The X-Men cinematic universe continues to mutate! Deadline reports that The Fault In Our Stars director Josh Boone is on board to write and direct The New Mutants for Fox. Dubbed a ‘standalone spinoff’ the movie will be an adaptation of the Marvel comic book series, which follows a splintered storyline about a fresh batch of mutants.
Boone is on track to co-write the feature with Knate Gwaltney. Lauren Shuler Donner is producing alongside long-time Marvel creative Simon Kinberg who reflected on Boone’s appointment: “We’re so excited to explore this new part of the X-Men universe, and so excited to do it with Josh, who is uniquely suited to tell this story about young characters.”
The New Mutants sprung up in 1982 before bursting onto the page in their own dedicated comic in 1983. The series ran until 1991 and is credited with introducing a number of popular characters, including the Merc With A Mouth - Deadpool - in issue #98.
The film joins a series of projects currently in the works under Fox’s banner of Marvel titles. Currently shooting in Canada, Bryan Singer’s X-Men: Apocalypse and Tim Miller’s Deadpool are both due to hit screens in 2016, after which Hugh Jackman will claw up for his final turn as Wolverine in the mutton-chopped mutant’s third solo pic. And let’s not forget Channing Tatum’s Gambit spinoff that’s also in development.
Based on Boone’s forthcoming schedule, it’s safe to assume we may not see The New Mutants for a few years. He’s currently attached to direct the Anne Rice Vampire Chronicles reboot and two Stephen King adaptations; The Stand and Lisey’s Story. Still, we might get a nod to the movie in next February’s Deadpool...
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