Wolverine Game’s Mystique Design Sparks Fan Backlash

Wolverine Game’s Mystique Design Sparks Fan Backlash

The newly revealed trailer for Marvel’s Wolverine gave fans a bloody, mature look at Insomniac’s upcoming PlayStation 5 exclusive, but one reveal is causing more controversy than excitement: Mystique.

Fans Unhappy With Mystique’s Look

After the September State of Play showcase, screenshots and clips of Mystique quickly circulated online — and the reaction hasn’t been kind.

A popular thread on X has been drawing heavy engagement, with fans blasting the design as off-model, overly stylized, and unrecognizable compared to her iconic Marvel Comics look.

Many are calling it one of the weakest parts of the trailer, especially compared to the well-received reveals of Omega Red and the Sentinel.

mystique rebecca jennifer

Hollywood Comparisons and MCU Rumors

The backlash also stems from how Mystique has been portrayed in the past.

On film, the shapeshifter was famously played by Rebecca Romijn in the early X-Men movies and later by Jennifer Lawrence in the prequel series, both actresses often described as bombshells who leaned into the character’s striking, seductive appearance.

hunter schafter mystique fan art

MCU going in different direction?

Now, rumors suggest the MCU could take the character in a different direction.

Euphoria star Hunter Schafer has been floated as a possible casting choice, while Doctor Who actor Jinkx Monsoon has publicly expressed interest, going so far as to say Mystique should be played by a trans actor.

These reports and comments have fueled ongoing debates about how Marvel Studios might handle one of the X-Men’s most famous characters.

Wolverine Video Game Going In New Creative Director: Dumps Creative & Game Directors

DEI Controversy and Jean Grey Leak

Adding fuel to the fire, critics point to Insomniac’s collaboration with Sweet Baby Inc, a consultancy tied to diversity and inclusion efforts in video games. Its involvement has been polarizing, with detractors blaming it for character designs they see as straying too far from the source material.

Leaked designs for Jean Grey have only intensified criticism, with many fans voicing similar concerns about authenticity and style.

jean grey wolverine video game
Wolverine video game leaked Jean Grey character art

Still a Highly Anticipated Release

Despite the controversy, judging from the trailer reaction, Marvel’s Wolverine remains one of the most anticipated PlayStation 5 exclusives.

Insomniac, the studio behind Marvel’s Spider-Man, promises a mature, bloody, and brutal take on Logan when the game arrives in Fall 2026. More footage is expected in Spring 2026. Let’s hope there is an improvement.

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