The next X-Men film in the ongoing series, X-Men: Apocalypse, hasn’t even been released yet and the rumor mill is already churning in regards to what the following film project could be. While whatever happens to the mutants in Apocalypse could blow this speculation into smithereens, rumor has it that a future movie could center around Jean Grey’s “Dark Phoenix” arc from the comic books. While some details from the Dark Phoenix part of Jean’s story were incorporated into X-Men: The Last Stand, it’s not a surprise that Bryan Singer and the rest of the team currently shepherding the films from stage to screen might want a re-do on that particular arc. Most people would rather forget Brett Ratner’s contributions to the X-Men series, and if Singer gets to give the Dark Phoenix a second shot then that is even better. For those not familiar with the Dark Phoenix Saga, Comics Alliance has all the details:
The Dark Phoenix Saga, the comic book arc in which Jean Grey is exposed to extraterrestrial radiation that unlocks her full mutant potential and breaks down the psychic barriers created to contain it. Dubbed the Dark Phoenix, this version of Jean is far more powerful and infinitely more dangerous, ultimately forcing her to make a tragic choice.
Simon Kinberg, a producer for the series, gave the money quote to IGN in regards to whether the Dark Phoenix could return to screens in the future. It’s far from a concrete plan to go in this direction with the story, but at least makes it a possibility:
“I think everything that hasn’t been told from First Class and Days of Future Past is up for grabs going forward, so it would absolutely be a story we could tell in a different way.”
Clearly this rumor is barely even a fully formed idea, so there’s a pretty good chance that the series may go in another direction after Apocalypse. Singer himself has said that he would like the chance to use Proteus as a villain on screen. While that doesn’t preclude him from using pieces of the Dark Phoenix saga in the same movie, it does prove that Singer has a lot of varied ideas floating around in his mind as to where the series could go next. If he does decide to go in the Dark Phoenix direction, the timeline reset that occurred in Days of Future Past offers up an opportunity to make it a fresh take. Plus, now that Sophie Turner is part of the franchise as Jean, it could be a really wonderful leading role for her to take on post-Game of Thrones.
Based on how muddled and confusing the series got at the end of the first trilogy, it’s probably better that Singer is stepping away for a few years to direct 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea before returning to pick up the mutant mantle again. A clear mind and solid sense of direction is definitely a must-have before getting back in the directors chair. For now, everyone can stay excited about Apocalypse and speculate on more urgent matters, like whether Jennifer Lawrence will be sticking around the series much longer or not.
(via Comics Alliance)
