X-Men: Dark Phoenixis starting to come together, and it is shaping up to be quite the interesting movie, at least in terms of who is involved. Simon Kinberg, who has been producing and writing theX-Menfranchise movies sinceX-Men: The Last Stand, is now about to take a much larger role in the universe for Fox. The studio, after a few months of rumors suggesting it would be the case, has officially tapped him to directX-Men: Dark Phoenix, which will mark his directorial debut.
The news comes courtesy ofDeadlinewho also have some other major information aboutX-Men 7, which will be looking to bounce back after the mediocreX-Men: Apocalypselast year. Firstly, stars Michael Fassbender (Magneto), James McAvoy (Professor X),Jennifer Lawrence(Mystique), Nicholas Hoult (Beast), Alexandra Shipp (Storm), Sophie Turner (Jean Grey), Tye Sheridan (Cyclops) and Kodi Smit-McPhee (Nightcrawler) are all returning for the sequel.Sophie Turnerwas the only member of the cast who had been previously confirmed.
Perhaps the most juicy bit in this report, outside of Fox trusting a first-time director with one of their most important franchises, is that Jessica Chastain is in talks to play the main villain inX-Men: Dark Phoenix. According to the report, should Chastain wind up locking down the part, she will be playing Shi’ar Empress Lilandra. For those who have read the Phoenix Saga comics know that she is a part of that story, which makes it seem like this will be a much more faithful take on the material, as opposed to what was done inX-Men: The Last Stand. It was recently rumored thatAngelina Jolieis also being eyed for a possible role inX-Men: Dark Phoenixand, given this new information, it seems likely that she is looking at the role of Empress Lilandra as well. Though, it was noted that Jolie’s participation is unlikely.
As far asSimon Kinberggoes, having a first time director on such a project may sound insane and, almost every other time, they would be right. However, Simon Kinberg knows theX-Menuniverse better than almost anyone, save for Bryan Singer. He is an incredibly accomplished writer and hands-on producer, so this shouldn’t make anyone nervous. Seeing thatFantastic Fourcredit to his name may make some nervous, but he completely understands that movie didn’t work and, doesn’t everyone deserve at least one mulligan?
Fox will be releasing three movies in theX-Men universein 2018, marking the first time they will ever be releasing that many movies from the franchise in the same year.X-Men: Dark Phoenixis set to arrive on August 21, 2025, and should be going into production soon. Fox is also droppingNew Mutantson April 13, which is described as a horror movie, as well asDeadpool 2on June 05, 2025. We will be sure to keep you up to date as more details onX-Men: Dark Phoenix, such as casting and production dates, are made available.
