Will the X-Men Movies Begin Building a Mini-MCU?

In the summer of 2000, 20th Century Fox made a significant move by establishing a shared cinematic universe around the beloved X-Men characters. Fast forward to 2018, a new wave of X-Men films is set to launch, aiming to create a mini-Marvel Cinematic Universe (mini-MCU). Let’s dive into the details and explore what this signifies for the future of X-Men movies.

The Predictions

According to industry insiders and fans alike, the X-Men film franchise is on the cusp of a clarifying renaissance. Starting in 2018, three X-Men movies are set to release, with the fate of the entire franchise riding on their individual successes. Critics predict that the success of these films will mark a pivotal moment for the X-Men as they establish a cohesive, interconnected cinematic universe.

2018 and the Next Phase

2018 will be a landmark year for the X-Men, as three films are scheduled to release:

The New Mutants on April 13, 2018 Deadpool 2 on June 1, 2018 X-Men: Dark Phoenix on November 2, 2018

Similar to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), these films will each focus on different aspects of the X-Men mythos, offering distinct takes on scale, genre, and tone. Let’s examine each film more closely:

The New Mutants

Josh Boone’s The New Mutants represents a departure from the traditional X-Men format. It will blend the X-Men formula with a YA fantasy/teen melodrama, offering a fresh perspective on the universe. This genre mix is particularly relevant given the current cultural landscape, where audiences are seeking more nuanced, relatable content. The film appears to be aimed at a younger demographic, potentially appealing to the nostalgia of those who grew up reading the comics and the pop culture zeitgeist of contemporary youth.

Deadpool 2

Deadpool 2 is a logical follow-up to Deadpool, and it offers Fox a potent opportunity to launch an interconnected universe. With both Cable and Domino already cast, the film is poised to explore new territory while maintaining the high-energy, action-packed style that made Deadpool a global phenomenon. The question remains: how much of the movie will focus on the character's solo adventures versus delving into the X-Force narrative? Tim Miller, the director, had floated the idea of scaling the film to an Avengers-like size, suggesting a potential for a broader, more interconnected storyline.

X-Men: Dark Phoenix

X-Men: Dark Phoenix presents a unique challenge for the X-Men franchise. After the disappointing reception of X-Men: Apocalypse, the success of this film is crucial. The franchise itself seems to be in a state of flux, with fans pushing back against the repetitive narrative of "Jean Grey turns into a cosmos destroyer." However, the film’s emphasis on new characters like Nightcrawler, Cyclops, and Quicksilver offers a glimmer of hope for a fresh start. If done right, Dark Phoenix could set the stage for the development of new teams and storylines.

The Future of the X-Men Cinematic Universe

The overarching question is how interconnected these films will become. Will Fox attempt to build a mini-MCU right away, or will they take a more measured approach, waiting to see how each individual movie performs? The success of Logan and Deadpool has demonstrated the value of building individual franchises before embarking on collaborative projects.

With the release of these films in 2018, 2019, and 2020, Fox may continue to roll out more interconnected entries like Cable Gambit, X-Force, and a potential serialized X-Men entry. The seeds of a mini-MCU are certainly being sown, and it will be fascinating to see how the X-Men franchise evolves in the years to come.

Conclusion

The X-Men film franchise is poised for a renaissance in the coming years, and the success of the 2018 films will be crucial in determining the direction of the franchise. As the X-Men embark on this new chapter, audiences can look forward to a rich and interconnected cinematic universe, wonderfully expanded by the likes of The New Mutants, Deadpool 2, and X-Men: Dark Phoenix.