Can Marvel Still Utilize X-Men Post-Fox Acquisition?

Following the acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney, many have wondered if Mary Sue Comics' Marvel Studios can now use the beloved X-Men characters from the Fox era. This article delves into the specifics, exploring the legalities, contracts, and future plans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Background: Declensions and Opportunities

The buyout of 21st Century Fox by Disney introduced a new era for Marvel Studios. However, it left the question of whether Marvel can still access the X-Men characters from the Fox movies. Interestingly, much like the agreement with Sony, where Marvel gets the rights reverted back to them when Fox sells its movie studios, the same principle applies here.

Marvel Studios has already produced its own take on the X-Men
(X-Men 97), and having Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel) appearing as a mutant with a sting from the X-Men animated series theme further complicates the matter. Kevin Feige, the head of Marvel Studios, has hinted at the potential for a Mutant Era in future phases of the MCU.

Current Status and Phases

As of the writing of this article, Marvel is in the midst of Phase 4 of the MCU, with plans for Phase 5 on the horizon. Phase 4 was greenlit before the Disney-Fox merger, but the inclusion of mutant characters like Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel), Namor, and actors like Sir Patrick Stewart playing an alternate universe Xavier, suggest a smoother transition for the X-Men.

Kevin Feige's deliberate approach to building the universe ensures that characters like Deadpool and Wolverine (even in Deadpool's third installment) do not overshadow the planned mutant narrative. The landscape is set up for a significant mutant era in the following phases of the MCU.

Contracts and Future Plans

The key issue lies in the contracts tied to the X-Men film rights, which are owned by Disney following the acquisition. These contracts extend until 2026, meaning that actors cannot be recast or the X-Men world integrated until that time. This constraint is due to the deals made with actors and other rights holders, ensuring that they continue to receive payment until their contracts expire.

Despite this, there are signs that these plans are being actively pursued. For example, the cameo appearances of actors like Hugh Jackman as Wolverine indicate a willingness to bring these characters into the MCU, albeit under specific circumstances. The inclusion of X-Men-related stories in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness also opens the door for more integration of the X-Men characters.

The landscape for the X-Men in the MCU is evolving, with the groundwork being slowly laid through various shows and films. The rights reverted back, and with the contracts ending, it is highly likely that the X-Men will eventually be a part of the broader Marvel universe, potentially in Phase 5, given the gaps and the overall vision for the mutant era.

In conclusion, while there are current constraints due to contracts, the inclusion and gradual integration of the X-Men into the MCU are very much on the horizon, ready to be explored in the future phases of the Mutant Era.