As aficionados of Marvel comics know, the sparkle of dull of anticipation is akin to the shimmer of the Surfer’s board as it streaks across the constellations. The recent comments from Kevin Feige, the cinematically-inclined puppeteer pulling the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s strings, only add more octane to this hyper-rocket of anticipation. Feige casually drops a tidbit about Marvel’s telekinetic titans, the X-Men, saying the groundwork for their grand entry into the MCU is already securely laid.Feige’s coy words, reminiscent of a wily chess grandmaster dangling an elusive strategic potion, were “I wouldn’t say when, but we’ve already hinted over the past few years at certain people possessing what will one day be known as the mutant gene. We’ll be very excited when we tap into it.”

Notably, patterns have formed in recent Marvel Studio projections, with characters bearing the distinct scent of mutation. Kamala Khan and Namor, among others, may very well be easter eggs, deliciously hidden for ardent enthusiasts.

Meanwhile, Deadpool and Wolverine, two characters for whom subtlety is a foreign language, are eagerly eyeing the introduction of their spandex-clad antics into the MCU. In this epoch aptly hailed as the Multiverse Saga, the sight of X-Men like Charles Xavier and Wolverine vigorously knocking on the door of the MCU is less a possibility and more an anticipated spectacle.

Of course, in this universe, rumor and speculation are twin stars orbiting every announcement. If the constantly buzzing rumor mill is to be believed, Feige’s lone blockbuster event promises to be particularly monstrous. The event combines the heft of the Marvel universe and the weighty expectation of fans into a bubbling cosmic soup of anticipation.

The slow ballet of satellite-like X-Men swirling around MCU’s increasingly heavy gravity has its motley crew of gravity-defying mutants on everyone’s lips. The animated series ‘X-Men 97’ did quench some thirst, but for diehard fans, the thirst is as everlasting as Wolverine’s regeneration ability.

In an attempt to provide some moisturization to these parched throats, Feige pointed towards the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine feature. His enigmatic reply on The Marvels red carpet about the expected appearance of mutants sprinkled more tantalizing morsels on the growing mound of MCU mysteries. In his distinctly Kremlinologist-appeasing manner, he responded, “I don’t know if it’s delicate, it’s super exciting. The X-Men are as solid and rich a concept and characters that exist. And in live-action, people will see…perhaps, soon.”

So, pull up your X-arms, Marvel fans. The world of comics may be fiction, but the suspense is very real. Stay locked onto Augusttales.com for more polished pearls from the overflowing oyster that is pop culture.

Written by: Patrick Kelley