This is a fantastic time for fans of the Marvel Universe, with the smash success of Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk and the upcoming X-Men Origins: Wolverine flick, as well as the barrage of superhero films on the horizon in the great Avengers web. The ball needs to keep rolling, however, and it seems like Marvel could use a hand in picking out a few ideas for the next batch of superhero films.

With that said, here’s Five X-Men: Origins Films They Should Make Next!

APOCALYPSE

First Appearance: X-Factor Vol. 1 #5

Powers: Teleportation, psionic powers, superhuman speed, strength & agility, flight and… oh yeah. He’s immortal.

Apocalypse is an ancient mutant (3000 B.C. qualifies as ancient, right?) megalomaniac, obsessed with putting the Social Darwinist philosophy of survival of the fittest into brutal, dominating action. Age of Apocalypse is a storyline that orginated in 1995, centering on an alternate, futuristic timeline in which Apocalypse has shown himself to be the “fittest” by conquering pretty much the entire world. Anyone up for arguing against that being a hell of an awesome movie concept? Didn’t think so.

Why this movie would kick ass: Aside from his massive popularity and the obviously amazing special effects this film would have to deliver to even have hope of doing the story justice, Apocalypse is regarded as the very first mutant, and that’s a story worth telling.

ARCADE

First Appearance: Super Spider-Man & Captain Britain Issue #248

Powers: He’s one evil, brilliant bastard.

Due to the unique nature of his deathtraps and tactics, Arcade has become one of the most popular villains in the Marvel Comics universe. A master hitman and twisted genius with several possible histories (he enjoys misleading others on that bit), Arcade enjoys the act of killing so much that he built his own underground funhouse of complex, hi-tech deathtraps, usually decked out in bright colors and disguised as an amusement park – a place he fittingly calls Murderworld.

Usually a guest villain spanning only a few issues, this deceptively comical character has fought more superheroes from more franchises than any other Marvel comics villain, except for maybe Dr. Doom. A regular nuisance to the X-Men, Arcade has attempted to kill the likes of Gambit, Colossus, Wolverine, Angel, Iceman, Shadowcat, Angel, Iron-Man… you get the idea. He’s a pretty engaging guy.

Why this movie would kick ass: Marvel could put a seriously dark spin on this one, taking it away from the umbrella of the comic genre entirely. Think The Joker meets Saw. The moviegoing public seems to enjoy twisted torture flicks, and Arcade fits that bill to a “T”.

CYCLOPS

First Appearance: X-Men #1

Powers: High-intensity optic blast

The X-Men films have generally given Scott Summers a bad rap, casting him as the whiny, cuckolded husband to Wolverine’s show-stealing Cassanova act. He’s a far more interesting player in the greater scheme of the Marvel Universe, however, and deserves a closer look.

The leader of the X-Men and father of X-Force leader Cable is a much more troubled and complex figure than the films have indicated thus far, with a family history and storyline that rivals any in Marvel’s vast realm. He’s been reunited with his space-pirate father, fought beside both a son and daughter from alternate futures, been made a widower twice over and found two lost brothers in the process.

Why this movie would kick ass: Cyclops is a fan favorite, and focusing on his dramatic familial background would be a definite pull for female viewers, as well as comic junkies who want to see the deeper cuts on film.

QUICKSILVER

First Appearance: X-Men #4

Powers: Moving and thinking at super-speeds, looking like a badass

My original idea was to go with Magneto, but since they’re actually making a Magneto film (and it was a fairly obvious choice anyway), the next logical step would be his son, Pietro Frank. A Stan Lee creation, Quicksilver is an epic example of the classic villain-goes-good story. Both Pietro and his sister Wanda were members of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. A righteous bastard top to bottom, he’s an impulsive, arrogant showoff – but that’s not to say he’s without morals. Understanding the flaws in his father’s world view, Pietro joined X-Factor for a time, and despite his inability to completely mesh with the X-Men, he’s a much more fascinating character than the Flash, who shares similar powers and has thus far gotten greater mainstream exposure.

Why this movie would kick ass: Imagine the inner conflict of a kid growing up with Magneto for a father! The arrogance and dark origins mixed with his innate drive to use his powers for good could make this a compelling and entertaining story.

CABLE

First Appearance (as Cable): New Mutants #87

Powers: Telekinesis, telepathy, anatomical enhancements

A telepath/telekinetic from birth and raised in an alternate future dominated by Apocalypse, Cable is the son of Scott Summers (Cyclops) and Madelyne Prior (a clone of Jean Grey). Initially billed as a mysterious thug mercenary with a glowing eye, the one-time X-Force leader was revealed to have powers far beyond what was assumed.

A prime example of he demonstrated the ability to simultaneously levitate the floating city of Providence and combat the Silver Surfer. His bionic body parts possess enhanced strength and durability, as well as the ability to interface with machinery – using his powers to hack into computers, open electronic locks, and even time travel.

Why this movie would kick ass: Because I barely scratched the Cable storyline with that description, and every layer that peels away from Cable is more fascinating than the last.

 

This entry was posted on Sunday, April 26th, 2009 at 10:52 am and is filed under Awesome, Work. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.