View source for Mutant (Marvel Comics)

{{Short description|Group of comics characters}}
{{See also|Mutants in fiction}}
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{{More citations needed|date=September 2008}}
{{Infobox comics species
|species   = Mutant
|publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]
|debut     = ''[[Uncanny X-Men|X-Men]]'' #1
|debutmo   = September
|debutyr   = 1963
|creators  = [[Stan Lee]]<br>[[Jack Kirby]]
|deities   = 
|homeworld = Earth
|members   = [[X-Men]]<br>[[X-Factor (comics)|X-Factor]]<br>[[X-Force]]<br>[[Dark X-Men]]<br>[[New Mutants]]<br>[[Brotherhood of Mutants]]<br>[[Acolytes (comics)|Acolytes]]<br>[[Morlocks (comics)|Morlocks]]<br>[[Quiet Council of Krakoa]]<br>[[Xavier Institute Student Body]]
|powers    = 
|subcat    = 
|altcat    = Marvel Comics mutants
|alttop    = y
|sortkey   = Mutant
}}
In [[American comic books]] published by [[Marvel Comics]], a '''mutant''' is a human being that possesses a [[genetics|genetic trait]] called the X-gene. It causes the mutant to  develop [[Superpower (ability)|superhuman powers]] that manifest at [[puberty]]. Human mutants are sometimes referred to as a human subspecies '''''Homo sapiens superior''''' or simply '''''Homo superior'''''. Mutants are the [[evolution]]ary progeny of ''[[Homo sapiens]]'', and are actually revealed to be the next stage in [[human evolution]].  The accuracy of this is the subject of much debate in the [[Marvel Universe]].

Unlike Marvel's mutates, which are characters who develop their powers only after exposure to outside stimuli or energies (such as [[Spider-Man]], [[Captain America]], [[Fantastic Four]], [[Hulk]]), mutants have innate [[Mutation|genetic mutations]] from birth.

==Publication history==
===Early antecedents===
A March 1952 story in ''Amazing Detective Cases'' #11 called "The Weird Woman" tells of a woman describing herself as a mutant who seeks a similarly superhuman mate.<ref>{{Marvunapp|http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix4/weirdwomanadc.htm |Weird Woman"}}</ref> Roger Carstairs, a mutant who can create illusions, is shown in ''Man Comics'' #28, dated September 1953.<ref>{{Marvunapp|http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix5/carstairsrogermm.htm|Roger Carstairs}}</ref> A character with superhuman powers, born from a radiation-exposed parent, was seen in "The Man with the Atomic Brain!"<ref>{{Marvunapp|http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix3/lestrontedjim.htm|Ted Lestron}}</ref> in ''[[Journey into Mystery]]'' #52 in May 1959; although not specifically called a "mutant", his origin is consistent with one. A little-known story in ''[[Tales of Suspense]]'' #6 (November 1959) titled "The Mutants and Me!"<ref>{{Marvunapp|http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix3/farnsworthvincenttos.htm|Vincent Farnsworth}}</ref> was one of the first Marvel (then known as [[Atlas Comics (1950s)|Atlas]]) stories to feature a named "mutant". Tad Carter, a mutant with [[telekinetic]] powers, is shown in Amazing Adult Fantasy #14, dated July 1962.<ref>{{Marvunapp|http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix6/carter-tad.htm|Tad Carter}}</ref>

Officially, [[Namor|Namor the Sub-Mariner]] is considered the first mutant superhero whom Marvel Comics ever published,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicvine.com/namor/29-1476/ |title=Namor |publisher=comicvine.com |date=1922-02-22 |access-date=2010-10-17}}</ref> debuting in 1939. However, Namor was not actually described as a mutant until ''Fantastic Four Annual'' #1, decades after his first appearance.<ref>Issue #1 — released July, 1963</ref> The same is true of [[Toro (comics)|Toro]], partner of the [[Human Torch (android)|android Human Torch]] introduced in 1940.

===Modern concept and development===
The modern concept of mutants as a distinct [[species]] independent of [[homo sapiens]] began development under Marvel writer and editor-in-chief [[Stan Lee]] in the early 1960s, as a means to create a large number of [[superhero]]es and [[supervillain]]s without having to think of a separate origin for each one. As part of the concept, Lee decided that these mutant teenagers should, like ordinary ones, attend school in order to better cope with the world, in this case [[X-Mansion|Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters]]. Following the 1963 debut of this conception of mutants in the superhero series ''[[X-Men]]'', Marvel later introduced several additional mutant superhero teams, including the [[New Mutants]], [[X-Factor (comics)|X-Factor]], [[Excalibur (comics)|Excalibur]], [[X-Force]], and [[Generation X (comics)|Generation X]].

