TheX-Menmovies repeatedly hinted at and teased comic-accurate costumes, only for them to quickly disappear or be forgotten. From their bold yellow spandex to sleek blue-and-gold uniforms, the X-Men have some of the most iconic looks in comic book history. Fans ofMarvel’s mutants waited for years to see these colorful costumes translated faithfully to the big screen. Yet, across more than a dozenX-Menfilms, they consistently held back.
TheX-Menmoviesare notorious for skirting comic-accurate costumes. This frustrating trend began withX-Men(2000) and spans the entire Fox-era X-Men saga, including the mainline entries, theX-Men:First Classprequels, and the standaloneWolverinefilms. While some outfits got closer to the source material than others, the most memorable moments are those that dangled the possibility of full comic fidelity, only to leave viewers waiting. With theMarvel Cinematic Universe now helming theX-Men, there is hope that this frustrating pattern could be broken.
4The Yellow Spandex Reference in X-Men(2000)
The First X-Men Movie Directly Addressed The Costume Departure
The firstX-Menfilm marked a turning point for superhero movies, but it also set a tone of costume realism that distanced itself from the comics. Ditching the vibrant, individualized looks fans knew, the team was instead suited up in matching black leather. It was a stark departure from the source material, and director Bryan Singer made sure audiences knew it. In one tongue-in-cheek moment, Wolverine quips,“You actually go outside in these things?”to which Cyclops fires back,“What would you prefer, yellow spandex?”
This single line became infamous, both as a nod to the comics and as a symbol of the franchise’s self-conscious approach to superhero aesthetics. Rather than being a playful wink, it effectively dismissed the possibility of comic-accurate suits altogether. For a franchise based on some of Marvel’s most visually striking heroes, it was a clear sign thatFox’sX-Menwere committed to looking as un-superheroic as possible. Ironically, the response from audiences after Hugh Jackman finally donned the yellow suit inDeadpool & Wolverineproves that yes, viewers would have very much preferred yellow spandex.
3Wolverine’s Costume In A Deleted Scene At The End Of The Wolverine
Wolverine’s First Yellow Costume
James Mangold’sThe Wolverine(2013) ended on a somber but hopeful note, as Logan left Japan behind and re-entered the world. However, a deleted scene that never made the theatrical cut offered a thrilling surprise: Yukio presents Wolverine with a box containing a black-and-yellow suit, complete with shoulder pads, gauntlets, and a mask with pointed ears. At the time, it wasthe closest any movie had come to putting Logan in his classic brown or yellow lookfrom the comics.
The moment caused a stir when it was revealed on home media, with many wondering if the next film would finally let Hugh Jackman wear the iconic outfit. Sadly,X-Men: Days of Future Pastpicked up with Logan in a futuristic, black combat suit, and the costume was never referenced again. The deleted scene remains a tantalizing “what if,”offering a glimpse of a Wolverine that might have fully embraced his comic book roots.
2Magneto’s Costume At The End Of X-Men: First Class
Magneto Dons The Purple
X-Men: First Classreimagined the early days of the mutant team, culminating in Erik Lehnsherr’s transformation into Magneto. Thus far, Magneto had worn one of the X-Men’s yellow-and-black tactical suits. However, in the final scene, Michael Fassbenderdons a modified version of the villain’s classic costume, complete with a maroon cape, dark helmet, and hints of purple in his armor. For a brief moment, it seemed like Magneto’s look was evolving toward his bold comic aesthetic.
Unfortunately, future films in the prequel trilogy backed away from this design. InDays of Future Past, Magneto’s costume reverted to a more muted, tactical appearance, losing much of the color and flamboyance. WhileX-Men:ApocalypseandDark Phoenixoffered variations, theynever committed to the vibrant and regal red-and-purple paletteor iconic styling of the comic costume. TheFirst Classfinale remains a moment where the franchise almost embraced Magneto’s classic look, only to quickly course-correct back to grounded realism.
