Latest ‘New Mutants’ Cut Reportedly Has No Ties To Fox’s ‘X-Men’ Movies

Deadpool Colossus Josh Boone Charlie Heaton The New Mutants X-Men Fox Disney Charlie Heaton Josh Boone

With a new age of X-Men movies dawning in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the long-delayed release of The New Mutants seems like the odd name out – so it’s fitting that the movie may not even be considered part of the now-concluded Fox universe.

Disney is committed to release The New Mutants in some fashion, given that they are obligated to finish and release every movie that Fox was working on that was already in production, with the final X-Men spin-off being one of those movies. That being said, it’s expected that the long-dormant spin-off, which completed principal photography all the way back in September 2017, could go through some changes before the final edit is submitted.

In an exclusive from FandomWire, it’s suggested that Disney is taking a more hands-on approach with The New Mutants, and one of the changes that they’re reportedly committing to is excising any references to Fox’s X-Men continuity. Whether this is because they believe that the new film could serve as a jumping-on point for mutant characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or they just want the film to stand on its own before Kevin Feige proceeds with his own plan for the X-Men franchise and its many, many spin-offs, is unclear at this time.

In any case, it seems like mutants are a relatively unknown phenomenon in the context of The New Mutants as opposed to being ubiquitous, as they are in the other movies that Fox produced. They’re so unknown in this story that one of the characters doesn’t know what being a mutant even is. In addition, it’s suggested that scenes involving a post-credits set-up for Mister Sinister as a future antagonist were cut entirely.

Such changes, while unexpectedly hands-on for a company that has not made changes to the in-production and post-production movies from Fox slate that they have inherited, is not without precedent. Prior to release, Dark Phoenix was sold by Disney and Fox as the final film in that series before Kevin Feige would go on to casually confirm a reboot at the 2019 San Diego Comic Con. So The New Mutants being a standalone is consistent with Fox’s statement that Dark Phoenix was the end. It also works with Disney’s perspective, considering that Dark Phoenix was a costly flop at the box office (losing upwards of $120 million), it wouldn’t be surprising to hear that Disney would have a more hands-on approach with The New Mutants.

While Disney were reportedly unimpressed with an earlier cut of the X-Men film, FandomWire adds that a newer cut of the film (said to be more in-line with director Josh Boone’s vision than the Fox’s) has recently screened and was met with a positive reception. If cutting references to the other Fox X-Men movies and references to sequels that won’t happen makes for a more concise, focused narrative, then that might be the best course of action for The New Mutants.

Based on the Marvel Comics team of the same name, the film centers on five young mutants who are just discovering their abilities while being held in a secret facility against their will. Specifics are being kept under wraps, but the angst-driven adventure of the teen mutants has been said to draw inspiration from New Mutants No. 18. The film has also been rumored to feature the mutants battling against the dangers of their own powers as they try to save themselves.

Directed by Josh Boone from a script co-written by Knate Lee, The New Mutants stars Anya Taylor-Joy as Illyana Rasputin / Magik, Maisie Williams as Rahne Sinclair / Wolfsbane, Charlie Heaton as Sam Guthrie / Cannonball, Henry Zaga as Roberto da Costa / Sunspot, Blu Hunt as Danielle Moonstar / Mirage, and Alice Braga as Cecilia Reyes. Here’s the synopsis:

“Held in a secret facility against their will, five new mutants have to battle the dangers of their powers, as well as the sins of their past. They aren’t out to save the world — they’re just trying to save themselves.”

The New Mutants opens on April 3rd, 2020. Stay tuned for the latest news on The New Mutants and the future of the X-Men franchise!

Source: FandomWire