The X-Men Movie Canon: Do X-Men: 1-3 Fit In?

The X-Men movie franchise is a beloved series that has captivated audiences for decades. Fans often engage in discussions about the continuity of the films, particularly the first three films from X-Men onwards. But when it comes to the film series, a question frequently arises: Do the movies X-Men: 1-3 fit into the new canon? To answer this, we need to delve into the history and current status of the X-Men film series.

20th Century Fox: The Original Home

The X-Men franchise began with the release of X-Men in 2000, which was produced by 20th Century Fox. These initial films established a unique world of mutant superheroes and villains. However, the question of canon extends far beyond the individual films themselves, touching upon the interconnectedness of the entire series and its future direction.

The Turning Point: 20th Century Fox vs Sony

The ownership of the X-Men franchise shifted in 2009 when Sony and Fox reached a deal, giving Sony the rights to the characters after the release of X-Men Origins: Wolverine in 2009. This shift led to the release of Logan in 2017, the last film from Sony. Despite this, there has been a significant narrative gap between the Sony films and the X-Men movies produced by 20th Century Fox.

The New X-Men Canon and Its Implications

The new X-Men canon is often seen in the light of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and its interconnected films. The MCU has effectively integrated the X-Men into its larger narrative, starting with the introduction of Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr from X-Men. However, the true integration of the X-Men film series into the MCU began with Dark Phoenix in 2019 and continued with X-Men: Dark plusieurs in 2022.

Discontinuity and Continuity in the X-Men Movie Canon

When discussing the continuity of the X-Men film series, it is crucial to recognize the discontinuities caused by the shifts in ownership. The first three X-Men films (X-Men, X2: X-Men United, X-Men: The Last Stand) do not fit neatly into the new canon due to the absence of Sony's films and the gap in the MCU narrative. While these films set the stage for the X-Men's world, they do not align with the grand narrative that follows.

Ballot for the New Canon

Given the split ownership and narrative segments, some fans argue that only the 20th Century Fox films should be considered part of the X-Men movie canon. Sony's films, while excellent in their own right, are seen as separate entities within the X-Men franchise. Critics of this view argue that both sets of films contribute to the overall story, making them part of a broader canon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of whether X-Men: 1-3 fit into the new canon is largely contingent on one's interpretation of the X-Men universe. The discontinuities introduced by the ownership changes and narrative shifts mean that these films are not part of the new, overarching canon established by the MCU. However, they remain significant chapters in the X-Men story and are integral to the overall character development and background of the franchise.

Keywords

X-Men Movie Canon, 20th Century Fox, Sony Movie Studios

Resources and Further Reading

For readers interested in learning more about the X-Men film series, the following resources may be useful:

Official X-Men Movies Website Marvel Cinematic Universe Overview X-Men Fan Communities

Visit the Official X-Men Movies Website

Explore the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Join the X-Men Fan Communities on platforms like Reddit or Draw Comics Forums