Daniel Mercer
In just one week, San Diego Comic-Con will kick off, and for countless movie enthusiasts, the event holds significant importance due to one primary reason: the X-Men.
Recently, rumors have circulated regarding potential actors for the superhero team’s inaugural appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Notable names such as Adam Driver, Sabrina Carpenter, and Cooper Hoffman have surfaced. Historically, SDCC has been a platform for Marvel to unveil both upcoming films and new cast members, leading to heightened anticipation that Hall H will showcase exciting news about the X-Men. With Avengers: Doomsday already stirring nostalgia by featuring legacy X-actors, it seems fitting for Marvel to reveal which fresh talents will don the iconic blue-and-yellow suits in 2028 and 2029.
Even if the casting rumors were not swirling, this month has been particularly fruitful for the mutants thanks to various non-film projects. The second season of X-Men ’97 premiered at the beginning of July, and the reception has been overwhelmingly positive. A two-year wait feels worthwhile as the latest episodes have captivated audiences, leaving them eager yet apprehensive about the conflicts between the three X-teams as they confront Apocalypse and each other. The season’s second episode notably transformed Jubilee from a long-suffering character into an engaging fighter, coinciding with her recent addition to Marvel Rivals. This hero shooter initially included a few X-characters, but subsequent seasons have introduced major figures like Cyclops and Deadpool, with beloved characters like Nightcrawler and Colossus hinted to join soon.
In the realm of gaming, Insomniac dropped a new trailer for Marvel’s Wolverine just before the weekend. This bloodless trailer is designed to be shown before screenings of The Odyssey (and eventually on television), and it gives a brief glimpse into what players can expect when they take control of Logan. One standout detail is the introduction of Lady Deathstrike, who also made an appearance in this week’s Wolverine-focused episode of ’97. Before Wolverine launches in September, players can look forward to the August release of Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, featuring a roster filled with X-Men characters. A particularly intriguing choice is the android Danger, who is likely to appear in next week’s episode of ’97, titled “Danger.exe.” Both games are generating considerable excitement, making it unfortunate that they are affected by PlayStation’s decision to phase out physical games, leading players to express their frustrations towards these console exclusives.
The current situation surrounding the X-Men represents an ideal scenario for Marvel, showcasing its continuous synergy. Each project appeals to a diverse range of X-fans while also maintaining the opportunity to shine independently. This is crucial, especially since if Marvel lacks mutant-related announcements at SDCC, both the show and games will need to keep fans engaged until new updates arrive. All eyes are once again on the X-Men, and io9 will be present at San Diego Comic-Con to witness how Marvel capitalizes on this momentum.
Interested in more io9 updates? Discover when to anticipate the latest releases from Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek, as well as insights into the future of the DC Universe in film and television, and all the essential details regarding the future of Doctor Who.
Brandon Fletcher