In early X-Men stories, Xavier and others suggest that mutation is related to nuclear radiation, as his parents worked on the [[Manhattan Project|development of the atomic bomb]], though later descriptions of mutation would describe it deriving from genetics. The first in-story mention of mutants in this context is in ''[[Uncanny X-Men|The X-Men]]'' #1, in which Xavier explains his school to the newly admitted Jean Grey: "You, Miss Grey, like the other students at this most exclusive school, are a ''mutant''! You possess an extra power...one which ordinary humans do not!! That is why I call my students...''X-Men'', for ''Ex''-tra power!"<ref name="UXM001">''The X-Men'' #1 (1963). Marvel Comics.</ref> This issue also features the first reference to mutants as the species "Homo Superior" by [[Magneto (Marvel Comics)|Magneto]]. Following the relaunch under writer [[Chris Claremont]], narration in stories taking place on [[Muir Island]] described [[Moira MacTaggert]] as "second only to Charles Xavier as an authority on genetic mutation."<ref name="UXM125">''Uncanny X-Men'' #125 (1979). Marvel Comics.</ref> In the [[The New Mutants (graphic novel)|New Mutants graphic novel]], after witnessing [[Wolfsbane (character)|Wolfsbane]] demonstrate her mutant shapeshifting ability, MacTaggert refers to "an anomalous DNA matrix" in her blood signaling that Wolfsbane "could be a mutant."<ref name="MGN004">''Marvel Graphic Novel #4: The New Mutants'' (1982). Marvel Comics.</ref> The cause of mutation was elaborated upon in the first issue of the spin-off series ''X-Factor,'' in which [[Cameron Hodge]] refers to "people who possess the X-Factor mutation in their genetic makeup."<ref name="XF001">''X-Factor'' #1 (1986). Marvel Comics.</ref> This genetic mutation was later dubbed the X-Gene. At one point, [[Beast (Marvel Comics)|Beast]] states that the X-Gene is located on the 23rd [[Chromosome#Human chromosomes|chromosome]];<ref name="AXV3025">''Astonishing X-Men'' (Vol. 3) #25 (2008). Marvel Comics.</ref> the process described is that the gene activates mutation producing a protein stimulating chemical signals which induce mutations on other genes.<ref name="AXV3027">''Astonishing X-Men'' (Vol. 3) #27 (2008). Marvel Comics.</ref>

Mutations are depicted as generally manifesting during adolescence,<ref name="NXM118">''New X-Men'' #118 (2001). Marvel Comics.</ref> however this is not universal. Some mutants, such as [[Nightcrawler (character)|Nightcrawler]], are visibly mutated from birth,<ref name="UXM177">''Uncanny X-Men'' #177 (1984). Marvel Comics.</ref> while others like Magneto do not develop their abilities until adulthood.<ref name="CXM012">''Classic X-Men'' #12 (1987). Marvel Comics.</ref> Some mutants are not even aware of their latent mutations unless deliberately activated, such as [[Polaris (Marvel Comics)|Polaris]], whose manifestation was triggered with technological aid.<ref name="UXM50">''X-Men'' #50 (1968). Marvel Comics.</ref>

=== Later developments ===
In the 2022 storyline, ''[[Judgment Day (Marvel Comics)|A.X.E.: Judgment Day]]'', mutants are discovered by [[Eternals (comics)|Eternals]] to be an offshoot of the [[Deviant (comics)|Deviant]] race, triggering efforts by the Eternals' leader [[Druig]] to wipe them out, giving the mutants an explicit link to the [[Celestials]] and to the publisher's cosmic storylines.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/xmen-mutants-deviants-eternals-judgment-day-excess-deviation/|title=The X-Men's New Cosmic Origin is Marvel's Biggest Rewrite in History|last=Bacon|first=Thomas|date=17 March 2022|access-date=25 August 2022|work=ScreenRant}}</ref> In the series' conclusion, new Prime Eternal [[Zuras]] confirms the end of hostilities with the mutants and proposed a formal treaty alliance, explaining to [[Storm (Marvel Comics)|Storm]], "You mutants share some DNA with Deviants? It's of little matter. Until a mutant triggers our physiological 'excess deviation' response, you're not Deviants in the way that counts. You're just human."<ref>{{cite comic|title=[[Judgment Day (Marvel Comics)|A.X.E.: Judgment Day]]|volume=1|issue=6|date=October 2022 | publisher=[[Marvel Comics]] | location=[[New York, NY]]}}</ref>

==Mutant Subtypes==

=== Omega-level mutants ===
{{Main|Omega-level mutants}}

===Changelings===
Introduced in the second series of ''X-Factor'', a '''changeling''' is a mutant whose powers manifest at birth. [[Jamie Madrox]] and [[Damian Tryp]] are examples of this sub-class.

