As Elizabeth Olsen teases Scarlet Witch return, is it now the time to introduce the X-Men into the MCU?

Marvel Cinematic Universe fans, the speculating never ends with the MCU. And why should it? The franchise is the gift that just keeps on giving, offering up more and more potential for new ideas and storylines. That's more true than ever in the franchise's current Multiverse Saga. And it certainly lends itself to the fate of one beloved character, especially when the person responsible for bringing them to life has teased a potential comeback.

Recently, Elizabeth Olsen graced Jimmy Kimmel Live, and let's just say she didn't hide her excitement about potentially returning as the Scarlet Witch. With a knowing smile, she hinted that Wanda Maximoff's journey might not be over, telling audiences that she would love to return to the franchise. Now, what are we left to do? Speculate of course. And we can't help but do it, especially as Agatha All Along just recently suggested the character may not be dead after all.

Adding more fuel to our fandom fire is the overwhelming success of X-Men '97. This animated revival has rekindled our love for the mutant squad, capturing that classic vibe while sprinkling in fresh twists. The nostalgia is hitting hard ain't it? Fans are now more eager than ever to see the X-Men make their live-action debut in the MCU—with a few modern tweaks, of course. The question is: Could the return of the Scarlet Witch pave the way for their arrival?

A grounded tale of Wanda, Professor X, and Magneto

Now, imagine this: a grounded, character-driven film that brings together Wanda Maximoff, Professor X, and Magneto. The three have history together in Marvel Comics. Heck, Wanda and Professor X have history in the MCU, after the Scarlet Witch came across a version of Charles Xavier (with Patrick Stewart reprising his role from the X-Men movie series) from Earth-838 in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, so that could definitely be worked into the story here.

Perhaps after the events of that movie (and her apparent death, which took her off the board entirely), she could be trapped in an alternate universe, disoriented by her dark turn after being corrupted by the Darkhold. She wouldn't just be dealing with the confusion of a new world; she would experience all of the memories and emotions of this universe's version of herself. The lines between who she is and who she was are blurring, and it's messing with her mind big time.

On top of that, Wanda would still be haunted by her own demons from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The guilt over her past actions weighs heavily on her, making her question her every move. Enter Professor X and Magneto—two unlikely allies who recognize that something's off with this stranger who looks all too familiar.

Professor X could reach out to Wanda telepathically, understanding that she's not the Wanda they know and offer his guidance. Magneto, intrigued by this mysterious woman who shares a connection with him (comic fans know what we're hinting at), could decide to join forces with his friend-turned-enemy. Together, they help Wanda navigate her fragmented memories and come to terms with what's happening.

They could then explain that she's actually experiencing residual memories due to the multiverse's convergence—basically, the walls between realities are thinner than ever. This realization could set the stage for an epic team-up between them, as the trio would realize that someone is manipulating these multiversal glitches for their own gain.

Who could this big bad be, you ask? Well, none other than: Mojo. Yes, in the MCU he could still be an alien overlord from the Mojoverse, but with a fresh twist to make him more suited to the world of the MCU. In this universe, Mojo could have been exploiting the chaos caused by the multiverse's instability (and if we've learned anything about the multiverse during the Multiverse Saga, it's that it's unstable at times). He also could have been manipulating reality TV (because of course he would) and controlling the narrative of what people see and think. His ultimate goal? To boost his ratings by creating the most dramatic universe possible, regardless of the cost.

Wanda, Professor X, and Magneto would then discover that Mojo is the reason behind the loss of mutant powers and the collective amnesia affecting the world. He's been pulling the strings from behind the scenes, and it's time to cut those strings once and for all.

The epic showdown and resetting the universe

Our trio could then embark on a thrilling journey filled with mind-bending twists and intense confrontations. Their combined strengths — Wanda's chaos magic slowly returning, Professor X's sharp intellect (even without full access to his powers), and Magneto's unbreakable will — would make them a force to be reckoned with. The battle against Mojo isn't just about brute strength; it's a fight for the very fabric of reality.

In a climactic showdown, they would inevitably manage to outsmart Mojo, exposing his manipulations to the world. By pushing the reset button, the powerful trio would then restore mutant powers and set the universe back on its rightful course. This act of heroism would not only redeem Wanda after the events of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness but also solidify the bond between these iconic characters. More than that, this would be the perfect segue to an X-Men Miniseries

With the universe reset, the stage would be perfectly set for an X-Men miniseries—think of it as an anthology with each episode delving into the lives of Professor Xavier's students. We'd get up close and personal with Cyclops, Storm, Beast, Jean Grey, Iceman, and Angel. Each episode could explore their individual struggles and triumphs, painting a rich tapestry of the mutant experience.

This format allows for deep character development and sets up a cohesive narrative that leads to the formation of the X-Men as a team. The anthology feel gives each character room to breathe, making their eventual team-up all the more satisfying.

Why Wanda is the key to the X-Men's arrival

By focusing on Wanda's internal struggle—her entanglement with another version of herself and the demons from her past—the MCU can deliver a story that's both emotionally resonant and thrilling. Introducing both Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnhserr as her guides would add depth to both of their characters and paves the way for future interactions.

At the heart of this grand plan is Wanda Maximoff. Her journey through alternate realities and her efforts to right her wrongs make her the perfect catalyst for introducing mutants into the MCU. The multiverse concept — which has been a hot topic in recent projects like Loki, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and of course Deadpool and Wolverine — allows for endless possibilities, and Wanda is the key to unlocking them.

Seriously, the timing couldn't be better. The multiverse is wide open, fans are hungry for new stories, and Elizabeth Olsen is eager to return. Introducing the X-Men through this innovative storyline just feels right. It would honor the comics, provide depth to beloved characters, and deliver the epic storytelling we all crave from this iconic franchise.

So, MCU fanatics, if you're listening (and you totally should be), it's time to bring back the Scarlet Witch and let her magic pave the way for the X-Men to finally show up in the franchise. This could be how the Mutants Era begins for the MCU.

A grounded film featuring Wanda, Professor X, and Magneto facing off against Mojo? Followed by an anthology-style miniseries diving into the lives of Xavier's students? That's the stuff of legends, you’re welcome.