Marvel has finally seized the opportunity to bring the X-Men’s iconic comic-book costumes to life in Avengers: Doomsday. The announcement of numerous original actors reprising their roles sparked enthusiasm among long-time fans, sending waves of excitement throughout the community. A simple yet impactful livestream on Wednesday generated significant buzz online, with discussions dominated by the surprise returns of beloved actors such as Ian McKellen and Alan Cumming, alongside expected participants like Chris Hemsworth from The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
While the X-Men have made appearances across several Multiverse Saga projects—including Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, The Marvels, and Deadpool & Wolverine—it’s been almost six years since audiences have witnessed the iconic team fully assembled in live action. Although 2019’s X-Men: Dark Phoenix moved closer to their comic-inspired designs, characters such as Cyclops and Storm were still not depicted in their most recognizable attire. This is where the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has the chance to elevate the portrayal of these legendary figures.
The Legacy of Fox’s X-Men Films and Their Costumes
A Grounded Approach to Superhero Aesthetics
The original X-Men film, released in 2000, played a crucial role in launching the modern superhero genre, demonstrating the potential for successful live-action adaptations of comic material. The film, while embracing its comic roots, opted for more subdued black leather costumes over the vibrant outfits typically associated with comic heroes, a choice that contributed to a more mature and grounded representation. Cyclops notably quipped to Wolverine, “What would you prefer, yellow spandex?“humorously touching on this design philosophy.
The move toward black leather suits wasn’t just a creative choice; it was significantly influenced by the aesthetics of the 1999 film The Matrix, which shaped the visual language of many early 2000s action films. At the time, comic-book costumes were often viewed as too absurd for live-action portrayal, particularly following the backlash against the campy tone of past films like Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997). This strategy may have initially worked, but nearly two decades later, the MCU is ready to embrace the vibrant costumes the fans have always wanted.
Marvel’s Embrace of Comic-Accurate Costumes
Deadpool’s Take on Wolverine’s Yellow Suit
Since Marvel revitalized the superhero film landscape with Iron Man in 2008, it has worked tirelessly to normalize the representation of authentic comic book costumes on screen. The sleek design of Iron Man’s armor set a high standard, while subsequent films showcased increasingly vibrant and faithful costumes, paving the way for bold misinterpretations such as Thor and Captain America’s outfits in 2011.
A perfect example of this shift is seen in Deadpool & Wolverine, where Deadpool humorously comments on Wolverine’s iconic yellow suit, stating, “That only took 20 f****** years.”This remark captures the collective excitement among fans for authentic comic-book depictions. Wolverine’s outfit may seem flamboyant, but it carries the essence of the character, garnering appreciation among the fanbase.
A Bright Future for X-Men Costumes in Avengers: Doomsday
Marvel’s Commitment to Comic-Accurate Designs
Marvel has a proven track record of honoring comic-accurate representations, though it occasionally tempers designs for realism. For instance, the character Hawkeye diverged from his comic look, which was humorously referenced in 2021’s Hawkeye. Meanwhile, Scarlet Witch donned a comic-inspired costume in WandaVision as a playful nod to the challenges of integrating such designs into the MCU.
Notably, Professor X’s cameo in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness featured a bright yellow hover-chair, and Beast’s portrayal in The Marvels was significantly closer to his comic character. With such expectations set, it’s reasonable to anticipate that when other X-Men characters, such as Magneto and Cyclops, are introduced in Avengers: Doomsday, they will enter in costumes that reflect their comic book origins rather than toned-down versions.
The incorporation of bold, comic-accurate designs is not just a treat for fans but a strategic move that can bring fresh life to the franchise. As excitement builds for Avengers: Doomsday, the MCU’s commitment to honoring the original aesthetic of characters like Wolverine and Gambit is shaping up to significantly enhance the upcoming narrative and visual spectacle.