===Cheyarafim and Neyaphem===
Cheyarafim and Neyaphem first appear in ''[[Uncanny X-Men]]'' #429. According to the character [[Azazel (Marvel Comics)|Azazel]], the Cheyarafim are a group of [[angel]]-like mutants who were the traditional enemies of the Neyaphem, a demonic-looking group of mutants who lived in [[Biblical]] times. The Cheyarafim were [[Fanaticism|fanatic]]s who had a strict, absolutist view of morality which led them into conflict with the Neyaphem. This escalated into a [[religious war|holy war]], causing the Neyaphem to be exiled into an alternate dimension. What happened to the Cheyarafim after this has not been revealed.

[[Warren Worthington III|Angel]] and [[Icarus (comics)|Icarus]] are said to be descended from Cheyarafim,{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} while [[Nightcrawler (character)|Nightcrawler]] is supposedly the son of a Neyaphem, Azazel.

===Chimeras===
In the pages of "[[House of X and Powers of X]]", the '''Chimeras''' are genetically altered humanoid mutants who are combined from the DNA of past mutants so that they would have combinations of their power set and also propagate the mutant population. Third generation Chimeras have a 10% failure rate making them unable to be warriors. Fourth generation Chimeras have a corrupted hive mind. They were more common in [[Moira MacTaggert]]'s ninth life where they were created in Mister Sinister's Breeding Pits on Mars.<ref name="Powers of X #1">''Powers of X'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Sometime after the "[[X of Swords]]" storyline, Mister Sinister created his first Chimera by splicing his own DNA samples with the DNA samples of an Arraki named [[Tarn the Uncaring]]. When the experiment proved to be a failure and the Quiet Council of [[Krakoa]] found out about it, Sinister is undeterred in his next plans to research the Chimeras.<ref>''Hellions'' #15-18. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Later in the "[[Sins of Sinister]]" storyline, Sinister was in an alternate timeline where he created his Chimeras after taking over the world with his Sinister gene.<ref name="Sins of Sinister #1">''Sins of Sinister'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>

The following are the known Chimeras:

* '''Cardinal''' - Created from the genetic templates of [[Ajax (Francis Freeman)|Ajax]], [[Nightcrawler (character)|Nightcrawler]], and [[Rachel Summers]].<ref name="Powers of X #1"/>
* '''North''' - Created from the genetic templates of [[Emma Frost]] and [[Polaris (Marvel Comics)|Polaris]].<ref name="Powers of X #1"/>
* '''Rasputin IV''' - Created from the genetic templates of [[Colossus (character)|Colossus]], [[Kitty Pryde]], [[Quentin Quire]], [[Unus the Untouchable]], and [[X-23]].<ref name="Powers of X #1"/> An alternate version was created by Mister Sinister from the same genetic templates during the "[[Sins of Sinister]]" storyline.<ref name="Immoral X-Men #2">''Immoral X-Men'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref>
* '''Legion of the Night''' - The Legion of the Night are Chimeras made from the genetic template of [[Nightcrawler (character)|Nightcrawler]] and several other genetic templates. The other members consist of:<ref name="Nightcrawlers #1">''Nightcrawlers'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>
** '''Wagnerine''' - Created from the genetic templates of Nightcrawler and [[X-23]].<ref name="Nightcrawlers #1"/>
** '''Auntie Fortune''' - Created from the genetic templates of Nightcrawler and [[Domino (character)|Domino]].<ref name="Nightcrawlers #1"/>
** '''Wallcrawler''' - Created from the genetic templates of Nightcrawler and [[Spider-Man]].<ref name="Sins of Sinister #1"/><ref name="Nightcrawlers #1"/>
** '''Lost-in-Shadow''' - Created from the genetic templates of Nightcrawler and Lost.<ref name="Nightcrawlers #2">''Nightcrawlers'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref>
** '''Chamber Nocturne''' - Created from the genetic templates of Nightcrawler and [[Chamber (character)|Chamber]].<ref name="Nightcrawlers #2"/>
** '''Summernight''' - Created from the genetic templates of Nightcrawler and Cyclops. He is the lover of Wagnerine.<ref name="Nightcrawlers #2"/>
* '''High Summers''' - A group of Chimeras created from the genetic templates of Cyclops, [[Havok (comics)|Havok]], and [[Vulcan (Marvel Comics)|Vulcan]].<ref name="Storm & the Brotherhood of Mutants #3">''Storm & the Brotherhood of Mutants'' #3. Marvel Comics.</ref>
* '''Loud Hallers''' - A group of Chimeras created from the genetic templates of [[Siryn]] and [[Lodus Logos]].<ref name="Storm & the Brotherhood of Mutants #3"/>
* '''Hot Claws''' - A group of Chimeras created from the genetic templates of [[Feral (character)|Feral]], [[Thornn]], [[Mercury (Marvel Comics)|Mercury]], and [[Pete Wisdom]].<ref name="Storm & the Brotherhood of Mutants #3"/>
* '''Sage Advisors''' - A group of Chimeras created from the genetic templates of [[Artie Maddicks]], [[Betsy Braddock|Captain Britain]], [[Jamie Madrox|Multiple Man]], and [[Sage (Marvel Comics)|Sage]].<ref name="Storm & the Brotherhood of Mutants #3"/>

