Updating a previous report we made, THR is telling us that Jessica Chastain is officially in negotiations with production company 20th Century Fox to star in ‘X-Men: Dark Phoenix,’ as a main character to be newly introduced to the film version of the superhero team series.
Previously we had written about the apparently-well-founded rumor that Fox was eyeing both Angelina Jolie and Chastain as a new addition to the forthcoming X-film, and that Jolie was considered more of a long-shot than an actual consideration. Now it appears that information is fairly concrete.
I had initially speculated – well, “hoped” is the more operative work, in actuality – that the role in question could be 1980s funky X-Man The Dazzler, and one of our astute readers pointed out that the more likely reality is that the character would be Lilandra, who in the comics is the queen of the alien Shi’ar Empire. In the original comic-book story, Lilandra spearheads the cosmic effort to capture and eliminate the Phoenix force, the ancient power that comes to psychically inhabit the body and mind of X-Man Jean Grey.
In related ‘Dark Phoenix’ news, Fox has also officially confirmed that Simon Kinberg will direct the film. Kinberg is no stranger to the X-films, as he has served as the writer of the last three films in the series: ‘X-Men: The Last Stand,’ ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past,’ and ‘X-Men: Apocalypse.’ Kindberg has served as producer of the X-films as well, and he (along with Fox) has managed to already sign a slew of the acting talent to return for this next film. Committed to appear in ‘Dark Phoenix’ are Jennifer Lawrence (Mystique), Michael Fassbender (Magneto), James McAvoy (Professor Xavier), Nicholas Hoult (Beast), Alexandra Shipp (Storm), Sophie Turner (Jean Grey), Tye Sheridan (Cyclops), and Kodi Smit-McPhee (Nightcrawler).
What do you think, readers? Are you excited at the news of Chastain and Kinberg’s involvement in ‘X-Men: Dark Phoenix?’ Let us know in the comments below!
‘X-Men; Dark Phoenix’ will debut in American theaters on November 2, 2018.
Tony Schaab wonders which a courteous zombie would prefer most: if you gave him a hand, played it by ear, got something off your chest, kept your chin up, stuck your neck out, or just gave him something off the top of your head? 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 or follow him on Facebook to hear him spew semi-funny nonsense and get your opportunity to finally put him in his place.
