Jinkx Monsoon Manifests Mystique in Marvel’s X-Men Reboot on Good One Podcast

In a bold and heartfelt move, Jinkx Monsoon—Broadway sensation, two-time RuPaul’s Drag Race winner, and recent Doctor Who star—has publicly set her sights on playing Mystique in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) reboot of X-Men. Monsoon’s vision transcends personal ambition, serving as a rallying cry for increased transgender representation in mainstream superhero franchises .

Speaking on Vulture’s Good One podcast with Jesse David Fox, Monsoon reflected on the power of imagination in entertainment and the evolving landscape for transgender actors in Hollywood. “Can I manifest something?” Monsoon asked before declaring, “Marvel now has regained the rights to the X-Men. I think it would be a really cool idea to have a trans woman be Mystique” .

Monsoon’s connection to Mystique is both personal and symbolic. “She’s my favorite Marvel character of all time, and I relate to her so much. I think a lot of trans people do. Think about how nice it would be: To be able to just blend in and not have everyone pay attention to us if we don’t want” .

Mystique, known for her blue skin and shapeshifting abilities, has long been a complex figure within the X-Men universe. The character’s ability to transform her appearance at will has resonated with many transgender people, symbolizing themes of self-realization, adaptability, and the desire for acceptance in a world that often misunderstands difference .

Monsoon, who publicly identifies as trans-femme and uses she/her pronouns, recently underwent facial feminization surgery and has spoken candidly about her journey and the significance of authentic representation . Her advocacy for Mystique as a trans woman is emblematic of a broader push for visibility and nuanced storytelling for transgender people in popular media.

While superhero films have begun to embrace more diverse casting, transgender representation remains virtually absent from the MCU’s leading roles . The X-Men franchise, now under Marvel Studios’ control following Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019, stands at a crossroads regarding which stories—and whose stories—it will choose to elevate .

Historically, Mystique has been portrayed by cisgender actresses Rebecca Romijn and Jennifer Lawrence. Both brought nuance to the character, but neither interpretation fully engaged with the potential for Mystique’s narrative to intersect with transgender experiences. Monsoon’s proposal offers Marvel a chance to break new ground while honoring the spirit of the character .

Monsoon’s remarks have sparked enthusiastic discussion across LGBTQ+ media, fan communities, and social platforms, with many supporters highlighting the importance of seeing transgender actors in roles that reflect their lived realities . For many viewers, Mystique’s journey of self-definition and struggle for acceptance mirrors the experiences of transgender people seeking belonging and respect.

“Jinkx’s vision for Mystique is not just about casting, but about storytelling that reflects the diversity of the LGBTQ+ experience,” noted one commentator in an online discussion, echoing sentiments shared across various forums .

The entertainment industry has witnessed a surge in calls for more inclusive casting, with advocates urging studios to move beyond tokenism and toward genuine representation. Major studios, including Marvel, have faced increasing scrutiny over the lack of transgender and nonbinary actors in lead roles, as well as the limited scope of LGBTQ+ storylines in blockbuster franchises .

As the MCU prepares for its next phase, Monsoon’s vision for Mystique stands as a powerful invitation to imagine a more inclusive cinematic universe—one where transgender people are not just present but pivotal. The impact of such representation extends beyond the screen, offering hope and validation to countless individuals still fighting for visibility and respect in their own lives .

As Monsoon continues her critically acclaimed run on Broadway’s Oh, Mary!, her advocacy for trans-centered storytelling in Hollywood has already sparked vital conversations about identity, visibility, and the future of LGBTQ+ representation in global media . Whether or not Marvel heeds her call, the ongoing dialogue marks a significant milestone in the ongoing quest for equality and authentic representation for all LGBTQ+ people.