The X-Men film series has a long history, originating as one of the earliest ongoing superhero franchises. Over the years, the movies have been split into different continuities – the original trilogy, a spin-off film, and a series of prequels. Days of Future Past attempted to bridge these timelines, and the series continued until Disney acquired Fox and began planning a fresh start. As the X-Men join the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe, many iconic villains haven’t yet appeared on screen, leaving plenty of potential for future stories.
With the introduction of the X-Men to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there are many formidable villains from the comics that could be used to create exciting new stories.
7) Vulcan
Okay, so everyone’s wondering who’s going to be on the new X-Men team in the MCU, and it’s got me thinking. If they do include Cyclops – and honestly, he’s been in pretty much every X-Men iteration, played by James Marsters and later Tye Sheridan – then they have to consider Vulcan. Vulcan’s the third Summers brother, and the story behind him is wild. Professor X basically wiped everyone’s memories of him because they thought he died saving the X-Men! It’d be a huge twist and a really powerful villain to introduce, especially with Cyclops around.
Lucas Till portrayed Havok in several films. After his mentor, Vulcan, seemingly died, Havok ventured into space and significantly increased his abilities. Following the event known as M-Day, he reached Omega-level mutant status, becoming more powerful than his siblings, though interestingly, his powers had no effect on them – and theirs had no effect on him.
6) The Acolytes
The X-Men battled various groups on screen, like the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, the Hellfire Club, and the Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Surprisingly, they never fought the Acolytes, who were arguably the most dangerous of these foes. The Acolytes were a smaller group deeply devoted to Magneto and his beliefs. While the Brotherhood worked with Magneto, the Acolytes were truly his followers.
Even if the Marvel Cinematic Universe doesn’t bring back Magneto himself, they could still explore his legacy through other mutants who followed his beliefs. A group led by Fabian Cortez would be a great way to do this. This approach could also introduce the character Exodus, a very old mutant who was once saved by Magneto from being buried alive by Apocalypse centuries ago.
5) Mojo
Mojo is a challenging X-Men villain for the Marvel Cinematic Universe to bring to life, which is likely why he hasn’t appeared in a Marvel movie yet. His strange look and unusual powers are better suited for animation. Still, Mojo remains a memorable and powerful foe who constantly creates problems for the X-Men.
He exists in the Mojoverse, a bizarre reality created and controlled by a being named Mojo, who runs it like a twisted TV studio. Mojo abducts mutants from our world and forces them to perform in his shows, completely stripping them of their free will. Mutants like Longshot and Shatterstar have already been subjected to this, and it could be a creative way to introduce fresh faces into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
4) The Goblin Queen
I’ve always been fascinated by Jean Grey, and it’s been so interesting seeing her portrayed by both Famke Janssen and Sophie Turner in the X-Men films. Because the movies took place on different Earths, we actually got to see the Dark Phoenix Saga play out twice, with each version having its own unique conclusion. It’s a shame though – I really wish they’d included Madelyne Pryor in one of the films, her story is so compelling!
Madelyne was created as a copy of Jean Grey with the purpose of starting a family with Cyclops. The sinister Mister Sinister planned to use their child – who eventually became Cable – to take over the world. While Cable appeared in Deadpool 2, Madelyne, also known as the Goblin Queen, hasn’t been featured in any films yet. Whether she appears will likely depend on if Cyclops joins the X-Men in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, similar to the situation with the character Vulcan.
3) The Brood
It’s unclear what Marvel plans for the X-Men in the MCU. They could explore the long-running theme of prejudice and discrimination that’s been part of the team’s history since its creation, which resonates with current events. Alternatively, they might focus on more fantastical superhero adventures, similar to the style Chris Claremont brought to the comics.
The Brood could make excellent villains in future Marvel films. These aliens are similar to creatures from the Alien franchise – they implant embryos in their hosts. Although that aspect is reminiscent of Alien, the Brood also have the ability to control people, which could transform a Marvel movie into a thrilling science fiction horror experience.
2) Minster Sinister
The X-Men films from Fox were building towards a storyline where Mister Sinister would be the main villain. Unfortunately, Disney bought Fox before they could fully develop that plot. Hints of Sinister’s involvement appeared in Logan, where the corporation behind X-23 was connected to him, and in The New Mutants, where the mutant prison was run by his organization, intending to recruit mutants for his army. Despite these connections, Mister Sinister never actually appeared on screen.
Mister Sinister began as a scientist in the Victorian era in Marvel comics. He encountered Apocalypse, who transformed him into something beyond human. Sinister then made numerous clones of himself, each believing it was the original Nathaniel Essex. These clones are the powerful villains still causing trouble for the X-Men today. With the Fox/Disney merger completed, many fans believe Mister Sinister should be the primary antagonist when the X-Men are reintroduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
1) Onslaught
Look, I love the X-Men, and I’m always hoping for big villains on the big screen, but Onslaught? That’s probably never going to happen. He’s honestly the most powerful enemy they’ve never used in a movie, and for good reason! He’s just way too strong. It took practically every hero – the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, the X-Men, even the Hulk – just to have a chance against him. And even then, the Avengers and the Fantastic Four didn’t make it! He’s easily the most powerful villain connected to the X-Men, no question.
As a huge movie fan, I’ve been thinking about Onslaught, and honestly, I don’t see him working in the MCU. He’s basically a blend of Professor X and Magneto’s powers and philosophies, so a solid foundation of those characters’ stories has to be there first. With the MCU doing its own thing and probably starting with a less famous X-Men team, building up to Onslaught just feels impossible. I think it’s better to just leave him out of the movies altogether, even if things change down the line.
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2025-11-28 17:16