Key Takeaways:
– Kevin Feige credited The Matrix for the X-Men's trademark black leather suits.
– Fans argue that Wesley Snipes' Blade introduced the black leather look before The Matrix.
– The Matrix's global cultural impact and record-breaking box office success surpass Blade's performance.
– Fans differ on their opinion about the black leather suits in X-Men.
Why Did X-Men Adopt the Black Leather Look?
Marvel Studios has always had a knack for tailoring their aesthetics to the contemporary cinematic climate. The original X-Men movie took a cue from The Matrix's sensational impact on cinema and dressed its beloved mutant characters in sleek black leather suits. This decision represented a departure from the colorful comic book aesthetic typically associated with superheroes.
In a recent conversation involving the cast of Deadpool & Wolverine, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige confirmed that The Matrix's influence led to the X-Men's wardrobe transition. He revealed that studio executives, inspired by The Matrix's massive success, decided to dress the characters in black leather.
The Black Leather Controversy amongst Fans
The new costuming direction in the 2000 X-Men film garnered mixed reactions. While some fans appreciated the modern and edgy look, others longed for a return to the original comic book costumes. The adoption of black leather aesthetics was a bold move, meant to replicate the magical success of The Matrix.
The Zing Between The Matrix and Blade
Controversy arose when fans pointed out that Wesley Snipes' Blade had introduced the black leather ensemble two years prior to The Matrix. Even so, Feige credits Keanu Reeves' iconic film series for popularizing the look. While Blade was indeed a trailblazer, The Matrix's success, impact, and influence far outstripped it.
The Matrix's Enigmatic Magic
Debuting in 1999, The Matrix instantly captivated audiences and became a global cultural phenomenon. Aside from racking up $467.2 million at the box office against a budget of $63 million, the franchise also spurred sequels, video games, comics, animations, and recently, a fourth instalment – The Matrix Resurrections.
The film's aesthetics, worn by Keanu Reeves and co-stars Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne Moss, spurred fashion trends and left an indelible mark on pop culture. The X-Men franchise decided to adopt this winning formula to ride the wave of The Matrix's phenomenal influence.
Mixed Fan Reactions
While the decision to introduce black leather suits has sparked continuous debate among fans, all agree that the look is unforgettable. Here are some of their reactions on Twitter:
Eric Pellinen (@EricPellinen) wrote, “Blade did it first, even before The Matrix.” Meanwhile, a fan named @royal_bobby24 stated, “And it was a fucking good idea well played.”
Another fan, @ThorJanisz31197, opined, “Hot take: The black leather was cooler than the original costumes.” @JohnHPiette noted, “Beyond Star Wars, there's no film more influential on 21st-century cinema than The Matrix.”
@Brandon10009985 disagreed, tweeting, “That's a terrible reason to change their iconic clothing!!!”
Closing Notes
For fans longing for old-school comic book costumes, Hugh Jackman is set to return in a comic-accurate Wolverine suit in the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine movie.
And for those who can't get enough of X-Men, they can stream it on Disney+.
