The Marvel Cinematic Universe has existed since Iron Man first hit cinemas in 2008. Since then, we've seen the formation of Earth's mightiest heroes, The Avengers. In subsequent phases, we've been slowly introduced to new characters and factions, such as magic users, foreign leaders, and the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

But one legendary team has been noticeably absent from the MCU, with the mutant team, the X-Men, instead existing in their own separate cinematic universe, having been owned by Fox. After Disney obtained multiple properties from 20th Century Fox's buyout, fans have been speculating when the mutants will finally have their introduction, with some nods already being made to their inclusion. Here we are going to reflect on why the MCU actually received a chance to thrive because they couldn't use the mutants right away.

Phase One's Focus on the Avengers

In the original take of the famous post-credits scene featured in Iron Man, Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury cited the appearances of mutants and even referenced Spider-Man in his speech to Tony Stark. This was ultimately removed as Marvel didn't own the film rights to the X-Men or Spider-Man at the time. But this leads one to believe there were initial plans to include both properties as early as Phase One in the MCU.

While many may look back and think of how amazing this would have been, it must be remembered that a cinematic universe wasn't a proven concept at the time. The MCU was able to build a strong foundation because it had to focus on key characters for the Avengers. It was entirely possible the concept could have backfired, and The Avengers (2012) may have been as far as the team went. But because of the sharp focus on characters such as Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, and Thor Odinson, the MCU had a solid foundation to expand further as we begin to explore the farther reaches of the universe.

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The Inhumans Experiment

While Marvel didn't have the film rights to the X-Men, the company proved they were capable of experimenting and pushing lesser-known teams to the forefront. This would begin in the comics, after Marvel had another shift in continuity, when the Inhumans became a much more active team, with representation on the Avengers. Meanwhile, the X-Men were primarily forced into hiding, with the Inhumans' terrigen mists proving deadly to them.

While the Inhumans weren't treated to a film, they were heavily exposed to the television audience, with an entire season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. being dedicated to their origin and the introduction of Quake. The Inhumans would also get a short-lived series following the royal family, which was met with a harsh response from both critics and the public. While the experiment can't be called a complete failure, the rewriting of Kamala Khan's origins in Ms. Marvel may be an indicator that the MCU is ready to move on from this faction.

The Guardian's Rise

One experiment that paid dividends in full and then some was the experiment with Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). This property was largely unheard of heading into its premiere. Almost 10 years later, everyone is enamored with the likes of Peter Quill, Drax, Gamora, Rocket, and the large tree-like creature that can seemingly only say, "I am Groot."

After the success of the film, Marvel found their way to explore the cosmic side of the MCU, as well as introduce even more characters that aren't as well known, such as Mantis, Yondu Udonta, and Adam Warlock. This team may have never been considered if Marvel had access to the X-Men, a team that has also adventured into space, fighting enemies like the Skrulls and Galactus and adventuring with Cyclops' father, Corsair.

Related: Deadpool 3: Which X-Men Are Most Likely to Appear

The Anticipation

Probably the most tremendous boon that the MCU has gained from having to wait to introduce the mutants is the fact that audiences everywhere are eager with anticipation. With three whole phases concluding with Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), the audience was prepared for the mutants to be revealed as early as Wandavision.

This would be teased with the inclusion of Evan Peters as Quicksilver, though it would be revealed that this was merely a red herring. But the nods to the legacy of the mutants would come with Patrick Stewart reprising his role as Professor Charles Xavier in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022). And the next generation of mutants has already begun, with Ms. Marvel ending with the revelation that Kamala's powers stem from a genetic mutation in her DNA. This scene was made more compelling with a score reminiscent of the animated X-Men's theme song. With Marvel set to continue the animated series, and rumors circulating that Deadpool 3 may find a way to connect the merc with a mouth to the MCU, the future looks bright for mutants as we near the end of Phase 4 and start to begin phase 5.