===Dominant Species/Lupine===
[[Maximus Lobo]] claims to be a part of a mutant sub-species of feral wolf-like mutants, whom he calls the Dominant Species. He later tries to recruit [[Wolf Cub (comics)|Wolf Cub]] into his ranks to no avail. A few years later, another mutant named [[Romulus (comics)|Romulus]] claims that some human mutants evolved from canines instead of primates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://marvel.com/catalog/?id=1125 |title=Uncanny X-Men Vol. 2: Dominant Species | work = Marvel Comics Catalog |publisher=Marvel.com |date= 21 May 2003 |access-date=2010-10-17}}</ref> Romulus' sister Remus would later consider his claim to be a hoax when she meets Wolverine.<ref>''Wolverine'' Vol. 2 #312. Marvel Comics.</ref>

* [[Daken]]
* [[Feral (character)|Feral]]
* Romulus
* [[Sabretooth (character)|Sabretooth]]
* [[Thornn]]
* [[Wild Child (character)|Wild Child]]
* [[Wolf Cub (comics)|Wolf Cub]]
* [[Wolfsbane (character)|Wolfsbane]]
* [[Wolverine (character)|Wolverine]]

===Externals===
Created by [[Rob Liefeld]], [[Externals]] are immortal mutants whose powers have allowed them to exist for centuries. Eventually, most of the Externals are killed by [[Selene (comics)|Selene]], and later by [[Apocalypse (comics)|Apocalypse]].

* [[Absalom (comics)|Absalom]]
* Burke
* [[Candra (comics)|Candra]]
* [[Crule (comics)|Crule]]
* [[Gideon (comics)|Gideon]]
* Nicodemus
* [[Saul (comics)|Saul]]
* [[Selene (comics)|Selene]]
* [[Apocalypse (character)|Apocalypse]]

===''"Homo superior superior"''===
Introduced in [[Chris Claremont]]'s ''X-Treme X-Men'', a character known as [[Vargas (comics)|Vargas]] claims to be humanity's natural response to mutants.  Vargas was born at the epitome of peak physical skill, having superhuman levels of strength, speed, reflexes, agility, stamina, and durability.  Vargas also seems to be immune to various mutant abilities (such as [[Rogue (Marvel Comics)|Rogue]]'s absorption and [[Betsy Braddock|Psylocke]]'s telekinetic blast).<ref>''X-Treme X-Men'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Hybrids===
Mutants have been shown to successfully crossbreed or a result of crossbreed with Humans (Homo sapiens), [[Homo mermanus|Atlanteans]] (Homo mermanus), fairies, and other humanoid aliens like [[Shi'ar]], etc.

* [[Abigail Brand]]
* [[Kamala Khan]]
* [[Lifeguard (comics)|Lifeguard]]
* [[Meggan (comics)|Meggan]]
* [[Namor]]
* [[Namora]]
* [[Namorita]]
* [[Pixie (X-Men)|Pixie]]
* [[Slipstream (comics)|Slipstream]]
* Xandra Neramani

===Non-human mutants===
Humans are not the only species to have mutant subspecies.

