Notice! This article contains spoilers for What If...? season 3, episode 7.
And if...?
brings Storm to the frontlines of a Multiversal war in Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)
and builds anticipation for the inevitable arrival of the X-Men team in live-action films. Before the MCU debuted in 2008 with Iron Man, comic book superhero movies already had a long history. DC managed to create several successful franchises around its heroes in the second half of the 20th century, but for Marvel, most of its major success came at the turn of the millennium.
Bryan Singer X-Men trilogy began in 2000, and Sam Raimi Spider-Man arrived shortly after in 2002. However, although Spider-Man made the jump to the MCU with Tom Holland's version of the character starring in his own trilogy and joining the Avengers in other outings, the X-Men remain conspicuously absent from the Sacred Timeline. But, Marvel Studios started teasing these heroes, and even had Deadpool and Wolverine invade the MCU, but now it needs the rest of the X-Men.
2024 was a big year for X-Men
X-Men have dominated the wider MCU in 2024
There is no doubt that 2024 was the biggest year for the X-Men franchise since Dead Pool debuted in 2016. Deadpool and Wolverine It broke the fourth wall and became the highest-grossing new R-rated film of all time. It also saw Deadpool travel to the Sacred Timeline and hinted at new adventures for the titular heroes. Then, X-Men '97 brought back a fan-favorite and critically acclaimed animated series from the 1990s. As if these two releases weren't enough to build excitement for the X-Men in the MCU, And if...? also played a role in Storm's debut in season 3.
All of these moments are steadily bringing the iconic heroes into the MCU's regular schedule, but have yet to be properly inserted into the Sacred Timeline. However, with the heroes' popularity growing and their familiarity with new, younger audiences thanks to their inclusion here, it seems that the MCU is building something big. The Multiverse Saga is coming to an end and it feels like the perfect time to introduce these heroes, especially after seeing how great they could be in the MCU.
Storm's MCU debut was a reminder of how great the character is
Storm is often a central figure in the X-Men lineup
The version of Storm shown in the Marvel film And if...? has some important differences from its comic book counterpart. On the one hand, this is a Storm, who is also the God of Thunderand a daughter of Asgard. Normally, Storm isn't a variant of Thor, but it's a clever way to deliver a character who literally controls the heavens and causes thunder and lightning. And her role as part of the core team that saves the Multiverse makes her even more interesting.
Although this variant is essentially a Thor variant, doesn't take away from how powerful and interesting the original character is. And if...? Episode 7 of the third season shows this Storm praying for help from All Fathers and All Mothers, but other than that distinction, the powers she wields and the way she engages with her peers are almost identical to the classic versions of the hero. She is smart, powerful, inspiring and a natural leader. And all of this generates excitement for the hero and the other X-Men to finally join the MCU.
Marvel's X-Men Plan Can't Happen Soon After 2024
The X-Men will change the dynamics of the MCU forever
Kevin Feige made it clear that with the rights to the X-Men back in the control of Marvel Studios, they I want to get these characters in place as quickly as possible. Before long, they were able to build an animated show around these heroes to build on the legacy of the original 1990s animated show, and have now included the character in a pivotal way in And if...? season 3 plot. Plus, Marvel Studios has finally realized what was once just a dream, and put Deadpool and Wolverine together on the big screen.
But as wonderful as all of these projects have been, they're only whetting the appetites of fans who can't wait to see the X-Men interact with the Avengers. To watch how the MCU unfolds with the introduction of mutants and how these important characters change this world. Mutants have always been an important part of Marvel Comics and a way of dealing with inequality and a lack of understanding and acceptance, and that's something the MCU has a chance to tackle in a poignant and powerful way. Storm's debut in And if..? It's a step in the right direction, but there's still a lot more to be seen from the X-Men in the MCU.
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- Release date
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February 14, 2025
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July 25, 2025
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- Release date
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July 24, 2026