combat and carries deep regret over dangerous inventions, he shares thematic DNA with other iconic vets, such as Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), that could ground the narrative beyond the mutant tropes. With Storm in the initial lineup, Forge could be introduced into her story, as the comics have depicted their significant yet complicated romance. Part of their plight is when he built a device that accidentally strips her of her mutant powers, causing immense guilt.

Forge is a formidable ally, as his assets are unlike those of any other team member. He can visually map out and construct complex machinery, computers, and bionic limbs purely by instinct. Forge is the gear guy — a major reason why the Danger Room exists in the way it does and the reason why the X-Men have the high-tech equipment they rely on. In the past, the genius in the lab has been given to Dr. Hank McCoy, better known as Beast. Forge would bring a vastly different aura to the mansion. Forge could take that slot and be the new Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) of the MCU. The character currently appears in X-Men ‘97, voiced by the legendary actor Gil Birmingham. For a live-action iteration, Forge might be taken on by a younger actor. A good option might be Tatanka Means or Kiowa Gordon. Both actors would bring a necessary stability to the brilliant mutant.

5 Havok

The reason that Havok gets underrated status is that he simply always plays second fiddle to his more famous older brother, Scott Summers. Alex Summers is more than just the kid brother of Cyclops. He is a vastly powerful mutant. Havok has the ability to absorb ambient cosmic radiation and shoot it from his body, usually directed through his hands. He historically tends to require a containment suit or chest-plate harness to properly regulate his energy discharge. Alex is a brilliant character when he’s around Scott because he presents a strong foil to his brother’s authoritarian attitude and reputation as a model member of the X-Men. It’s not necessarily resentment; it's that, constantly compared to his star brother, he seeks to forge his own path. Havok is hot-headed, rebellious, and takes big risks.

To expand upon the Summers lore and give a hero a true underdog story, Havok is a must in the MCU. As a mutant who must learn to control a power so internal, bringing a comic-proper iteration to the screen could offer a wealth of potential, especially if Connor’s Cyclops is the icon he’s destined to be. If Havok entered the MCU, it would mark the second incarnation, as Lucas Till brilliantly played the part in the second trilogy. If the MCU rights the wrong and makes Alex the actual younger brother, the actor taking on the part would have to be believable as the younger sibling. Though after seeing Spider-Man: Brand New Day and seeing Sara Grey, the elder Grey, being played by Olivia Booth-Ford, who is eight years the junior of Sink, age is just a construct. That said, a brilliant actor who could play the cool-appearing hothead might be Rudy Pankow. If Havok finds a place in the MCU, it could open the door to welcoming Polaris. While we’re here, how about Mikey Madison in the role?

6 Iceman

Oh, he’s as cold as ice! Another original founding mutant of the X-Men is the beloved Iceman, also known as Bobby Drake. In the original lineup, he was the young class clown who could freeze water vapor to transform his entire body into organic, living ice. Over time, he graduated to forming ice slides, projectiles, and complex structures to his advantage. He is a devastatingly pure individual. He is honest and brave, becoming a solid and dependable member of the team. He may be made of ice, but his heart is warm. In the first three X-Men films, the role was played by Shawn Ashmore. In these films, he was limited in his ability to present his Omega-level potential. He was a strong presence in the first three films, but given his rich history, the MCU could do so much more with him.

What made Iceman an endearing character is his ultimate search for identity, ultimately exploring his sexuality as a gay man in later versions of the character. Though he did have many female romances, including Kitty Pryde, Rogue, and Opal Tanaka, the MCU could introduce this new version of Bobby to make him unique to their version. A new, modern perspective could bring a fresh, youthful humor and explore his identity as a gay mutant. For this version of Iceman, it needs someone who can play into the recent quippy fun of the MCU while also delivering sincerity. That actor is the better brother on My Life with the Walter Boys, Alex Walter, played by Ashby Gentry. He brings the boyish charm Bobby exudes while showcasing confidence and a leadership inclination.

7 Magik

Sorcery is a predominant element in the MCU, so it would make sense that the lineup might feature a mutant who is well-versed in magic: Illyana Rasputina, better known as Magik. Another example of an individual living in their more infamous sibling — Piotr Rasputin, aka Colossus — Magik is a mighty sorceress who was a prominent member of both the X-Men and New Mutants. As a child, she was trapped in a demon dimension called Limbo. There, she learned dark magic and grew up to become a supreme ruler and master teleporter. However, when it comes to teleportation, she too plays second fiddle to Nightcrawler. Over time, Magik revealed other important skills, including formidable psionic shields, which block anyone from reading her mind. In a time when a clear connection and bridge from old and new phases of the MCU are necessary, Magik could be that mutant. It would be quite enthralling to see her connect with Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch).

Magik remains a popular character across all Marvel media. She’s been a big name in recent games, like Marvel's Midnight Suns and Marvel Rivals, which made her a household name for newer fans. The animated world of X-Men has featured Illyana in both X-Men: The Animated Series and X-Men ‘97. Film fans may recognize her from The New Mutants film, where she was portrayed by the incomparable Anya Taylor-Joy. The film is quite severely underrated; thus, she and her New Mutant siblings are grossly overlooked. While the connection from The New Mutants to the MCU may have a bit more freedom than the Fox characters, a window for Taylor-Joy’s return is not outlandish. That said, a new name for the part would be preferred. Look no further than Ahsoka star Ivanna Sakhno. With combat skills on her resume, she would slip right into the MCU.