====Extraterrestrial mutants====

* [[Ariel (comics)|Ariel]]
* [[Broo (comics)|Broo]]
* [[Cerise (comics)|Cerise]]
* [[Deathbird]]
* [[Longshot (Marvel Comics)|Longshot]]
* [[Thanos]]
* [[Ultra Girl]]
* [[Warlock (New Mutants)|Warlock]]

====Non-human Earth mutants====
* [[List of Marvel Comics characters: C#Crosta|Crosta]]
* [[Devil Dinosaur]]
* Don the Lobster
* [[Moon-Boy]]
* Val-Or

Mutant animals have been shown, including cats, primates, bees, as well as alternate universes with humans descended from other species such as dinosaurs and insects. 
Robots such as Wild Sentinels and Sentinel 2 have been stated to have mutations.

==Mutants as metaphor==
{{Main|X-Men#Reflecting social issues}}
As a fictional [[oppression|oppressed]] [[minority group|minority]], mutants are often used as extended [[metaphor]]s for real-world people and situations. In 1982, ''X-Men'' writer [[Chris Claremont]] said, "[mutants] are hated, feared and despised collectively by humanity for no other reason than that they are mutants. So what we have here, intended or not, is a book that is about racism, bigotry and prejudice."{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}}

[[Danny Fingeroth]] writes extensively in his book ''Superman on the Couch'' about the appeal of mutants and their meaning to society:

{{blockquote|The most popular pop culture franchises are those that make the viewer/reader feel special and unique, while simultaneously making him or her feel he or she is part of a mass of people experiencing and enjoying the same phenomenon. The plight of the mutants is universally compelling. Many people feel a need for a surrogate family, one composed of those the world has abused and persecuted in the same way they have been their whole life. This is especially true in adolescents, which may in part explain some of the draw of mutants.<ref>[[Danny Fingeroth|Fingeroth, Danny]]. ''Superman On The Couch: What Superheroes Really Tell Us About Ourselves and Society'', Continuum, 2004. {{ISBN|0-8264-1540-7}}</ref>}}
An obvious parallel between homosexuality and mutation is drawn in the feature film ''[[X2 (film)|X2]]'', where [[Iceman (Marvel Comics)|Iceman]]'s mother asks, "Have you tried ''not'' being a mutant?"  This question (or various forms thereof) is common among parents who find out their children are [[gay]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Mantle |first1=Martin |title='Have You Tried Not Being a Mutant?': Genetic Mutation and the Acquisition of Extra-ordinary Ability |journal=M/C Journal |date=2007 |volume=10 |issue=5 |doi=10.5204/mcj.2712|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=The X-Men "Come out:" Being a "Mutant" in films can be seen as a metaphor for homosexuality  |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/x-men-come-out-wbna12956661}}</ref> In the 2011 film ''[[X-Men: First Class]]'', Hank McCoy (later known as [[Beast (X-Men)|Beast]]), upon being outed to a colleague as a mutant, responds, "[[Don't ask, don't tell|You didn't ask, so I didn't tell.]]"

In his article ''Super Heroes, a Modern Mythology'', Richard Reynolds writes:

{{blockquote|Much of the appeal and draw of the mutants that comprise the [[X-Men]] has to do with feeling like an outcast while simultaneously feeling like part of a family. Mutants are ostracized because they are different but they bound together because of their differences. They may be forced together to a certain extent like 'real' families but they are also a team. They differ from other teams such as the [[Justice League]], which is like a meritocracy; only the best of the best join that team. In contrast, the X-Men is composed of outcasts. They train and nurture one another and are united by common goals and beliefs. ...the whole theme of the X-Men — the isolation of mutants and their alienation from 'normal' society — may be read as a parable of the alienation of any minority... of a minority grouping determined to force its own place within society.{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}}}}

==Other versions==
===Earth X===
Within the ''[[Earth X]]'' universe, the powers of the vast majority of Marvel's human superheroes were revealed to have been the result of genetic manipulation by the [[Celestials]] millions of years in the past.