1The X-Men Team’s New Costumes At The End Of X-Men: Apocalypse
At the end ofX-Men: Apocalypse, audiences were finally given a glimpse of comic-inspired costumes that felt like a reward after years of waiting. The team stepped into the Danger Room wearing suitsmore closely aligned with their comic book counterparts– sleeker, more colorful, and individualized. For a moment, it felt like the franchise was finally ready to embrace its roots. Sadly, this riveting tease was completely abandoned byDark Phoenix.
Nightcrawler
Nightcrawler’s new outfit featured red detailing on a dark suit thatclearly nodded to his original costume design fromGiant-Size X-Men#1. While not quite a one-to-one recreation, it was the most accurate look he’d had in the series. With fingerless gloves, high boots, and a visible V-shape chest design, the suit captured Kurt Wagner’s swashbuckling essence. Those who hoped this would become his standard gear in the next movie would be disappointed, asDark Phoenixreverted the whole team to matching blue and yellow outfits.
Cyclops
Cyclops finally got a look that resembled his blue-and-yellow comic uniform, complete with a visor and body armor featuring the “X” chest strap. It marked a major step up from his earlier appearances, which often had him in street clothes or plain black tactical suits. The new design promised a version of Scott Summers more in line with the fearless field leader from the comics, clearly taking inspiration from Cylops’s iconic 90s design. Interestingly, Cyclops’s blue-and-yellow uniform inDark Phoenixwasreminiscent of his costume fromX-Factorcomics, which sported a giant yellow X across a blue jumpsuit.
Storm
Storm’sApocalypseending costume was a striking improvement, drawing influence from her 1980s punk era and classic looks. The silver accents, high boots, and cape attached to the wrist teased her evolution into the commanding leader audiences knew from the comics. Alexandra Shipp looked the part, and for a moment, it seemed like Storm would finally be allowed to shine in both power and presence. However,Dark Phoenixremoved her mohawk and placed her in a matching uniform, with absolutely zero cape.
Jean Grey
Jean Grey’s new uniform incorporated elements of her 1990s-era blue and yellow costume, particularly in the shoulder padding and chest design. It was a welcome shift from her earlier subdued looks and hinted at her transformation into the powerful Phoenix. With red hair and a bolder color scheme, Jean finally resembled her iconic comic counterpart. She looked just likea streamlined version of Jean’s yellow-and-blue costume from the 90sthat was adapted inX-Men: The Animated Series.Yet,Dark Phoenixabandoned this suit entirely, initially sporting the team-wide uniform before donning civilian clothes that gradually turned red.
Quicksilver
Quicksilver’s costume at the end ofX-Men: Apocalypsewas likewise the first time the character’s movie look truly flirted with his comic book roots. While previous appearances had him in casual, era-appropriate outfits decorated silver, his new uniform incorporated a sleek black base with a large silver X, giving him a more official X-Men team aesthetic. Though not a full recreation of his traditional blue and white suit from Marvel Comics, this version finally placed him visually alongside the team,signaling that he was no longer just a loner with a Walkman.
Mystique
Mystique’s post-Apocalypselook stood out with its vibrant blue-and-white color scheme, signaling her role as a field leader rather than a rogue operative. The costume echoed early X-Men designs and offered a version of Mystique not solely defined by her shapeshifting or nudity. Instead, Mystique was dressed in a tactical suit that incorporated a white panel at the front, echoing her classic comic book costume.
Unlike the often-naked Mystique in the movie, in Marvel Comics, Mystique usually wore a long white dress cut into distinctive panels and her subsequent costumes typically boast a similar pattern. Seeing this costume inX-Men: Apocalypsewasa refreshing changeand suggested growth for the character. Unfortunately, like the rest of the team, she was stripped of this individuality inDark Phoenix, cementing theX-Menfranchise’s trend for disappointing costumes.
