Let’s dreamcast the X-Men before they appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 19: Henry Cavill attends “The Witcher”: A Netflix Original Series Panel during 2019 Comic-Con International at San Diego Convention Center on July 19, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)

1. Henry Cavill as Cyclops

Ever since the X-Men’s first comic appearance, Cyclops has been the heart and soul of the group. He’s often the one who encourages the team toward the moral high-ground, leading them through the thick of battle in as steadfast and honorable a way as he can. With his powerful optic blasts, he also stands as one of the strongest mutants around. He’s also Charles Xavier’s protégé, and the closest thing the X-Men have to a stand-up, straight-edged hero in their ranks.

The danger with Cyclops is that it can be really easy for him to become a boring character unless he’s handled well….not unlike a certain Man of Steel. And since Henry Cavill has already demonstrated that he can play a straightforward hero like Superman remarkably well, he’d make a pretty great pick for Cyclops. Cavill is a charismatic actor who excels at playing up small moments and expressions, and Cyclops would be in good hands with him behind the visor.

Moreover, as Geralt of Rivia on The Witcher, Cavill has also shown that he can play a grittier hero…which would lend a lot to Cyclops if Marvel decided to take the character to some of the darker places he’s gone recently in the comic.