'X-Men' Live Action Series In Development At Fox; Which Characters Are Allowed To Be In It?

Now that 20th Century Fox is finally finding its footing with the “X-Men” movies, the studio is hoping to pivot the franchise over to television with a live action series. However, in order to make this dream a reality, it first needs to clear the idea with Marvel.

The news was revealed during the network’s Television Critics Association (TCA) press tour in which the network outlined some of its bigger plans for the future. During her time, Fox’s co-chairman Dana Walden confirmed that the network will try to capture the success of shows like “Arrow,” “The Flash” and “Daredevil” by bringing a live-action version of the popular comic book to life.

“We’re in negotiations with Marvel,” Walden said (via TV Line). “We’re hopeful that we’ll be able to announce something soon. It’s something we’re definitely pursuing.”

Unfortunately, before the team of super-powered mutants can suit up on the small screen, the network will have to hammer out a few legal details with the X-Men’s creator, Marvel. As many know, Marvel Studios is expanding its own cinematic comic-book universe with “The Avengers” and its subsequent properties (“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “Daredevil,” “Ant-Man,” etc.) Before any deal can be struck to expand Fox’s rights over the “X-Men” franchise, it seems like Marvel needs to agree.

However, as Entertainment Weekly points out, there’s not much that the comic book giant could do to stop Fox. The studio bought the rights to the characters more than a decade ago before launching the first film in 2000. That means that all the characters that have appeared in the films (Wolverine, Cyclops, Deadpool, Charles Xavier, etc.) are fair game for a live-action TV show. However, non-mutant-related comic book characters like Captain America, Iron Man or Thor are completely off limits as they’re still owned by Marvel Studios.

While the character rights are easy enough to understand, many are wondering what Fox’s plans for the series would be. With its movie mythos in constant flux, and already wrought with continuity errors (two Deadpools? When did Wolverine get his claws back?) many are wondering if the TV series would be set in the same universe as the movies. Fortunately, Walden confirmed that the show is aiming for longevity rather than some kind of event-television. As a result, it would seem foolish to tie some of the X-Men’s most iconic characters like Wolverine behind the TV show’s back. After all, Hugh Jackman already confirmed that he’s done playing the character after his next movie – and what would an “X-Men” property be without Wolverine?

What do you hope to see from an “X-Men” live action TV show? Comment below or tweet your thoughts to @TylerMcCarthy.