Decoding the X-Men Movie Timelines: Unraveling the Mutant Universe
Welcome to our weekly column, "Fanon Fixing Canon," where we delve into the world of superhero movie timelines to fix plot holes and storyline inconsistencies. The X-Men franchise has long been known for its convoluted timelines, and with their return in "Avengers: Doomsday," it's time to set things straight. We've identified three distinct timelines within the X-Men universe that intersect and tell slightly different versions of the mutant team's story. Let's explore how it all comes together!
The original X-Men timeline began with Bryan Singer's "X-Men" in 2000, followed by "X2" and "X-Men: The Last Stand." The franchise then delved into prequels with "X-Men: First Class" and "The Wolverine" before culminating in "X-Men: Days of Future Past," which reset the timeline and introduced a new era for the X-Men. The classic team, including Cyclops and Jean Grey, are alive in this new timeline, marking the end of the original film series.
The Reset Timeline, which will feature in "Avengers: Doomsday," picks up after the events of "X-Men: Days of Future Past" and follows a new version of the X-Men. This timeline includes "X-Men: Apocalypse," "Dark Phoenix," and "The New Mutants," as well as the "Deadpool" trilogy. The timeline-hopping nature of Deadpool's movies adds a layer of complexity to the X-Men universe.
"Logan" presents a unique challenge to the X-Men movie timeline, as it closes the book on the mutant team while existing in its own universe. Hugh Jackman clarified that "Logan" is a separate entity from the other X-Men films. However, we can place "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" and "First Class" in the Logan Timeline, which leads to the events of the original X-Men trilogy and ultimately "Logan."
By dissecting the X-Men timelines and identifying key events and connections, we can create a cohesive narrative that makes sense of the franchise's complex history. Each timeline offers a unique perspective on the X-Men's story, adding depth and richness to their cinematic universe. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the X-Men timelines and explore the mutant team's enduring legacy.