===Ultimate Marvel===
In the [[Ultimate Marvel]] universe within the pages of the ''[[Ultimate Origins]]'' #1, it is revealed that super-powered "mutants" were artificially created via [[genetic modification]] by the [[Weapon X]] program in a laboratory in [[Alberta]], [[Canada]] in October 1943. The project was an attempt to produce a [[supersoldier]], inspired by the existence of [[Captain America]]. [[Ultimate Wolverine|James Howlett]] was the first individual to be so modified. At some later point, possibly during a confrontation between Magneto and his parents, the mutant trigger was released into the environment worldwide, leading to the appearance of mutants in the general population. Following the events of the ''[[Ultimatum (Ultimate Marvel)|Ultimatum]]'' storyline, information concerning the origins of mutancy was made public and steps were taken in the US to make being a mutant illegal. While the move apparently has majority support among the non-mutant population, a vocal minority has voiced concern that it will lead to witch-hunts and genocide.<ref>''Ultimate Origins'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>

==In other media==
===''X-Men'' film series===
{{Main|X-Men (film series)|X-Men in other media}}
Mutants appear throughout the [[20th Century Fox]] ''[[X-Men (film series)|X-Men]]'' film series and animated media and games based on ''X-Men'', most of which closely adhere to the comic book explanations of mutant origins as humans born with a genetic difference that gives them special powers, the fact of which engenders discrimination from other humans due to the pitfalls of [[human nature]]. One liberty the films often take with ''X-Men'' characters is to simplify non-mutant characters in the X-Men franchise into mutants for simplicity's sake, as was the case with [[Deadpool (comics)|Deadpool]] and [[Juggernaut (character)|Juggernaut]] in the film series.

===Marvel Cinematic Universe===
Following [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]]'s [[Acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney|acquisition of 21st Century Fox]] in 2019, the film rights to the X-Men and other mutant characters reverted to [[Marvel Studios]]. When asked if his use of the term "mutants" meant the film would be avoiding the term "X-Men", Marvel Studios president [[Kevin Feige]] clarified that he was using the two terms interchangeably. He added that Marvel Studios' approach to the characters would be different to Fox's franchise.<ref name="XMenFeigeIGN">{{Cite web |last=Yehl |first=Joshua |date=July 21, 2019 |title=Marvel's Kevin Feige Says MCU X-Men Will Be 'Quite Different' Than Fox Movies - Comic Con 2019 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/07/21/kevin-feige-x-men-comic-con-2019-different-than-fox-movies |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721073319/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/07/21/kevin-feige-x-men-comic-con-2019-different-than-fox-movies |archive-date=July 21, 2019 |access-date=July 21, 2019 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Since 2022, members of the mutant race have appeared in various media set within the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] (MCU) media franchise:

