Summary
- Marvel Studios has been laying the groundwork for the introduction of mutants in the MCU, with hints in Phase 4 projects like Ms. Marvel and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
- The mentions of mutants in these projects, along with the mention of “superhuman genes” in Secret Invasion, suggest that the iconic X-Men villain Mister Sinister could soon make his debut in the MCU.
- While the introduction of the X-Men may be a challenge, bringing in Mister Sinister first could serve as a way to set up the mutant superhero team, especially considering the confirmation of other mutants like Namor hiding in the background.
Marvel Studios has already set the stage for the MCU’s introduction of one of the most terrifying villains for the X-Men. After Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox was finalized in 2019, Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige teased the debut of mutants in the MCU after the Marvel Comics characters were previously seen in live-action in Fox’s X-Men franchise. This created the opportunity for hundreds more rich and complex characters to make their way to the MCU, and though not many steps have been taken towards mutants’ introduction en masse, Marvel Studios has dropped several hints at the new superheroes’ existence in their well-established franchise.
The first mention of mutants in the MCU came during Ms. Marvel, which revealed Kamala Khan as a mutant rather than an Inhuman like her Marvel Comics counterpart. This was developed when Doctor Strange and America Chavez journeyed to Earth-838 in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, as Patrick Stewart reprised his Fox role of Professor X, the leader of the X-Men and a member of the Illuminati. Later, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever also revealed that Namor is a mutant in the MCU, and his debut in Phase 4 proves that Marvel Studios is setting up the introduction of major mutant heroes from Marvel Comics, both heroes and villains.
How The MCU Has Perfectly Set Up Mister Sinister’s Introduction
Marvel Studios’ introduction of mutants has been far from rushed, and there have been several steps taken in laying the groundwork for the debut of these new characters. Reveals in Phases 4 and 5 may even be teasing the MCU introduction of Mister Sinister, one of the X-Men’s most iconic villains from Marvel Comics. Ms. Marvel confirmed that the mutant gene exists in the MCU, noting that Kamala Khan has specific genetics that allow her to access her Noor abilities. Secret Invasion later revealed that some have been studying these “Superhuman Genes,” including Nick Fury’s own Skrull wife, Priscilla, a.k.a. Varra, who had even written a book on the subject.
This somewhat mirrors Mister Sinister’s storylines in Marvel Comics, as he is a genetic scientist obsessed with understanding mutant biology, even going so far as to submit mutants to horrific experiments in the name of science. Sinister’s debut seems even closer after the finale of Secret Invasion, which saw President Ritson declare war on any extraterrestrial species living on Earth. While mutants may not be alien, their natural abilities and obscure genetic codes will certainly put them on the chopping block, and the fact that the Department of Damage Control has already been shown to aggressively hunt down enhanced individuals, Mister Sinister may soon be following suit.
Why Mister Sinister Could Appear Before The X-Men In The MCU
It can be difficult to imagine how Marvel Studios may introduce the X-Men to the MCU, particularly since not much legwork has been done to tease their debut. However, it would be far easier to bring Mister Sinister into the MCU first, and his introduction can be used to set up the superhero team. Other mutants, specifically Namor, have been confirmed to have been hiding in the background of the MCU for many years, so the same could be said for Mister Sinister, though with the upcoming explosion of mutants being teased for the MCU, Sinister could finally come out of the woodwork and make himself known.