The New Mutants graphic novel cover courtesy Marvel.com
Updated! I promise I had this draft long before I saw this recent story teasing a possible New Mutants movie. Here’s the Collider link so you can read it for yourself. Basically when pressed Fox’s Tom Rothman is smartly coy in his response. You can be the judge.
Original story:
It’s time Fox show some love for the New Mutants era for the sequel to X-Men: First Class. Cannonball aka Sam Guthrie would be a perfect addition to Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters.
The film series has mixed and matches X-Men from various eras. First Class included everyone from original X-Man Beast and Angel Salvadore from the Grant Morrison New X-Men run. Time for the
Jack Quade played the Tribute ironically named Marvel in The Hunger Games and now that I’ve seen more photos of him I keep picturing him as the poor miner kid from Kentucky who blasts his way into the Xavier school.
The New Mutants graphic novel by Chris Claremont would be a great source of inspiration for the sequel script. X-Men books and films have always demonstrated diversity. Having Danielle Moonstar (Mirage) or Xian Coy Manh (Karma) in the next film would continue that tradition. Dani is a Native American had the power to create illusions of her enemies’ fears or wishes and co-lead the team with Sam. Karma is of Vietnamese descent and has the power to possess minds. In recent years Xian or Shan came out as a lesbian.
Sam and his sister Paige (aka Husk) are currently teaching at the Jean Grey School under headmaster Wolverine. Dani and Karma are on a New Mutants team based in San Francisco.
By Editor
This Geek’s Updated Opinion: Of course I’ll go see any X-Men related movie but with the X-Men: First Class franchise firmly set in the past would it make sense to have another X franchise set in the present? No disrespect to the New Mutants fans, creators or characters but I don’t think they can hold up on their own as a film franchise. I would be curious how Fox would pull it off. Professor X founded the New Mutants but Magneto served as their instructor and eventually the Cable turned the team into X-Force. As I stated above I would love to see Sam, Dani or Karma in an X-Men: First Class sequel or rebooted present day X-Men film.
Michael Fassbender in Prometheus courtesy 20th Century Fox
At the Empire Awards Michael Fassbender spoke with Red Carpet News TV about his role in Prometheus. The interviewer asked if the star playing an android saw anything from the previous Alien films on set.
“There are certain elements of the spaceship. There are threads of it there, there’s almost an aftersmell of it in the air, there’s the essence of it there,” Fassbender said.
You can see the interview below including a joke about wearing Magneto’s helmet from X-Men: First Class.
Fassbender is playing an android named David. You can see a “commercial” for his character here. His android voice in the trailer is still chill inducing because you know David has “special” programming from “the company!”
Fans packed Seattle’s University Village for a chance to meet the stars of The Hunger Games who will play Katniss, Peeta and Gale. Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth made young fans erupt into a frenzy like tributes arriving in the Capitol. This was the finale of a mall tour to promote the upcoming adaptation of the first book in the trilogy by Suzanne Collins.
The first 100 fans won the golden ticket. Some families had been waiting more than 24 hours for this opportunity. These most devoted fans came to be face to face with the stars of the book they love and went home with an autographed poster in an exclusive session inside the Microsoft Store. Some girls were overcome and walked away trembling and sobbing uncontrollably into the arms of their smiling parents.
Liam Hemsworth, Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson by Josh Lewis courtesy Seattle Pulp
You could feel the anticipation and excitement as hundreds waited outside for the live Q & A session to begin. Sudden waves of screams and panic erupted with the possibility that the stars could arrive at any moment. When the actors did exit the Microsoft Store and move onto the stage the adoring fans absolutely lost control. Screams were deafening. Declarations of love for Josh or Liam pierced through the madness.
Local girls asked Josh to be their prom date. Jennifer was asked the preference of which co-star is hotter. We learned Jennifer did her own shooting movie. The actress learned archery to display the skills of Katniss in the arena.
The Hunger Games Cast Tour in Seattle
In an earlier interview session I asked the leads did they imagine the insanity of the tour, the passion of the fans and rock star treatment they’re being showered with now. Josh Hutcherson reacted to the screaming and sighing but “just wants to make a great movie and hope they like it.”
The majority of elated fans were on Team Gale or Team Peeta. I asked Jennifer Lawrence about the relationship between Katniss and Cinna, the stylist who becomes her mentor. While filming X-Men: First Class Lawrence (who played Raven/Mystique) became friends with co-star Zoe Kravitz (who played Angel) and developed a friendship with her dad, rock star Lenny Kravitz. She says that helped their on-screen rapport.
Woody Harrelson plays Haymitch Abernathy. The Hunger Games champion of District 12 must train Katniss and Peeta. I asked the young cast about the charismatic actor and his performance. Liam Hemsworth shared that Haymitch was his favorite character.
The screams and shouts of love echoed even as the stars waved goodbye. The young leads thrilled the audience and made teen dreams come true. The Hunger Games opens March 23rd.
Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy from X-Men: First Class courtesy Marvel.com
Michael Fassbender has working a long time to become an overnight sensation. Now Hollywood’s hottest leading man will help aspiring film artists get their shot. The star of X-Men: First Class is teaming up with his Prometheus director Ridley Scott for the Your Film Festival, which allows filmmakers to submit 15-minute works.
Films can be entered from now until March 31st. This summer, 50 submissions will be chosen by Scott’s production company, Scott Free. Films can be any genre or format.Youtube will feature the 50 chosen films. The public will be able to vote for their favorites. The competition be narrowed down to 10. Finalists will be flown to the Venice Film Festival and have their work screened there. Scott and Fassbender will then select the winning film, which will be awarded a $500,000 production grant to collaborate with Scott Free on a new film.
Thanks to the International Business Times for the story. Here’s the star himself explaining how it works and his role:
Michael Fassbender in Prometheus courtesy 20th Century Fox
Michael Fassbender is lined up to reprise his role as Magneto in X-Men: First Class but the rising star is developing his own heroic project. Fassbender will star in a film based on the legendary Celtic warrior Chuchulain according to Variety.
Ronan Bennett (Public Enemies) is working on the script. No director is attached. Chuchulain is a warrior from Irish mythology. You may remember Fassbender at a Spartan in 300. Fassbender appears next in Ridley Scott’s Prometheus.
Following in the path of Rogue, Frenzy is a character searching for redemption. Joanna Cargill debuted as part of Apocalypse’s Alliance of Evil in the original X-Factor then joined Magneto’s Acolytes.
Mike Carey started evolving the ex-villain in Age of X. The heartbroken Frenzy awoke from that alternate world arc learning her passionate romance with Cyclops was lie. Christos Gage now has Joanna flirting with bad boy Gambit in X-Men Legacy. Gage told Comic Book Resources about Frenzy’s motivations and his plans for her.
“I’ve always been a sucker for characters who are seeking redemption, and Frenzy is most definitely one. I think her primary motivation right now is to be a hero, the kind of person she was in the world of “Age of X.” An interesting catch is that in “Age of X” she was protecting and defending mutants, not humans. As a former mutant supremacist, she hasn’t really addressed how she feels about protecting a world that hates and fears her. We’ll be exploring that coming up.
Cyclops and Frenzy share a kiss courtesy Marvel.com
I think that her struggle after discovering her relationship with Cyclops, which meant so much to her in “Age of X,” was an illusion is the very reason she shared a kiss with Gambit. It was implied back in the ’90s that they had met before joining the X-Men, when both were freelance mercenaries and that they were both enemies and lovers. It’s not terribly uncommon for people who are emotionally vulnerable to turn to an old flame for comfort; even if they know there are probably pretty good reasons that old flame is not a current flame. I think she and Gambit are in a similar place emotionally, and it’ll be intriguing to see where it goes, if anywhere.”
For Gage’s entire interview here’s the Comic Book Resources link. I love David Baldeon’s art on X-Men Legacy especially Frenzy.
On a geek personal note:
Nicole Beharie by John Shearer courtesy WireImage.com
I think Frenzy would make a perfect for Magneto’s Brotherhood in the X-Men: First Class sequel. A passionate and strong African-American woman like Joanna would be a great character to explore the turbulent 1960’s and the struggle for racial equality and mutant equality. Frenzy could become Erik’s love interest. Michael Fassbender could reunite with his Shame co-star, the stunning Nicole Beharie. The two had incredible chemistry in that film.
Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy from X-Men: First Class courtesy Marvel.com
I’m thrilled Fox is moving forward with a sequel to X-Men: First Class. Matthew Vaughn is directing. Michael Fassbender and the entire cast are locked in.
I’ve been posting how much I hope we might see Magneto’s fractured family (Polaris, Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver) in the next film. No word on if those characters will appear but Magneto will be the focus of the sequel according to the screenwriter. Simon Kinberg spoke with MTV News about his love of the X-Men and how he will continue exploring Magneto’s evolution.
“That’s what was so cool about the first one and what we want to continue,” Kinberg said of exploring the villain’s tortured origin. “Magneto becomes the villain ultimately of the franchise but he’s a much more complicated character as a young man. He’s someone you sympathize with, you care about you root for even though might not necessarily agree with his methods, you understand his philosophy.”
Fans may be wondering if Magneto will be a total villain or still in between good guy and bad guy roles.
“We’re still figuring that out. I think the truth is ultimately that because Michael is such an interesting actor, he’ll never be full-on anything. He’ll have a villainous side and he’ll have a sympathetic human side you’ll be able to relate but you’ll also be afraid of him. He becomes Magneto, he says ‘Call me Magneto’ at the end of the first movie.”
I would love to see Michael Fassbender play Erik when he was married to Magda and the tragic events surrounding their children. That could be a flashback leading to a present day (as in the 60’s or 70’s since it’s set in the past) reunion with Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver.
