On the outside, the future of the X-Men seems to be up in the air after the last installment, X-Men: Apocalypse. However, while the destiny of Professor X and his school of gifted children may be in limbo, Fox still has a wave of mutant action coming soon to theaters.
In March, the final chapter of the Wolverine saga, Logan, hits theaters. While the sequel to Deadpool is coming together, with a new director and Ryan Reynolds re-energized by the film’s Golden Globe nominations. However, there is one more movie in the pipeline that will be going before cameras this year that is bound to breathe new life into the X-Men brand – The New Mutants.
Director Josh Boone (The Fault in Our Stars) has been entrusted with the responsibility of bringing the next generation of X-Men to the big screen. He will be adapting the comic series that was first created by artist Bob McLeod and legendary writer Chris Claremont in 1982 and is expected to throw on a coat of YA gloss to the project. The New Mutants focused on a new generation of teenage X-Men who train at Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters and are thrust into action when duty calls.
There is an expansive roster of characters in The New Mutants’ history. Even Deadpool made his first appearance in the comic before going on to his own comic book glory. Fortunately, Boone has already revealed the characters that he will focus his movie on. Cannonball, Magik, Mirage, Wolfsbane, Sunspot, and Warlock, will make up the core of the cinematic adaptation of The New Mutants.
There has been a lot of grumblings that several actors have already locked up roles in the upcoming film. However, casting is currently underway as you are reading this and it seems that not much has been finalized at this point.
Danielle Moonstar aka Mirage, has already been cast and is the only cast member to be a lock for the film, which explains her omission from the casting breakdowns below. Unfortunately, we don’t know the actress who was hired to bring the mutant to life. In any case, it will be a treat to see the Native American represented on the big-screen in a new and exciting way.
Thanks to our friends over at , we have some insight into exactly what qualities they are looking for in their casting search.
Male, 17 years old. Tall, corn-fed Kentucky kid.
The casting breakdown for ‘Chris’ is clearly an code name for Sam Guthrie, aka Cannonball. This is the role that The Fault in Our Stars’ Nat Wolff has been rumored to be circling after working with Boone in the aforementioned movie. It makes sense if he will be positioned as the leader of the young team. Cannonball has the ability to project himself like a rocket and becomes an invulnerable weapon of destruction while in flight.
Female, 17 years old. Russian, sexy, with an obvious mean streak.
The casting description for ‘Anna’ is a clever alias for Illyana Rasputin. She is the younger sister of Colossus, who finally got a proper adaptation with his surprise supporting role in last year’s smash-hit Deadpool. As her X-Men name suggests, Magik will serve as the mage of the group and will provide otherworldly action. Anya Taylor-Joy (The Witch) has been connected with the role, however it seems that they are leaving the possibility open for a surprise casting.
Male, 16 years old. Brazilian, cool, confident and extremely handsome.
His code name ‘Rob’ was the least subtle, as the Brazilian could only be Robert de Costa, aka Sunspot. As his name suggests, the mutant has the ability to manipulate solar energy in creative and fiery ways. In 2014. the character made an appearance in the apocalyptic future of X-Men: Days of Future Past. However, we will now get to see the mutant during his formative years.
Female, 16 years old. British, punk rock shorn red hair, waif-like.
The casting for ‘Jessica’ is actually for Rahne Sinclar aka Wolfsbane. In the comics, Sinclar is Scottish, however the fact that she still hails from the UK should be sufficient for the diverse lineup. Game of Thrones’ actress Maise Williams has long been connected with the role and would seem to be a perfect fit as the mutant with the ability to transform into a werewolf.
The production is looking for actors over 18 years of age to play a couple of years younger (think Tom Holland in the Spider-Man franchise). That way they can work longer days and can avoid pesky labor laws. In addition, late last year Taylor-Joy let the beans spill that The New Mutants would feature a returning James McAvoy as Professor X. So, it seems that this young, class of X-Men may have what it takes to reinvigorate the X-Men and set the franchise on a new path. There should be a lot more to come on the project, so make sure to keep checking back for the latest.
There isn’t a confirmed release date for The New Mutants.
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Source: That Hashtag Show