In recent months, Marvel Cinematic Universe rumors have heated up concerning the introduction of many incredible characters in the franchise’s X-Men, including one character who could be an excellent Wolverine replacement. While some talk has occurred about keeping Hugh Jackman in the role of Wolverine for many more years, either way, new characters and performers will need the spotlight in the upcoming reboot. One of these characters did not get enough focus in the Fox universe and could be an excellent focal point for the series.
The world of X-Men is full of so many different characters and even teams. Many popular characters, including Cyclops, Jean Grey, and Storm will likely have updated versions in the MCU, and rumors of Hunter Schafer playing Mystique have circled the film. However, the roster of X-Men is much bigger than that. Characters like Armor and Maystorm have recently been given focus in the Ultimate X-Men comics, while characters like Magik and Psylocke have recently become more popular. I’d like to see all of these in the new film alongside one other hero.
Kitty Pryde Is Among The First X-Men Casting Rumors
Kate Pryde Or Shadowcat Could Appear In Marvel’s X-Men Reboot
Recent rumors have come out concerning the casting for the new X-Men project, and while some of the characters are expected and familiar, Julia ʙuттers, star of The Fabelmans, is noted to be in the mix for the role of Kitty Pryde. Kitty, or Kate Pryde, has taken on a number of names and roles in the team in the comics. However, she only had a minor role in the films, playing a cameo in X-Men and X2 before taking on a slightly larger role played by Elliot Page in X-Men: The Last Stand and X-Men: Days of Future Past.
Kitty Pryde is only one of the rumored characters in the film. Recent rumors have posited that Harris Dickinson, star of Babygirl, may be in consideration for the role of Scott Summers. Sadie Sink of Stranger Things fame has been rumored to be in consideration for Jean Grey for some time now. Based on the frequency of these rumors, it appears that Marvel is in active development of setting up their new team, and that official confirmation of casting could follow sometime soon. I’d guess that some of these characters could even appear in Avengers: Doomsday.
Fox’s X-Men Movies Overlooked Kitty Pryde Unfairly
Elliot Page Played Kitty Pryde In The Fox Films
Kitty Pryde was a notable figure in the Fox X-Men movies, but I would argue that she was never given enough focus. Pryde had a moderate role in The Last Stand, where she was essentially just a part of the ensemble throughout most of the film’s biggest sequences. Still, her presence was important, as was her relationship with characters like Bobby Drake. The character was a minor figure, however, and did not get much to do that was especially interesting or allowed her to stand out.
Wolverine was clearly the star of those films and, while the story should have instead centered on Pryde, it made sense that Fox would choose to build the film around him.
Worse, Kitty Pryde’s role in the “Days of Future Past” comic book storyline was changed significantly in the film. Even with the changes from the Rogue cut of the film, X-Men: Days of Future Past sent Wolverine back in time rather than Pryde. This changed the outlook of the story entirely, although I understand why they would have done this. Wolverine was clearly the star of those films and, while the story should have instead centered on Pryde, it made sense that Fox would choose to build the film around him.
Kitty Pryde Is The Perfect Way To Introduce The X-Men To The MCU Properly
The Character Was Originally Intended As An Audience Surrogate
The upcoming X-Men films have a large roster of characters to build around, although it is important that they find focal points and anchors within that new cast as they phase out the old X-Men cast. Kitty Pryde is the perfect choice for this: she was initially created as an audience surrogate character and remains one of the most popular X-Men who have not had a lead role in the Fox films. The character was even a partial inspiration for popular series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, suggesting how characters like this can really catch on in popular culture.
There are many stories with Pryde taking on Marvel’s X-Men villains that would be excellent to tell in the MCU. Lockheed, her dragon companion, would be an excellent presence, and stories that see Pryde taking on greater leadership roles, such as in the Marauders comics, where she became the Red Queen of the Hellfire Trading Company, would be so much fun to see. As Marvel looks for a way to build out a new take on the X-Men that feels refreshing and different, I believe that Pryde could be the ideal focal point to build around.
Many X-Men characters will surely be introduced to the MCU in the coming years, and it is important that the franchise finds a grounding for their series. Kitty Pryde would be an excellent choice to take on the role of the main X-Men character, and would be a refreshing change from someone like Wolverine. With so many years of comics to pull from, and so many interesting twists and turns in Pryde’s own development, I believe the character should become a priority for Marvel soon.
Upcoming MCU Movies
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Captain America: Brave New World
- Release Date
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February 14, 2025
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Thunderbolts*
- Release Date
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May 2, 2025
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The Fantastic Four: First Steps
- Release Date
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July 25, 2025
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Avengers: Doomsday (2026)
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Spider-Man Homecoming 4
- Release Date
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July 24, 2026
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Avengers: Secret Wars
- Release Date
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May 7, 2027
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