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Comic Book Superheroes Joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Disney's Acquisition of 21st Century Fox Means We Could See These Superheroes in the MCU

Disney's recent acquisition of 21st Century Fox already has comic fans anticipating the films Marvel Studios is sure to churn out within the next few years. Prior to the $71.3 billion deal, the movie rights for a handful of classic Marvel superheroes — including X-Men, Deadpool, and Fantastic Four — actually belonged to Fox, which barred them from entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But now that Disney owns Fox, it's quite possible and highly likely that we'll get to see an integration of heroes that will propel the MCU into its new phase of on-screen comic adaptations after Avengers: Endgame. Read on to find out which major crusaders we're hoping and expecting to eventually see on the big screen under the Marvel Studios umbrella.

Image Source: Everett Collection

1. X-Men

Fox's version of X-Men has already made significant claw marks in the hero film genre, but it's pretty exciting to think that Marvel now has an opportunity to revamp the franchise. Unfortunately, Hugh Jackman probably won't be returning as his iconic Wolverine character, and it's still unclear if Marvel will maintain the same actors for their presumed reboot.

In the comics, the X-Men are both friends and foes of the Avengers. Since we're gearing up for a new generation of Avengers in the MCU, this could very well mean the powerful groups will come face-to-face as either allies or opponents. And considering how many of the X-Men actually joined the Avengers team at some point in Marvel's glossy comics, there's so much potential for a crossover of cosmic proportions.

Image Source: Everett Collection

2. Storm

Yes, Storm is a part of the X-Men, BUT, I have to call her out individually for one specific reason: her connection to Black Panther and Wakanda. In the comics, she and T'Challa develop a romance, and practically invented the phrase "power couple." They were together until the battle between the Avengers and X-Men caused a rift in their relationship and they decided to call it quits. (Being embroiled in a fight with super-humans makes your love life so much more complicated, amiright?)

I totally ship T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) and Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o) in the MCU, but I'd also be lying if I said I wouldn't geek out if Black Panther and Storm interact in some way on screen — or if there was at least a subtle nod to their comic book bond.

Image Source: Everett Collection

3. Silver Surfer

I still maintain that the Silver Surfer was one of the best characters in Fox's Fantastic Four franchise, but that could be because he's simply one of the coolest heroes in the comics. He has an integral part in the Infinity War plot line, which sadly we'll never get to see play out in film. However, there's plenty of promise for some awesome Silver Surfer appearances — and, dare I say it, a standalone film — hereafter.

Image Source: Everett Collection

4. Fantastic Four

No shade, but we might actually get a good Fantastic Four movie now! I don't hate the 2005 or 2015 versions, but there's so much more we can get out of this quartet. Granted, I was never a huge fan of the comics — save for the storylines involving Namor the Sub-Mariner, which I actually found pretty intriguing. But if we're talking movie-making, these characters could translate rather well on screen, especially if the depth of their characters is explored more. And since the Human Torch and Spider-Man are good pals in the comics, there's an opportunity for some adorable exchanges between the two.

Image Source: Everett Collection

5. Deadpool

Ryan Reynolds is very excited to be a part of Team Disney. When the news of the acquisition made headlines, he took to Twitter to express his enthusiasm with a picture of Deadpool sporting Micky ears. Chris Hemsworth, who plays Thor, even welcomed Reyonolds to the Marvel family with a hilarious Instagram post. In the comics, Deadpool and the Avengers do have plenty of run-ins, so we're anxiously awaiting the foul-mouthed antihero to make his Marvel debut. Think Disney might tone down his, errr, particular parlance to align him with the brand a little more?

Image Source: Everett Collection

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