As the latest film in 20th Century Fox’s X-Men series, ‘X-Men: Dark Phoenix,’ gears up for starting its filming and production phases, we are going to start to see details emerge about casting, both on the fronts of returning players and new characters making their debut. We’ve got a bit of intriguing news on the latter front – and a few recognizable X-characters who may just be joining the fight.
Thanks to Omega Underground, we know that at least three young actors & actresses have submitted audition videos for the movie, which is reportedly working under the new codename ‘Teen Spirit’ (updated from the previous pre-production “misdirect” title of ‘X-Men: Supernova). Having seen the tapes (and having posted them online for others to check out as well), OU shares with us that Paul Mescal has auditioned for the role of “Shane,” Rarmian Newton for the role of “Sam,” and Alexa Swinton for “Marie.”
These may very well be codenames, so take this next bit of info with a grain of salt; however, it’s entirely possible that these first names reveal which characters will be joining the X-team in the new film:
- Marie is the actual given first name of Rogue in the comics. If ‘Dark Phoenix’ does take place in the 1990s, as has been reported, this would line up an introduction of a younger Rogue now to coincide with the 16-year-old version we were given in the original ‘X-Men’ film trilogy, as played by Anna Paquin.
- Sam is the actual given first name of the character Cannonball in the comics. In the comics, Cannonball has been around since 1982 and is currently in association with the X-Men. More intriguingly, however: he made his first appearance in ‘The New Mutants’ comic series, and Fox has slated a ‘New Mutants’ film to come out in 2018, within a few months of the release date of ‘X-Men: Phoenix.’ The “shared universe” is definitely the “it thing” to do in films right now, so don’t be surprised if we see these two properties cross over – and Cannonball would make for a very easy bridge.
- Shane is the actual given first name of a character named Shane Shooter in the comics. Shooter is a newer character, but could easily line up with the existing cast as established in ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ and prior, because Shane is best known as a mutant who becomes the boyfriend of Jubilee, a character introduced on-screen in ‘Apocalypse’ and played by Lana Condor. Indeed, Newton’s filmed audition scenes even included one where it was referenced that the “bad guys” have his girlfriend held hostage…
Again, these extrapolations are pure conjecture on my part at this point, but hey, if the shoe fits, why not wear it, am I right? I’m sure we’ll be finding out more and more about the characters and casting of ‘X-Men: Dark Phoenix’ in the weeks to come, so stay tuned for more information as it develops!
‘X-Men: Dark Phoenix’ is currently scheduled to hit American theaters on November 2, 2018; ‘New Mutants’ will be making its US cinematic debut on April 13, 2018.
Tony Schaab loves Star Wars… ♫ something with Staaar Waaars, give me those Staaar Waaars, don’t let them eeeennnddd… ♫ A lover of most things sci-fi and horror, Tony is an author by day and a DJ by night. Come hang out with Tony on Twitter to hear him spew semi-funny nonsense and get your opportunity to finally put him in his place.
