After numerous delays, the final instalment to the X-men movie franchise is finally receiving its moment to shine. Originally intended to be released in 2018, “The New Mutants” was postponed due to various reasons, most recently due to Covid-19.
Fortunately for us, it has been confirmed that the horror flick will hit theatres later this month. Yup, you heard that right, it’s a HORROR movie!! Directed by Josh Boone, the feature film follows five young mutants who are held in a secret facility against their will. In the midst of trying to save themselves, they learn about the extent of their mutant abilities.
Speaking to The A.V. Club, director Josh Boone teased on how the upcoming film will be nothing like we have ever seen before;
“I mean, it’s one of the things that I think makes this really different from other comic book movies; we shot in real locations. It just doesn’t feel like those movies- it feels much more like a location- based, ‘90s horror movie or something.”
While this is very exciting, let’s get to know a bit about our superheroes first, shall we?
1. Maisie Williams as Rahne Sinclair/ Wolfsbane
Famously known as Arya Stark from “Games of Thrones”, Maisie Williams is set to appear as Rahne Sinclair in the upcoming film. Also known as Wolfsbane, the Scottish mutant possesses the ability to transform herself into a wolf and a werewolf. However, Rahne struggles to come in terms with her supernatural abilities and friends due to her religious Christian upbringing.
2. Anya Taylor-Joy as Illyana Rasputin/ Magik
“Burdened by demons not of her own making, she remained an angel at her core.” – Illyana as described by Storm.
The younger sister to Colossus, Illyana Rasputin, is a powerful Russian sorceress. Her supernatural ability to control “stepping discs” allows her to travel through time and space. The “stepping discs” are part of a dimension known as Limbo. More specifically, it’s referred to as “Demonic Limbo”, “Limbo-Belasco” or “Otherplace.”
Her other magical gifts include astral projection, basic spells, and summoning her famous Soulsword. In addition, viewers can look forward to seeing her sidekick, Lockheed, a purple alien dragon on screen.
3. Charlie Heaton as Sam Guthrie/ Cannonball
Next to join the cast is “Stranger Things” star Charlie Heaton. Charlie’s character, Sam Guthrie is an American mutant who can generate a powerful energy field around himself. Thus, allowing him to propel in flight like a human cannonball, and is invulnerable while doing so.
How cool is that?!
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In the comics, Sam’s mutant gifts are first triggered during an incident in a coal mine. As the eldest son of a large family, Sam attempted to help them out financially by working in a local coal mine. His father who had worked there previously soon passed away after inhaling coal dust.
Upon starting on his first day at work, Sam and his colleague find themselves stuck in a cave in. Thankfully for him, his mutant powers unconsciously manifested, resulting in rescuing both him and his colleague.
4. Alice Braga as Dr. Cecilia Reyes
The mentor of the group, Dr. Cecilia Reyes is a medical doctor who specialises in trauma surgery. Her passion for the profession sparked after her father’s tragic passing. Sadly, she was there to witness her father being shot in front of her as a child.
As a mutant herself, she is gifted with the ability to project protective fields around her body. One might think that with that kind of power, she would love nothing more than to be a superhero. Surprisingly, she isn’t interested in becoming one.
In fact, she desires an ordinary life for herself. Unfortunately, due to her circumstances, she was forced to join the X-men.
5. Blu Hunt as Danielle Moonstar/ Mirage
This California native actress got her big break as Inadu/ The Hollow in the CW series “The Originals”. Now, she is taking things up a notch as Danielle Moonstar. A Native American mutant, Danielle is capable of creating illusions of her enemies fears and desires.
Upon joining the institution, she develops a telepathic connection with Rahne which eventually evolves into a love story. To which director Josh Boone describes; “It’s sort of the spine and focus of some of the character-driven stuff in the film.”
6. Henry Zaga as Roberto da Costa/ Sunspot
Some of you may recognise this character from 2014’s “Days of Future Past”. If you recall, he had a minor role in the X-men’s battle against the Sentinels. (It’s okay if you don’t remember!)
This is because this time the character is set to play a bigger part. Portrayed by Henry Zaga, Roberto da Casto aka Sunspot is a Brazilian mutant who manipulates solar power. Like the other members, Roberto’s powers were first manifested during an intense moment.
In fact, Roberto is seen speaking about the experience in the trailer, noting; “My girlfriend… I burned her…” Are you excited for the movie? Catch the trailer here to get a preview of what’s to come!
