Olivia Munn as Psylocke: A Strong Choice Over January Jones as Emma Frost for MCU

If I had to choose between reprising roles for two beloved X-Men movie actresses, Olivia Munn as Psylocke and January Jones as Emma Frost, my choice would lean heavily towards Olivia Munn. Psylocke is a fan-favorite character with a rich backstory and complex abilities, and Munn's portrayal added depth to the role.

Why Olivia Munn as Psylocke?

Psylocke, portrayed by Olivia Munn, is a character that resonates with fans due to her intricate history and powerful abilities. Her introduction in X-Men: Days of Future Past was a breath of fresh air, offering a fresh perspective and complexity that deviated from other X-Men films.

In contrast, January Jones's performance as Emma Frost in the X-Men movies was more formulaic and less impactful. While Jones did a solid job bringing Emma's icy exterior to life, her presence in the films often left fans unsatisfied and somewhat indifferent to her villainous role.

Two Main Reasons for Preferring Olivia Munn

Reason 1: Personal Preference Against Emma Frost

My personal distaste for Emma Frost is well-documented, and I believe this stems from a broader issue with how Marvel approached the creation of female characters in their films. The villains, particularly Emma Frost, were often portrayed in ways that catered more to a certain demographic rather than subverting tropes or adding meaningful depth.

Character designs and costumes for Emma Frost, while true to the comics, were often seen as cringe-worthy and not well-received by most fans. This is not to say the performances were bad, but the overall package did not align well with the expectations and standards set by Munn's portrayal of Psylocke.

Reason 2: Underserved Potential with Olivia Munn

Olivia Munn genuinely looked forward to playing Psylocke, particularly in a role where she could potentially explore the character's story further. However, the editing and direction of the films sometimes left Psylocke on the sidelines, with her presence more subdued than she could have been.

Had Kinberg and the filmmakers realized the potential in Psylocke's character, it could have led to a more nuanced and engaging villain in the MCU. Psylocke’s martial prowess, telekinetic abilities, and intricate backstory provide ample opportunities for a more substantial storyline, making her a compelling choice for future MCU ventures.

Comparison with Other Villains

Azazel, for example, was a cheap Nightcrawler rip-off, focusing on spectacle rather than substance. This was a missed opportunity to create a more complex and memorable villain. Kevin Bacon's character from the comics was also largely forgotten, suggesting that other villains were underdeveloped and perhaps oversexualized.

Costume and Character Design

When it comes to costuming, even supporting characters like Lady Deathstrike and Callisto received a much-needed makeover, enhancing their visuals and making them more enjoyable to watch. Yet, Psylocke, with her character's key abilities and backstory, deserved special attention and was overlooked in this regard.

Psylocke’s green or gold jumpsuit, especially as seen in X-Men: Days of Future Past, is not just a representation of her telekinetic powers but also a visual medium to showcase her as a formidable and distinct character. Her costume, although derivative from the comics, should have been given the same polish and attention as other iconic X-Men characters.

Conclusion

While January Jones brought an icy, serious demeanor to Emma Frost, Olivia Munn’s portrayal of Psylocke offered a more dynamic and engaging character. Psylocke's rich backstory and complex abilities make her a natural fit for an MCU expansion, providing a compelling and satisfying role for future films.

Olivia Munn deserves the chance to truly shine and explore the full potential of this character. It is time to reassess and properly elevate Psylocke to the level of character she deserves, ensuring her presence in the MCU is both impactful and memorable.