THE NEW MUTANTS has had quite the production journey over the last three years or so. The first trailer was released back in October of 2017 and since then, the film has been hit with multiple delays, mostly caused by the acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Disney. Its April 3rd release date finally seemed like a sure thing but the COVID-19 pandemic became another thorn in its side and the release was delayed yet again. THE NEW MUTANTS is now expected to FINALLY hit screens in August and since director Josh Boone has had a lot of time to think things over, he's hoping he can realize his vision of a full trilogy for the much-delayed film.
While speaking with "SFX Magazine" via "New Mutants Updates", Boone expressed being pleased that he got to make his version of the film and also revealed that he has an arc planned out for NEW MUTANTS followups:
"Ultimately, after all this time, I was able to make MY New Mutants film, and I'm am proud of it. What I'm hoping for now is that it will be successful enough so the studio will allow me to complete a trilogy. I've got all planned out."
Given that Boone has had a lot of time to sit with this project, I'm not surprised that he has mulled over an arc that could span two more films. The big caveat here is whether or not Disney will be interested in moving forward on that, even if THE NEW MUTANTS becomes a surprise hit in August. Marvel Studios is planning on rebooting X-MEN now that they own the rights and it's unknown if THE NEW MUTANTS will be integrated into the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe or not. Boone did reveal some time ago that he cut a post-credits scene for the film because of the Disney/Fox deal so it could be presented in a way that it could be easily worked into the MCU, and not be tied to 20th Century Fox. THE NEW MUTANTS doesn't seem like it's a part of the longterm plan for the MCU but healthy box office wouldn't hurt its chances. The film's strange cinematic journey will end with whether or not moviegoers will flock to the movie theaters in August when the film opens due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It's encouraging that when restaurants and other businesses were allowed to re-open in large scale cities like Los Angeles, the public did make their way out so maybe enough time will have passed for THE NEW MUTANTS to enjoy a solid box office run at the end of the summer.
THE NEW MUTANTS follows five young mutants who are just discovering their abilities while being held at a secret facility against their will. Soon they will be in a fight to escape their past sins as they try to save themselves. The film stars Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, Blu Hunt, Alice Braga, and Henry Zaga.
Do YOU think Josh Boone will get to make his trilogy? THE NEW MUTANTS hits screens on August 28, 2020.