Is there a main cast member of theX-Menfranchise more underutilized thanJames Marsden’s Cyclops?
Because of his essential nature to the X-Men story, you have to include the character.
Most consider Cyclops (especially at the time) to bea boring, straightman with a singular power.
Custom Image by Jefferson Chacon
He isn’t as violent as Wolverine,nor does he have a mysterious or complicated past.
Contrary to popular belief, Cyclops is often the face of the X-Men, not Wolverine.
Together, Scott and Charles are the heart and soul of the X-Men.
Image via 20th Century Fox
While the 2000 film references this dynamic, it doesn’t spend much time trying to explore it.
To be clear, the fault isn’t with James Marsden here.
Talk about a buzz kill.
No, theX-Menmovies (and especially that original trilogy) never knew what to do with Scott Summers.
Yes, Scott and Logan learn to work together inX-Men.
They did so again to a different extent inX2.
Image via Marvel Entertainment
Scott could have been the one to show Wolverine the full potential of committing to the X-Men.
Likewise, he should have been the one to inspire the younger generation of mutants to greatness.
But instead, he was turned into just another third wheel.
In a world where mutants (evolved super-powered humans) exist and are discriminated against, two groups form for an inevitable clash: the supremacist Brotherhood, and the pacifist X-Men.
Again, this is not the fault of James Marsden.
Cyclops deserves better, and so does Marsden.
Among all of ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’s creative decisions, this one might be the strangest.
His story pushes the show forward, and many of the plotlines are centered around his arc specifically.
Maybe Marvel Studios ought to hire back James Marsden to do the same.
The original X-Men trilogy is available to watch on Disney+ in the U.S.
Watch on Disney+
