We’ve known for a while now that both 20th Century Fox and Sony are attempting to emulate the success of Marvel Studios’ THE AVENGERS by expanding their own cinematic superhero universes. Sony’s THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (which is released next week in the UK!) will capitalise on Spidey’s colourful rogue gallery, to pave the way for future VENOM and SINISTER SIX spin-offs. Whereas 20th Century Fox will combine the films of their 14 year-old X-MEN franchise to create a cohesive universe via time travel in next month’s X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST.
As a series that was influential in defining the superhero genre over a decade ago, it is important to remember that the X-MEN franchise has been a huge part of cinema since the beginning of this century. That makes Fox’s X-MEN universe one of the only film series to survive the onslaught of reboots and remakes of recent years, and continue on in (mostly) the same form it began with. As a result I am extremely excited for X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST and I can’t wait to see how Bryan Singer brings the entire franchise full circle, whilst also paving the way for future sequels and spin-offs. In a brand new interview producer Lauren Shuler Donner and writer Simon Kinberg have expressed interest in future X-MEN spin-offs. You can see what Donner had to say below:
“There was a regime [at the studio] that didn’t see the worth in [spin-offs], and the current people who run Fox understand, embrace it, and we’re going to do right by it. I’d like to do Gambit. I’d like to do Deadpool. We’ll see. There’s a lot of really great characters.”
Kinberg, however, gives a slightly different answer and expresses interest in a Mystique spin-off for Jennifer Lawrence:
“I love what Jen Lawrence has done with her, and I feel like because she is in such a crowded ensemble, there’s so much more opportunity if you were to follow her solo.”
Lawrence has certainly proven her box office power with the HUNGER GAMES franchise over the past few years, and the brilliant actress would no doubt deliver an exceptional performance as Mystique in her own film. There is no question that Lawrence could carry her own X-MEN spin-off and with her role being largely expanded in the upcoming X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST, Fox clearly realise the talent and presence of the stunning star.
X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST will hit theatres 22nd May.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
