Deadpool & Wolverine introduced the concept of Omega-level mutants to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, begging the question of what exactly they are. With Deadpool & Wolverine, Marvel Studios is taking steps to further envelop mutants into the MCU. While Ms. Marvel was technically the MCU’s first mutant, the concept of the multiverse has opened the door wider for other heroes with genetic powers to appear in the franchise. By the time of Deadpool & Wolverine’s ending, this was more evident than ever before.
The many Marvel cameos in Deadpool & Wolverine were undoubtedly exciting, from Wesley Snipes’ long-awaited return as Blade to Chris Evans reprising his role as Johnny Storm. That said, neither of these characters are mutants like the titular duo, instead being Deadpool & Wolverine Easter eggs to Marvel’s cinematic past. Where the X-gene is concerned, several cameos and characters identify as mutants in the movie, with one being designated an Omega-level mutant. Deadpool & Wolverine marks the first time an MCU movie has uttered this phrase, leading many to wonder exactly what an Omega-level mutant is.
Omega-Level Mutants Marvel Comics History Explained
Marvel Comics Includes An Illustrious History Concerning Omega-Level Mutants
In Marvel Comics, tiers have often been used to describe the power levels of mutants. The most popular tier system for describing these powers comes from the Greek alphabet. It is worth noting that this tier list is not regularly used on Earth-616 in Marvel Comics, unless in reference to Omega-level mutants. In the world of the Marvel universe, Omega-level is the term used to describe mutants whose powers have no foreseeable limits. With most mutants, the limits of their powers can be defined, yet there are some without this metaphorical ceiling.
There are many characters who are associated with X-Men stories that are classified as Omega-level…
This was most recently outlined in a Marvel Disney+ TV show, X-Men ’97. Following on from X-Men: The Animated Series, X-Men ’97 continued exploring the concept of Omega-level mutants as it began in Marvel Comics. There are many characters who are associated with X-Men stories that are classified as Omega-level, meaning that they are the single most powerful beings in the universe regarding their specific powers and that no other hero, mutant, or human can exceed these powers.
Deadpool & Wolverine Introduces The MCU’s First Omega-Level Mutant
Who Is The First Omega-Level Mutant In The MCU?
In Deapdool & Wolverine, the term Omega-level mutant is officially used for the first time in an MCU movie. None of Deadpool’s MCU or multiverse variants class as Omega-level, nor does Wolverine. Instead, it is Cassandra Nova who stands tall as the MCU’s first Omega-level mutant in a theatrical film. At one point in the movie, Cassandra is referred to within the aforementioned ranking system, aptly summing up the threat she poses not only to the main cast in Deadpool & Wolverine but the entire Marvel multiverse.
In Deadpool & Wolverine, Cassandra Nova is the film’s primary villain. After being sent to The Void by the TVA’s Mr. Paradox, Deadpool and Wolverine attempt to escape the endless wasteland in order to save the former’s universe from destruction. In order to do so, they must combat Cassandra Nova and her army that essentially runs The Void, leading them into conflict with an Omega-level mutant. Cassandra Nova is designated as such due to her interesting familial connections that are taken from Marvel Comics.
In Deadpool & Wolverine and the source material, Cassandra Nova is the evil twin of Charles Xavier/Professor X. As such, she has identical powers to Charles, including his Omega-level telepath abilities. While in Marvel Comics, this does not designate Charles as an Omega-level mutant – as his powers have an upper limit and must be bolstered by Cerebro – it seems as though the MCU is altering this by dubbing Cassandra Nova Omega-level. It seems the telepathic abilities Cassandra – and thus Charles – has are enough to warrant her being Omega-level, as evidenced by her being referred to as such in Deadpool & Wolverine.
What Mutants Could Be Omega-Level In The MCU
Several Major X-Men Characters Have Been Classed As Omega-Level In Marvel Comics
With Cassandra Nova leading the charge as the MCU’s first Omega-level mutant, there are several who could follow in her footsteps. Deadpool & Wolverine is expected to usher in the age of mutants to the MCU, meaning several X-Men characters will likely become major characters going into the list of upcoming Marvel movies. Of the many that will undoubtedly be introduced into the MCU, there are several mutants who are all but guaranteed to be classed as Omega-level.
Perhaps the most prevalent is Magneto, whose mastery of magnetism has been described as having no upper limit in both Marvel Comics and Fox’s X-Men movie timeline. Two of the other more prominent X-Men characters who are Omega-level are Storm and Jean Grey, who will likely be part of the MCU’s X-Men movie going forward. Some of the other more recognizable Omega-level mutants from Marvel Comics that could be part of the MCU’s future include Iceman, Franklin Richards, and Legion.
| Notable Omega-Level Mutants | Omega Power |
|---|---|
| Iceman | Negative Temperature Manipulation |
| Marvel Girl | Telepathy |
| Kid Omega | Telepathy |
| Elixir | Biokinesis |
| Vulcan | Energy Manipulation |
| Powerhouse | Universal Reality Manipulation |
| Mister M | Matter Manipulation |
| Storm | Weather Manipulation |
| Legion | Power Manifestation |
| Hope Summers | Power Manipulation |
| Monarch | Quantum Reality Manipulation |
| Magneto | Magnetism |
| Proteus | Psionic Reality Manipulation |
| Exodus | Telekinesis |
The Significance Of The MCU Having Omega-Level Mutants Explained
The MCU Will Explore A New Level Of Power
For those unfamiliar with Marvel Comics, the question now will be, why is the MCU introducing Omega-level mutants such a big deal? The answer to this will undoubtedly be explored in the franchise going forward, as it was to an extent in Deadpool & Wolverine. Cassandra Nova alone proved the benefit of having Omega-level mutants in the MCU, offering an overwhelmingly powerful villain for the franchise’s heroes to go up against. Cassandra proved formidable, dispatching Deadpool, Wolverine, and their allies with relative ease during the battle in The Void.
Afterward, Cassandra continued to prove how powerful Omega-level mutants could be. The villain almost destroyed the entire Marvel multiverse, establishing the power level on display. Where other Omega-level mutants are concerned, they could change the MCU completely. Not only will they massively impact the MCU’s X-Men movie, but the wider slate of Marvel projects expected to be released in the coming years and beyond.
This was proven in X-Men ’97, which showcased Omega-level mutant abilities unlike any other TV show or movie centered around the team. From the exploits of Jean Grey and Storm to villains like Magneto, the sheer level of awe-inspiring, epic powers on display was amazing to see. This will likely be the same in upcoming Marvel movies that center around Omega-level powers, as the Marvel Cinematic Universe delves into the idea of limitless power, spearheaded by Cassandra Nova in Deadpool & Wolverine.
