MCU May Introduce an ‘X-Men’ Character Stronger Than Scarlet Witch in Phase 4
While Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver do not possess mutant identities in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) — as the X-Men were still under Fox when they first appeared in Age of Ultron — they are widely known as Magneto’s daughter and son.
Fans of the comics can appreciate the MCU’s alterations given legalities but, when push comes to shove, Wanda and Pietro’s powers and origin stories belong to the X-Men. Thus, when it comes to introducing mutants into the MCU, comparisons to Scarlet Witch will be plentiful. Let us not forget, she nearly took down Thanos all by herself! However, is she the most powerful mutant of them all? Is she a match for Jean Grey’s Dark Phoenix? Is she a match for Magik or Legion? Who in the mutant world can give Scarlet Witch a run for her money?
Recent insider reports suggest that an X-Men character may be introduced in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. And, while reports concerning this character’s powers and the extent of this mutant’s strength remain widely inconclusive, Marvel Studios has an opportunity to introduce a mutant more capable than Wanda Maximoff, daughter of Magneto.
Psylocke may be coming to the MCU
According to We Got This Covered (WGTC), Shang-Chi may introduce the first X-Men character to join the MCU’s superhero soiree. WGTC reported — relying on the same sources who knew Deadpool 3 was in active development way before the announcement — that X-men character Psylocke, also known as Besty Braddock, will feature in Shang-Chi.
WGTC notes that the movie is will introduce Simu Liu as the title character — and master martial artist — who will participate in a tournament against many worthy adversaries, making way for Psylocke.
If Psylocke appears in Shang-Chi, she may be the first former Fox character to receive MCU treatment. Though previously portrayed by Olivia Munn, a new actress — presumably with a small cameo in the upcoming movie — will likely take on the character; Marvel Studios’ recent casting rumors suggest that the actors who portrayed the mutants under Fox’s ownership will be dished aside. However, who is Psylocke, and is she more powerful than Scarlet Witch?
All you need to know about Psylocke
Many Marvel enthusiasts consider Psylocke to be an “Omega-level mutant;” however, many also disagree with the notion. As for the term itself, the title was once reserved for characters who were the strongest in their particular category or mutant capability; however, it has expanded to include any and all mutants who are cool or really strong, as BoundingIntoComics explains. Such discrepancies make determining Psylocke’s actual strength quite difficult.
Psylocke is one of the most experienced telepaths among the X-Men, and she has received several power upgrades across time. Starting out with precognitive abilities, she has grown capable of manipulating people’s minds and projecting powerful psychic blasts — sounds like a bit of Jean Grey and Professor X in one. When she shifted into the body of Ninja warrior Kwannon, she gained some intense combat skills to boot.
Psylocke’s backstory is complicated and her abilities fluctuate between nearly god-like and sub-par, as ScreenRant notes. Thus, Marvel has an opportunity here — the studio can choose to make her powerful beyond belief or relegate her to average mutant level. Based on comic book history, she has the potential to be more powerful than Wanda, depending on the depiction Marvel Studios chooses.
