Polaris Has Already Made Her Live-Action Debut (But It's Not In The MCU)

Avengers: Doomsday (2026) has quickly become a hub for rumors regarding who could and could not be in the massive Marvel Cinematic Universe film that hits theaters on December 18, 2026. One of the rumors was that Polaris could be in the movie since the X-Men would also be appearing.

If true, this would be the first exposure to the powerful character for mainstream audiences. But for those who are seasoned in the world of X-Men, they never forgot her most crucial live-action appearance in the Fox series, The Gifted (2017). Not only was she the most powerful character on the show, but she also delivered a definitive portrayal that would be hard to follow up.

Polaris Was ’The Gifted’s Most Important Character

The late 2010s were a formative time for X-Men in live-action as the franchise leaned more into its comic roots to compete with the colorful MCU. But even with its potential, shows like The Gifted never got flashy suits to complement the powers. Instead, The Gifted was a series set after the fall of the X-Men, with an underground band of mutants fighting against humans who still fear them.

Polaris was one of the leaders of the Mutant Underground, aiding the Strucker Siblings and their family while wrestling with her incredible power and birthright. As her father was Magneto and a founder of the Hellfire Club (Inner Circle), she had status in the Mutant community as well as his powers.

The Gifted had Polaris shine most when it came to X-Men media. It explored her status as a hero, her struggles with breaking bad to protect those she loved, and also being a new mother in a world that made it impossible for her to raise her child. Polaris was as complex as she was powerful, and Emma Dumont portrayed the character with ease. She was easily the best part of The Gifted, and it was a shame she didn’t return once the series ended.

Polaris Will Return With an Iconic Team in ‘X-Men ‘97‘ Season 2

While she only appeared in live-action one time, Polaris is finally getting her time to shine in Season 2 of X-Men ‘97, which premieres on July 1, 2026, on Disney+. She initially appeared in X-Men: The Animated Series (1992) as part of the X-Force, but the role was small compared to other characters.

Now, she and the X-Force will return with a more prominent purpose as the government’s main mutant team, designed to build a bridge between humans and mutants. Unfortunately, the team is seen as and acts more like a sellout to mutantkind than an ally. Polaris is an integral part of this team, and her purpose on the show will grow as the season progresses.

Considering she is the third child of Magneto after Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver, Polaris never gets her time to stand out, but X-Men ‘97 is finally changing that as she interacts with more characters and also displays her strength on a massive scale.

Could Polaris Actually Appear in ‘Avengers: Doomsday‘?

One of the prominent rumors about Polaris’ potential debut in Avengers: Doomsday was that she would be played by Neve Campbell (Scream, 1996). However, it was later revealed that the actress was playing Polaris as a voice actress for X-Men ‘97 Season 2.

Now, the jury is still out on whether the Mistress of Magnetism will make her big-screen debut and in what capacity. If she does, it will also be a question of whether a new face would play her or if Emma Dumont would reprise her role from The Gifted. 

With so many characters in the X-Men franchise already confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, it’s a full roster that also leaves room to grow. Polaris is a character that would fit in nicely since we know the Scarlet Witch’s father wasn’t Magneto in the MCU. With Ian McKellen reprising his role as the reformed villain, it would be nice to see at least one child fight alongside him. But until it’s revealed what’s really happening in the film, you can still see a version of Polaris in action on Disney+, where The Gifted is streaming.