Astra is good possibility for due to her love/hate relationship with Magneto. The legendary Alan Davis created this mutant teleporter when he on Uncanny X-Men. Astra was Erik’s first recruit to the Brotherhood. You can read more about Astra in the current Magneto: Not a Hero limited series out now.
The Cast of X-Men: First Class courtesy Marvel.com
X-Men: First Class revealed how Professor X and Magneto became friends then enemies. After seeing the movie some friends want to know how different the film is from the comics. I’ve selected key story points and explained the difference. I’ve provided links to the collections on Amazon if you’re shopping for an X-fan or want to learn more about the comics inspiration for the movie.
Professor X and Magneto’s friendship: Charles and Eric originally met in Israel at a clinic for Holocaust survivors. The two reveal their mutant powers while saving Charles’s girlfriend, Gabrielle Haller, and stopping a Nazi war criminal, Baron Wolfgang von Strucker and his Hydra agent. During the battle Professor X prevents Eric from killing the Baron and they part ways.
Professor X and Mystique: Mystique always has her own agenda and was never a childhood friend of Professor X or Magneto’s lover. Mystique’s real name is Raven Darkholme. Her greatest love is Irene Adler, a mutant code name Destiny, who could see possible futures. Mystique and Azazel are the parents of the X-Man Nightcrawler. Mystique and Wolverine enemy Sabretooth had a child named Graydon Creed. Mystique formed her own Brotherhood of Evil Mutants that appeared in Days of Future Past. Mystique adopted and raised the X-woman, Rogue. Mystique had her own solo series and she reluctantly worked on missions for Professor X.
Professor X and Moira MacTaggert: Moira was not an American CIA agent. Charles met the Scottish science student at Oxford. Moira became a renowned geneticist and gave birth to a mutant child. Kevin MacTaggert grew up to become Proteus, one of the X-men’s greatest enemies. Moira and Banshee eventually became lovers.
Professor X’s paralysis: Professor Xavier was actually crippled by an alien calling itself Lucifer. In the comics Charles would regain his ability to walk, have it taken away then gaining it again.
The original X-Men team in the movie: Beast, Banshee, Havok, Mystique, Angel, and Darwin. The original X-Men in the comics were Cyclops, Beast, Iceman, Angel (Warren Worthington) and Marvel Girl (Jean Grey.)
Lucas Till as Havok in X-Men: First Class courtesy Marvel.com
Havok is the younger brother of Cyclops. Alex would later join the X-Men and lead his own team, X-Factor. Banshee is an Irishman and former criminal who joined the X-men. Angel (Angel Salvadore) was a student at Xavier’s who joined Magneto’s team. She was not a dancer. Darwin is long lost X-Man Professor X believed to have died but survived due to his adaptability mutation.
Beast is Hank McCoy. In the movie, Hank has beastly feet but in the comics his entire physical build was mutated. Hank never fell in love with Mystique. An experiment gone wrong at the Brand Corporation turned Hank into his blue furry self. Beast was a longtime member of The Avengers. Hank’s girlfriends have included television reporter Trish Tilby and secret agent Abigail Brand.
Sebastian Shaw was the Black King of the Hellfire Club’s Inner Circle and not a Nazi war criminal. Shaw did have the power to absorb kinetic energy. Shaw and Emma Frost were lovers.
Emma Frost was the White Queen of the Hellfire Club. Emma is a powerful telepath. who later developed a secondary mutation of being able to turn her body to diamond form. Grant Morrison wanted Emma in his X-Men stories so he developed the secondary mutation concept for Emma since the team already had two telepaths. Frost and Shaw were lovers and ruled the Hellfire Club’s Inner Circle. Emma later reformed, became a co-headmaster of a new mutant school in a book called Generation X. Emma joined the X-Men in E is For Extinction. In Astonishing X-Men by Joss Whedon, Cyclops and Emma declared their love for each other and became co-leaders of the X-Men.
The Hellfire Club was based on a real high society organization of the rich and powerful known for decadent parties and political and economic influence. In the X-Men’s world the Club had a secret Inner Circle of mutants who used their power to build huge financial empires. Sebastian Shaw and Emma Frost ruled it with titles of Black King and White Queen, taken from chess. The Hellfire Club, Shaw and Frost are at their best at being evil in the classic storyline, The Dark Phoenix Saga.
Riptide was a member of the Marauders, a unit of mutant mercenaries. He was not associated with Shaw. Riptide was responsible for multiple killings and the maiming of Nightcrawler in the classic crossover, The Mutant Massacre.
Azazel is the father of the X-Man Nightcrawler. The red skinned killer lived in a dark dimension and fathered several demon looking mutants with teleportation powers. Azazel had his own agenda and never worked for Shaw. Nightcrawler’s origin was revealed in a storyline called The Draco.
If you have any more questions about X-Men: First Class I’d love to hear from you.
