It’s funny to think that 2018 was supposed to be the year 20th Century Fox’s Marvel universe was supposed to throw down the gauntlet and show other rival studios they meant business. Feeling confident, last year the studio set three of their Marvel properties for release in 2018 and challenging Marvel Studios who have the same aggressive schedule. But after all is said and done, only “Deadpool 2” will arrive in this calendar year. “X-Men: Dark Phoenix” has been delayed, and to put it mildly, it has not been a good week for their spin-off, would-be franchise, “New Mutants.”
READ MORE: Anya Taylor-Joy Admits ‘The New Mutants’ Delay Is “Frustrating”
Directed by Josh Boone (“The Fault In Our Stars”), “New Mutants” was already delayed once, from April 2018 to Feb 2019, and this week it was pushed back yet again (August 2019). There was already talk of extensive reshoots and inserting a brand new character into the exiting story when a follow-up report appeared this week alleging that nearly 50% of “New Mutants” needed to be reshot. So, the alarm bells have already been rung for the media, but to make matters worse, more details are trickling out. And they’re big spoilers. Or at least, they were.
The Tracking Board reports that not only fan-favorite “X-Men” villain Mr. Sinister was supposed to appear in the movie’s post-credit scene, but that he was played by “Mad Men” star Jon Hamm. The site also reveals a replacement, but not just a new actor, but an entirely new antagonist. Here’s their report.
“Meanwhile, remember the Essex Corporation that was teased at the end of X-Men: Apocalypse? Well not only was New Mutants going to feature that mysterious company, but The Tracking Board has learned that Jon Hamm was originally going to appear as Mr. Sinister in a tag at the end of New Mutants, and Boone filmed material that led up to that reveal, only for Fox to change their minds after shooting had been completed. Now it’ll be Antonio Banderas playing an unspecified villain (one who isn’t expected to be Mr. Sinister) in the New Mutants tag.”
“New Mutants” is obviously a troubled film and clearly some are going to suggest that Boone, not exactly known for superhero tentpole films, might be out of his depth. At the very least, 20th Century Fox is likely extremely displeased with all the “New Mutants” leaks, but not unlike the White House, when something turns out to be a disastrous experience, those working on the films, often dismayed with what’s transpiring, tend to speak out.
The Essex Corporation turned up in “X-Men: Apocalypse”s post-credits scene and the shadowy organization had obtained some of Logan/Wolverine’s blood (which helped create X23 who appeared in “Logan”). In the comics, “New Mutants” are younger than the X-Men, teens not in full in control of their powers hence the need for Professor X’s tutelage (unfortunately or Fox this dynamic has already been broached in “X-Men Apocalypse” where the characters are much younger as it is). The movie version will likely feature the same formula but is said to be more of a YA horror movie.
It’s interesting to see Fox flail around at the same time trying to compete with Marvel or DC for several superhero tentpoles released in one year. The studio still hasn’t figured out their “Gambit” movie and who knows if they ever will, and they’re developing Kitty Pryde and Silver Surfer movies, but one has to wonder aloud if they should focus on getting the hear and now down well before planning their mega universe.
Whatever the case may be, the bad buzz is out. “New Mutants” is going to have to face a difficult narrative on its way to the big screen when it finally arrives in theaters August 2, 2019, following “Deadpool 2” (May 18) and “X-Men: Dark Phoenix” (February 14, 2019).