8 Morph

Not every character originated on the page, and Mystique is not the only shapeshifter in the X-Men universe. Say hello to Morph! Loosely based on the minor character Changeling, Morph evolved into a main, fan-favorite team member on X-Men: The Animated Series. They can change their physical appearance and voice to mimic any person. When X-Men ‘97 arrived, Morph was given a reboot, presenting them with a pale, bald look. But wait, Morph gets even better. In a time when LGBTQ+ individuals have found themselves in the X-Men, Morph represents non-binary individuals. While fans would love to see Mystique come back in yet another iteration, the more interesting option would be to introduce Morph instead.

Morph brings unique comedic relief that has become essential to the MCU. With rapidly evolving cinematic technology, bringing Morph to life seems inevitable. That said, the narrative would need to establish strict live-action rules for how much of a replicated mutant's physical strength or mass Morph can copy, as we’ve seen it be used as a crutch by Mystique. Now, casting Morph can be tricky. They could easily be depicted as they were in the ‘90s, but that’s not interesting! The X-Men ‘97 version is a must. That said, many fans have pointed to the distinct image of Anthony Carrigan as the one to play the part. He brings a magnetic charm that would bring the animated character to life. If the MCU would like to honor the character by casting a non-binary actor, a brilliant option would be Mason Alexander Park. With a profound resume on stage and screen, they could seamlessly find the expressive nature the character needed in its true form. ​​​​​​​

9 Psylocke

It’s not that Psylocke is underrated. She’s absolutely beloved. It’s just that she, too, didn’t get a fair shake in her various unnamed cameos or X-Men: Apocalypse, despite the literal perfect casting of Olivia Munn in the latter. Psylocke is one of the most complex comic characters, as she has been shared by two main characters who swapped bodies, shared minds, and later separated into their own distinct identities. In the first and more prominent iteration, Betsy is a British telepath and the twin sister of Captain Britain. She was transformed into a Japanese ninja body via a body-swap involving the assassin Kwannon. Once their souls and bodies were sorted out, Kwannon officially took over the Psylocke codename and continued as a member of the X-Men. Psylocke is a formidable mutant. She masters the powers of telepathy and telekinesis, as well as psychic weapons, which she can shape into a signature psychic knife or katana.

The character may be complex, and how she’s introduced into the MCU could be just as complicated and confusing. Her unique powers and ninja abilities are perfect for action-packed films. It’s not that Munn didn’t do a fine job; the film just whiffed. She deserved more than to just be a lethal mutant enforcer, though replicating the comic look was a chef’s kiss. If the MCU could keep that and give her a stronger narrative, Psylocke could be a reason to introduce Captain Britain into the fold. Despite a smaller stature, Anna Sawai would make a fascinating Psylocke. The Emmy winner for Shōgun is an acting powerhouse and would bring immense depth to the role. And maybe there’s a universe where she does battle against Elektra (Élodie Yung) somewhere in the timeline!​​​​​​​

10 Sunspot

The Human Torch isn’t the only hero who can get hot. One of the most powerful mutants straight from Rio de Janeiro is Sunspot. Bobby da Costa has the power to absorb and metabolize solar energy to harness superhuman strength, durability, and a pitch-black, solar-flared appearance. His history in the X-Men includes New Mutants and X-Force, where his unique powers have given the teams a glowing edge. When considering expanding the team, Sunspot adds another layer of cultural diversity as an Afro-Brazilian hero. Another reason why Sunspot could be a seamless addition to the MCU is his past with the Avengers. What makes Sunspot an interesting figure for the MCU is his journey from an impulsive teen hero into a brilliant tactical leader and billionaire businessman. He epitomizes the start-from-the-bottom storyline as a kid who only discovered his powers at age 14 during a soccer match when racist opponents attacked. There’s a lot of potential to explore his rich backstory while giving visibility to young boys seeking a hero like them on the big screen.

Sunspot has had some screen time over the years. He first arrived in X-Men: Days of Future Past, where he was played by Adan Canto. He shows his heroic prowess as he uses his solar power to fight deadly robotic Sentinels, sacrificing his life twice during desperate holding actions to help Kitty Pryde (Elliot Page) send Bishop's (Omar Sy) consciousness back in time. He had a bigger part in The New Mutants, where he was played by Henry Zaga. Since the live-action portrayals, he has been introduced to the lineup of X-Men ‘97. Thanks to the series, Sunspot has risen in popularity, even earning a main cast second-season upgrade. With a new renewal of excitement for the character, the chances of seeing him in the MCU are higher than before. As with Taylor-Joy as Magik, some tricky timeline-fussing could allow Zaga to reprise his role as Bobby. If a new direction is taken, Sunspot could be portrayed well by either Brazilian mainstay Juan Paiva or André Lamoglia, best known globally for his run on Netflix’s Elite. They both bring the charisma that Bobby would need, as well as the necessary athletic prowess.