3 Hugely Powerful X-Men Characters the MCU Needs To Use Better Than Fox Did

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With the X-Men joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios has a unique chance to reimagine these iconic and powerful mutants for a new generation of moviegoers. While the previous films from Fox introduced the X-Men to many, they didn’t fully showcase the characters as they’re known from the comics. Fox often diminished key characters by limiting their abilities, keeping them in supporting roles, or shrinking their important storylines. Now, Marvel can finally bring these characters to life as fans have known them for decades.

With the Marvel Cinematic Universe getting ready to introduce the X-Men, there are three characters who especially deserve a second chance.

3) Iceman

Bobby Drake, better known as Iceman, was one of the original X-Men and has been a hero from the very beginning. First appearing in 1963’s *X-Men #1*, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Bobby initially brought a youthful energy and humor to the team. Over time, however, he developed into one of the most powerful mutants around. In the comics, Iceman is an incredibly powerful Omega-level mutant – he can freeze things at the molecular level, rebuild himself from water, and essentially become immortal by turning his body into living ice.

The Iceman we saw in the Fox X-Men movies wasn’t nearly as powerful as the character in the comics. It wasn’t Shawn Ashmore’s fault – he played the role he was given very well – but the films focused on Bobby as a shy teenager, mainly dealing with his romance with Rogue and the challenges of dating someone you can’t physically touch. While the movies did show him controlling ice and briefly freezing in *X-Men: The Last Stand* and *Days of Future Past*, they largely ignored many of his impressive abilities, like being able to rebuild himself even after being broken apart.

The MCU has a chance to do more with the character. Instead of portraying him as a lovesick teenager, they could showcase the full extent of his incredible and powerful abilities. Imagine seeing him freeze entire oceans, trap massive enemies in ice, or even reform himself after being destroyed – the comics offer a fantastic foundation, and he deserves that level of representation.

2) Rogue

When people discuss missed opportunities in the *X-Men* movies, Rogue is often mentioned. First appearing in Marvel comics in 1981’s *Avengers Annual #10*, Anna Marie – known as Rogue – began as a villain working with Mystique before becoming an X-Man. Her power is to absorb the strength, memories, and abilities of anyone she touches, making her incredibly powerful. She permanently gained super strength, the ability to fly, and almost complete protection from harm after absorbing the powers of Ms. Marvel.

The movie adaptations of Rogue, unfortunately, weren’t as strong as her comic book or animated series portrayal. While Anna Paquin did a good job with the role, the films presented Rogue as shy, fearful of her powers, and overly focused on her romantic feelings for Logan – a relationship that felt inappropriate given their age difference. Instead of the powerful, self-assured warrior fans know and love, the movies largely reduced her to a sad love interest. Many X-Men fans feel the films completely missed the mark with Rogue, taking away the strength and personality that made her such a memorable character.

Most fans picture Rogue as a confident, strong Southern character – someone who can go toe-to-toe with the Hulk and playfully interact with Gambit. While that portrayal hasn’t appeared in movies yet, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has the opportunity to bring that version to life. They could show her comic book backstory and create a Rogue who can fly, break through obstacles with her strength, and still grapple with the challenges of her powers.

1) Storm

As a huge X-Men fan, it’s always bothered me that Storm, Ororo Munroe, hasn’t gotten the spotlight she deserves. She debuted way back in 1975’s *Giant-Size X-Men #1* with the new team – Wolverine, Colossus, Nightcrawler – and immediately stood out. Before joining the X-Men, she was literally worshipped as a goddess in Africa! She’s not just powerful, she’s a natural leader, having led the X-Men and even *ruled* Wakanda alongside Black Panther. And let’s not forget, she controls the weather! Seriously, everything from a little lightning to full-blown hurricanes and tornadoes is within her grasp – she can even mess with the Earth’s electromagnetic field. It’s incredible!

Despite her immense power, Storm was often treated as a supporting character in the Fox X-Men films. Her role was mostly limited to caring for the younger students at Xavier’s school and occasionally helping the team with her abilities. She was frequently overshadowed by characters like Wolverine and Magneto, often appearing only in brief scenes or as a minor presence.

Some of the issues stemmed from behind the scenes. Halle Berry felt the character deserved more depth. After agreeing to star in the movie, she discovered Storm’s significance in the X-Men comics, but the script was already set. Berry was hampered by poor writing and a lack of screen time, which meant key aspects of the character – her Kenyan background, her divine status, and her leadership abilities – were largely missing from the films. The only nod to her heritage was a somewhat inaccurate African accent she used in the first movie.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has a great opportunity to introduce a truly impressive version of Storm. As one of the most powerful and important mutants in Marvel history, a well-developed Storm could lead the X-Men and connect their stories to the larger MCU, perhaps even linking up with the world of Wakanda. Fans are eager to see her unleash her full potential – imagine her controlling massive storms or battling cosmic-level villains like Galactus!

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2025-09-17 02:11