* Mutants are first implicitly introduced through a variant of [[Charles Xavier (film character)|Charles Xavier]] from the alternate universe Earth-838 in the film ''[[Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness]]'' (2022). [[Patrick Stewart]] reprises the role from Fox's ''X-Men'' film series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garbutt |first=Emily |date=May 5, 2022 |title=The Illuminati members in Doctor Strange 2, listed and explained |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/illuminati-doctor-strange-2-list/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505133231/https://www.gamesradar.com/illuminati-doctor-strange-2-list/ |archive-date=May 5, 2022 |access-date=May 5, 2022 |website=[[Total Film]] |publisher=[[GamesRadar+]]}}</ref> 
* The first mutant belonging to the main reality of the MCU is [[Kamala Khan (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Kamala Khan / Ms. Marvel]] (portrayed by [[Iman Vellani]]), which is stated in [[No Normal|the final episode]] of the television series ''[[Ms. Marvel (miniseries)|Ms. Marvel]]'' (2022). This differs from the comics where she is originally an [[Inhumans|Inhuman]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kleinman |first=Jake |date=July 13, 2022 |title=Ms. Marvel Ending Explained: Is Kamala Khan a [Spoilers]? |url=https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/ms-marvel-ending-explained-kamala-khan-mutant-x-men |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713170914/https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/ms-marvel-ending-explained-kamala-khan-mutant-x-men |archive-date=July 13, 2022 |access-date=July 13, 2022 |website=[[Inverse (website)|Inverse]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brail |first=Nathaniel |date=July 14, 2022 |title=Ms. Marvel Star Breaks Silence Since Mutant Reveal |url=https://comicbook.com/marvel/news/ms-marvel-star-breaks-silence-since-mutant-reveal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715023304/https://comicbook.com/marvel/news/ms-marvel-star-breaks-silence-since-mutant-reveal/ |archive-date=July 15, 2022 |access-date=July 15, 2022 |website=[[ComicBook.com]]}}</ref> A musical excerpt of the ''[[X-Men: The Animated Series]]'' (1992–1997) theme is featured in both ''Ms. Marvel'' and ''Multiverse of Madness''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Francisco |first=Eric |date=July 13, 2022 |title=Ms. Marvel Credits Confirm That Huge X-Men Twist |url=https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/ms-marvel-credits-xmen-97-song-theme-easter-egg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714152633/https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/ms-marvel-credits-xmen-97-song-theme-easter-egg |archive-date=July 14, 2022 |access-date=July 14, 2022 |website=[[Inverse (website)|Inverse]]}}</ref> 
* The television series ''[[She-Hulk: Attorney at Law]]'' (2022) features numerous implicit references and allusions to mutants from throughout Marvel Comics. A website article insinuating [[Wolverine (character)|James "Logan" Howlett / Wolverine]] being active in the MCU is an [[Easter egg (media)|easter egg]] in the episode "[[Superhuman Law]]", where he is indirectly described in an online news article regarding a man who "fights with metal claws" during a bar brawl.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patches |first=Matt |date=2022-08-25 |title=She-Hulk's Wolverine Easter egg has Marvel teasing the X-Men yet again |url=https://www.polygon.com/23321500/she-hulk-wolverine-easter-egg-x-men-marvel |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dinsdale |first=Ryan |date=2022-08-25 |title=She-Hulk Just Teased a Major Marvel Character's MCU Entrance |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/she-hulk-teased-major-marvel-characters-mcu |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-25 |title=She-Hulk Explained: Attorney at Law's Place in MCU Timeline Revealed |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/tv/features/1236444-she-hulk-mcu-timeline |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=ComingSoon.net}}</ref> Additionally the series features supporting appearances from [[Mr. Immortal|David Hollis / Mr. Immortal]] ([[David Pasquesi]]) and [[El Aguila|Alejandro Montoya / El Águila]] (Joseph Castillo-Midyett), both of whom identify as mutants in the comics.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-23 |title=Who is Mr. Immortal? The latest She-Hulk guest star explained |url=https://www.thepopverse.com/marvel-disney-plus-she-hulk-mr-immortal-explainer-guide |access-date=2023-01-27 |website=Popverse |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Marnell |first=Blair |date=2022-09-28 |title=Jen Meets Man-Bull and El Aguila In She-Hulk Episode 7 Preview Clip |url=https://www.superherohype.com/tv/519868-jen-meets-man-bull-and-el-aguila-in-she-hulk-episode-7-preview-clip |access-date=2023-01-27 |website=Comic Book Movies and Superhero Movie News - SuperHeroHype |language=en-US}}</ref> The main-on-end credits of the episode "[[Mean, Green, and Straight Poured into These Jeans]]" depicts a visual of [[Augustus Pugliese]] displaying his sneaker collection to his colleague [[Nikki Ramos]], with some designs derived from the appearances of Wolverine, [[Namor (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Namor]], [[Cyclops (Marvel Comics)|Cyclops]], [[Gambit (Marvel Comics)|Gambit]] and [[Cable (character)|Cable]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Melendez |first=Marcos |date=2022-09-15 |title=She-Hulk's Sneaker Collection Includes Easter Eggs For X-Men, Fantastic Four, Deadpool & More |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/1009939/she-hulks-sneaker-collection-includes-easter-eggs-for-x-men-fantastic-four-deadpool-more/ |access-date=2023-01-27 |website=/Film |language=en-US}}</ref> The series' finale "[[Whose Show Is This?]]", which depicts protagonist [[Jennifer Walters (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Jennifer Walters]] [[breaking the fourth wall]] by travelling to [[Marvel Studios]] to have the episode altered, features a conversation between herself and "[[K.E.V.I.N.]]", a fictionalized algorithm based on company president and producer [[Kevin Feige]]. Walters asks K.E.V.I.N. when the [[X-Men]] themselves would debut in the MCU, to which it declines to answer.<ref>{{Cite web |title=She-Hulk ending explained: Every reference from Daredevil to X-Men |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/she-hulk-ending-explained/ |access-date=2023-01-27 |website=Radio Times |language=en}}</ref>
