Could Janelle Monàe Join The MCU’s ‘X-Men’ As Storm?

Marvel fans are highly anticipating a live-action reboot of the X-Men franchise. Some reports suggest that Janelle Monàe could join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, potentially playing Storm. In March 2019, Marvel Studios regained the film rights to X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Deadpool after Disney acquired Fox for $71.3 billion.

These iconic characters are slated to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe. By October 2020, the X-Men and Fantastic Four movies were categorized as "Marvel Legacy films" on Disney+. Excitingly, Patrick Stewart reprised his role as an alternate Professor X in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, while Kelsey Grammer returned as Beast in The Marvels. Deadpool & Wolverine is set to introduce Deadpool and Wolverine, portrayed by Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, in the MCU.

MyTimeToShineHello, known for “news, scoops, and more,” reported that there are on-going discussions for Janelle Monàe to become part of the MCU portraying Storm. Many fans, myself included, are hoping for Halle Barry to return to her iconic role. But some say it’s not going to happen because the MCU has been steering towards a younger cast in its films.

In 2020, the artist threw her hat in the ring to play Storm in X-Men. In an interview with Empire, the singer and actress shared a story about Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o, and Michael B. Jordan stopping by her Atlanta studio while she recorded her 2018 project, Dirty Computer. Panther was filming in Atlanta at the same time, and Monáe was able to meet Ryan Coogler, the film’s director and co-writer. 

When asked if she's ever thought about joining the MCU, Monáe revealed her longtime goal of playing Storm. “I definitely have thrown it out there. One of my dreams has always been to play Storm," she said.

Monàe would be an excellent choice. She has a strong background in acting and music and has won a ton of awards to back her talents. Monáe is known as a very talented artist who's great at singing, writing songs, rapping, and acting. She's been nominated for ten Grammy Awards, won a Screen Actors Guild Award, and even got an Emmy Award for her work in children's and family entertainment.

Under MyTimeToShineHello’s post on X (formerly known as Twitter), several people seemed to be into the thought of the artist playing the iconic Storm. “If she’s Storm I’m gonna LOSE IT,” someone said. Another person said, “Plz give her storm!! Perfect age!” One person said, “She definitely could pull off Storm!!!!”

On the other hand, some people aren’t completely sold on her being a part of the MCU. One person dismissed Monàe and added their suggestion saying, “I want Sydney Sweeney to play Storm.” Another person offered a suggestion for a new character other than Storm for her to portray. “I could see jubilee, but not storm. You need a much better actress for Storm." A handful of people commented on her height. A bit strange seeing that Monàe is 5’1 and Barry is 5’5 according to IMDB. Not sure if that’s a valid argument for why she shouldn’t take on the role, but some people decided to point it out.