A new villain rises, and a 20-year saga is coming to a close on June 7, 2019, with the release of DARK PHOENIX, the latest, and perhaps last, of 21st Century Fox’s X-Men franchise. And, at last weekend’s WonderCon, the director and stars of the film gathered to tease what to expect before the mutant team of outcast heroes are revamped following Disney’s acquisition of the studio.
First-time director Simon Kinberg views the movie as a closing chapter, and is encouraged to tap into the promotional machine of Disney. Kinberg views DARK PHOENIX as an attempt to do the iconic comic book arc justice following the events of 2006’s X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, which he co-wrote. Meanwhile, actress Sophie Turner, who plays Jean Grey, said the film is a culmination of her character’s story, but also said the it leaves the door open for additional stories down the road. For his part, Nightcrawler actor Kodi Smit-McPhee said his teleporting mutant will head down his own dark path following his naïve beginning. Finally, Alexandra Shipp, who plays Storm, took the opportunity to campaign for a solo movie about the weather-controlling Ororo Munroe.