* In ''[[Black Panther: Wakanda Forever]]'' (2022), [[Namor (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Namor]] (portrayed by [[Tenoch Huerta Mejía]]) retains his comics background as a mutant. In the film, his mother ingested a vibranium laced plant while pregnant, giving him abilities that his people who consumed it did not due to his mutation, including pointed ears, winged ankles, the ability to breathe air and water, extended longevity,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vito Oddo |first=Marco |date=November 10, 2022 |title=Is Namor a Mutant in 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'? |url=https://collider.com/is-namor-a-mutant-black-panther-wakanda-forever/|access-date=November 12, 2022 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]}}</ref> and his trademark ability to fly, which he calls ''sky-swimming''. For his abilities, his subjects, called ''Talokanil'', worship him as not merely a king, but rather an incarnation of a god.
* Kamala Khan returns in ''[[The Marvels]]'' (2023). In the mid-credits scene, a version of [[Beast (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Hank McCoy / Beast]] meets [[Monica Rambeau (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Monica Rambeau]] after she enters a portal into a parallel universe. [[Kelsey Grammer]] reprises the role from Fox's ''X-Men'' films.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Goodman |first=William |date=November 8, 2023 |title=The 'Marvels' Post-Credits Scene Spins the MCU in a Whole New Direction. Let's Start Freaking Out Right Now |url=https://www.gq.com/story/the-marvels-post-credits-scene-spins-the-mcu-in-a-whole-new-direction-lets-start-freaking-out-right-now |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108200413/https://www.gq.com/story/the-marvels-post-credits-scene-spins-the-mcu-in-a-whole-new-direction-lets-start-freaking-out-right-now |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2023 |magazine=[[GQ]]}}</ref>
* ''[[Deadpool & Wolverine]]'' (2024) integrated Fox's ''X-Men'' film series' iterations of [[Wade Wilson (film character)|Wade Wilson / Deadpool]] and [[Logan (film character)|Wolverine]] into the continuity of the MCU, reprised by [[Ryan Reynolds]] and [[Hugh Jackman]] respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Donnelly |first1=Matt |date=2019-12-27 |title=Ryan Reynolds Says 'Deadpool 3' Is in the Works at Marvel |url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/deadpool-3-confimed-ryan-reynolds-1203452448/ |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Moreau |first1=Jordan |date=2022-09-27 |title=Hugh Jackman Is Back as Wolverine in 'Deadpool 3' With Ryan Reynolds, Coming in 2024 |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/deadpool-3-hugh-jackman-wolverine-1235385694/ |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> Other mutants featured in the film include [[Cassandra Nova]] ([[Emma Corrin]]), [[Pyro (Marvel Comics)|Pyro]] ([[Aaron Stanford]]),  [[X-23]] ([[Dafne Keen]]), [[Gambit (Marvel Comics)|Gambit]] ([[Channing Tatum]]), [[Sabretooth (character)#Film|Sabretooth]] ([[Tyler Mane]]), as well as the characters [[Azazel (Marvel Comics)#In other media|Azazel]], [[Juggernaut (character)#Film|Juggernaut]], [[Lady Deathstrike#Film|Lady Deathstrike]], [[Betsy Braddock in other media#Film|Psylocke]], [[Toad (Marvel Comics)#Film|Toad]] and [[Blob (Marvel Comics)#Film|Blob]].
*''[[Avengers: Doomsday]]'' (2026) will feature mutants that have appeared in both the MCU and the Fox ''X-Men'' film series.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Couch |first1=Aaron |last2=Kit |first2=Borys |date=March 26, 2025 |title=Marvel Unveils 'Avengers: Doomsday' Cast with MCU Mainstays and 'X-Men', 'Fantastic Four' Stars |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/avengers-doomsday-cast-announced-1236172556/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250326205542/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/avengers-doomsday-cast-announced-1236172556/ |archive-date=March 26, 2025 |access-date=March 26, 2025 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref>
* A new ''X-Men'' film produced by Marvel Studios was reported by ''[[Deadline Hollywood]]'' to be in development in September 2023 following the conclusion of the [[2023 Writers Guild of America strike]], with executive meetings being internally held at the studio to take pitches from various writers before a selection is made sometime in early 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=2023-09-29 |title=Marvel Studios Execs Eye Meetings Soon To Hear Writers' Pitches For Coveted 'X-Men' Job – The Dish |url=https://deadline.com/2023/09/x-men-movie-writer-pitches-next-marvel-development-1235558844/ |access-date=2023-09-29 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of Marvel Comics characters]]
* [[Mutants in fiction]]
* [[Metahuman]]
* [[Superhuman]]
* [[Superpower (ability)]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{X-Men}}
{{X-Men characters}}
{{Ultimate X-Men}}
{{Jack Kirby}}
{{Stan Lee}}

[[Category:Fictional species and races]]
[[Category:Superhero fiction themes]]
[[Category:X-Men]]