Should Inde Navarrette’s Rogue Be An X-MEN Hero Or Enemy With A Redemption Arc?

Marvel Studios’ upcoming X-Men reboot gives the studio an opportunity to reintroduce some of Marvel’s most recognizable mutants in completely new ways. One of the most intriguing possibilities involves Inde Navarrette’s Rogue. While Rogue is best known today as a beloved member of the X-Men, her comic-book history began very differently. That raises an interesting question for director Jake Schreier’s film: should Rogue start out as an antagonist before eventually finding her way to the X-Men, or should Marvel introduce her as a hero from the beginning?

There is a strong argument for starting Rogue on the opposite side of the conflict. In the comics, Rogue was initially introduced as a villain associated with Mystique and the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. Her early story was also deeply connected to Carol Danvers, then known as Ms. Marvel. Rogue’s attack on Carol and subsequent absorption of her powers and memories became one of the most important events in her history, setting the stage for the character’s eventual redemption. That history gives Marvel Studios a natural dramatic arc that could potentially be adapted for the MCU.

Making Rogue an antagonist would also give Navarrette more room to develop the character throughout the movie. Rather than beginning the story as a fully established X-Man, Rogue could be someone who is frightened by her abilities, manipulated by others or simply convinced that the X-Men are her enemies. Her power makes that particularly compelling. Rogue’s ability to absorb another person’s powers, memories and emotions through physical contact is not exactly an easy gift to live with. It can make her dangerous while simultaneously making her sympathetic.

That distinction is important. Rogue doesn’t necessarily need to be a traditional villain. In fact, she may be more interesting as a character who spends part of the film opposing the X-Men without being truly evil. Perhaps Mister Sinister or Emma Frost has convinced her that the X-Men cannot be trusted. Perhaps Rogue is struggling to control her powers and believes the only way to survive is to stay away from other people. That would allow her to serve as an antagonist while keeping the door open for a believable redemption.

Her connection to Captain Marvel could potentially make that story even more significant. Rogue and Carol Danvers have one of the more complicated relationships in Marvel Comics, and their history could provide an emotional foundation for Rogue’s introduction. Marvel doesn’t necessarily need to recreate the comics exactly, but the basic idea of Rogue absorbing Carol’s powers and memories could be reimagined for the MCU in a way that establishes just how dangerous Rogue can be while also forcing her to confront the consequences of her abilities.

There are obvious risks, however. Turning Rogue into a full-blown villain could undermine some of the qualities that make her such a beloved character. Her story has always been about learning how to live with a power that makes ordinary human contact incredibly difficult. If the movie spends too much time portraying her as an outright villain, there is a danger that the character’s complexities gets lost.

There is also the practical issue of an already crowded ensemble. A new X-Men movie will have to introduce numerous major characters and establish the team’s dynamic. Giving Rogue a complete villain-to-hero transformation could require a significant amount of screen time. Marvel would have to make sure Rogue’s story enhances the larger movie rather than taking attention away from characters such as Cyclops, Jean Grey, Storm and Professor X.

That is why there is an equally compelling case for making Rogue a hero from the beginning. Marvel doesn’t necessarily need to retell every character’s origin. The studio could introduce Rogue as an existing member of the X-Men and immediately explore the complications of her powers. She could be confident, funny and fiercely loyal while still being terrified of physical contact. In that version of the character, Rogue doesn’t need to fight the X-Men to feel like an outsider. Her powers already give her that conflict.

Still, there is something especially appealing about allowing audiences to watch Rogue earn her place among the X-Men. If Marvel Studios wants its reboot to distinguish itself from previous adaptations, Rogue’s journey from antagonist to ally would be one way to do it. It would also give Navarrette the opportunity to play a character whose loyalties and emotions evolve throughout the story rather than simply arriving as the finished version fans already know.

Ultimately, I think the best approach would be somewhere between the two extremes. Rogue shouldn’t be an uncomplicated villain, but she also doesn’t necessarily need to walk into the movie wearing an X-Men uniform. Let her oppose the team. Let her make mistakes. Let her be manipulated. Let the audience understand why she believes she is doing the right thing. Then give her a meaningful reason to change.

That approach would honor one of the most important parts of Rogue’s comic-book history without simply copying it. Her villainous beginnings aren’t something Marvel needs to hide in order to make her a hero. They could actually be the foundation of her story.