Keeping track of the X-Men movie timeline is like trying to solve a mutant-powered puzzle. With prequels, sequels, and time-travel shenanigans, it’s no surprise things get confusing. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Here’s the ultimate guide to the X-Men timeline, from the earliest mutant history to Deadpool & Wolverine and beyond.
The Original X-Men Timeline
Before Days of Future Past rewrote everything, this was the main X-Men timeline.
Key Events:
- 8,000 BC – The world’s first mutant, Apocalypse, rises in Egypt but is betrayed (X-Men: Apocalypse).
- 1832-1845 – James Howlett (Wolverine) is born, discovers his claws (X-Men Origins: Wolverine).
- 1962 – Xavier and Magneto form the first X-Men team, but Magneto turns on him (X-Men: First Class).
- 2000-2006 – The original X-Men trilogy unfolds (X-Men, X2, X-Men: The Last Stand).
- 2013-2023 – The Wolverine and Days of Future Past show a dark future.
The Reset X-Men Timeline (Days of Future Past Changes Everything)
This timeline was created after Wolverine altered history.
Key Events:
- 1962 – First Class events remain the same.
- 1973 – The Sentinels are stopped, rewriting history (Days of Future Past).
- 1983 – Apocalypse awakens but is defeated (X-Men: Apocalypse).
- 1992 – Jean Grey goes full Phoenix (Dark Phoenix).
- 2023 – Xavier’s School thrives in the new timeline.
Logan’s Future (2029) – Is It Canon?
While Logan seems connected, its setting suggests it’s an alternate future.
Key Events:
- 2028 – Xavier’s psychic seizure wipes out the X-Men.
- 2029 – Logan and X-23 take on Transigen in a final battle (Logan).
Deadpool’s Timeline – A Whole Other Mess
Deadpool plays by his own rules, making timeline debates even crazier.
Key Events:
- 2016 – Deadpool gives us the origin of the Merc with a Mouth.
- 2018 – Time-traveling chaos in Deadpool 2.
- 2024 – Deadpool & Wolverine somehow connects to the MCU.
How Deadpool & Wolverine Could Shake Things Up
Marvel is finally bringing the X-Men into the MCU, and Deadpool & Wolverine is leading the charge. What we know so far:
- Deadpool gets recruited by the TVA.
- He finds Wolverine (possibly post-Logan?).
- Multiverse madness ensues.
- Potential for X-Men MCU reboot via variants or timeline resets.
Most Searched X-Men Timeline Questions Answered
Is Logan set in the main timeline?
Logan exists in a possible future of the X-Men timeline but is often considered an alternate reality due to its bleak setting and lack of direct connection to the newer X-Men movies.
Why is Wolverine’s timeline so confusing?
Wolverine appears across both the original and reset timelines due to his extended lifespan and Days of Future Past altering events. His solo films (X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Wolverine, Logan) don’t always line up cleanly with the main X-Men films.
How does Xavier return after The Last Stand?
Professor X transfers his consciousness into a comatose twin brother, which is briefly explained in a post-credits scene in The Last Stand and confirmed in X-Men: Days of Future Past.
Does Deadpool take place in the main X-Men timeline?
Deadpool’s timeline is loosely connected but mostly operates independently. His ability to break the fourth wall and Deadpool 2’s time-travel elements create inconsistencies that are more comedic than canonical.
Biggest X-Men Timeline Plot Holes
Even after all these years, some things just don’t add up:
- How does Xavier return after The Last Stand?
- Why do Cyclops and Angel have different ages in different films?
- Does Logan’s bleak 2029 future still happen?
- Why do certain mutants look different in the altered timeline?
- How does Deadpool & Wolverine fit into everything?
Final Thoughts
The X-Men timeline is a beautiful mess, but that’s what makes it fun. Whether you follow the original movies, the rebooted timeline, or just enjoy Deadpool making fun of it all, one thing’s for sure—mutants are here to stay.
If you’re binge-watching before Deadpool & Wolverine, go release order—it’s the only way the emotional beats land. Chronological order is for masochists.
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