A new post from Disney sparks speculation that an X-Men announcement for the Marvel Cinematic Universe is coming next week. Marvel Studios gained access to mutants for the first time in 2019 when Disney acquired 20th Century, reverting the X-Men movie rights back to Marvel. The last three years have been filled with rumors and speculation about how and when the X-Men will join the MCU. So far, Marvel Studios has yet to make any official announcements regarding an MCU X-Men reboot. This included the mutants being noticeably absent from the Multiverse Saga slate unveiling at San Diego Comic-Con 2022.
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Mutants are starting to play a role in the MCU in Phase 4, however. Ms. Marvel's finale included the big twist revealing that Kamala Khan is a mutant. Audiences also were treated to Patrick Stewart's return as Professor X in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The internet was also recently buzzing after She-Hulk: Attorney At Law seemingly confirmed Wolverine exists in the MCU. However, Marvel Studios has only announced plans for one project starring an X-Men character, as Ryan Reynolds will return for Deadpool 3.
Now, Disney has sent Marvel fans into another frenzy of speculation that an X-Men announcement is coming. The official Disney+ Twitter account shared a gif of Wolverine to remind its 4.6 million followers that Disney+ Day is next week on September 8. The choice of Wolverine has caused speculation to begin spreading that an MCU X-Men announcement will happen then or during D23, which runs from September 9-11.
This could end up being another case of Marvel fans setting expectations too high based on a harmless post. The Disney+ social media team clearly chose the Wolverine gif because it has his six claws popping out. The prior day's post includes a character from Monsters, Inc. who even has seven fingers, so using Wolverine's claws continues a similar pattern. Of course, with the overwhelming anticipation for an MCU X-Men movie announcement, there is still a chance that the social media team chose Wolverine on purpose to drum up extra interest in Disney+ Day and D23 2022.
Those wishing for an official MCU X-Men announcement will likely have better luck with D23 than Disney+ Day. However, it would be best for everyone to keep their expectations in check. If any X-Men announcements are coming at D23, the most likely outcome is that a trailer or release date for X-Men '97 will be shared. Marvel has a full slate of projects that they can provide updates on at D23 without touching mutants, including big announcements about Fantastic 4. The MCU X-Men announcements will come eventually, but only time will tell how far away they are.