Marvel Studios appears to be laying the groundwork for its X-Men reboot by casting characters central to the acclaimed Astonishing X-Men comic run, suggesting director Jake Schreier could be drawing on that storyline for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Sadie Sink has been introduced as Jean Grey in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Samara Weaving has been cast as Emma Frost, and Kit Connor is reportedly the frontrunner to play Cyclops, echoing the comic's focus on Cyclops and Emma Frost leading the Xavier Institute rather than the Wolverine- or Magneto-centred approach favoured by 20th Century Fox's earlier films.

Astonishing X-Men, written by Joss Whedon and illustrated by John Cassaday, revived the franchise by returning the team to traditional costumes, reintroducing Kitty Pryde and placing Cyclops and Emma Frost at the helm of the school. Its opening arc, "Gifted", explored a mutant "cure" and drew on cosmic elements reminiscent of the Dark Phoenix Saga while retaining the series' core themes of prejudice and difference. By prioritising this ensemble over Fox's usual trio of leads, Marvel appears to be signalling a fresh, distinct take on the mutant team for the big screen.