X-Men writer says Jean Greys Dark Phoenix storyline is up for grabs

With the climactic events of X-Men: Days Of Future Past having nudged the original trilogy out of canon, future storylines following X-Men: Apocalypse no longer have to worry about adhering to the continuity of those movies. While the first two flicks are celebrated entries, the third is considered a misfire that utterly botched the chance to do The Dark Phoenix saga justice. When asked about its possible revival, here's what writer-producer Simon Kinberg had to say:

"Sure. I think everything that hasn’t been told from First Class and Days of Future Past is up for grabs going forward. So, it would absolutely be a story that we could tell in a different way."

As for director Bryan Singer, when asked if he'd be interested in finally bringing forward a solid depiction of the beloved Phoenix saga, he remained cautious. "You never know, but as far as the idea of that brewing within her, I could, without giving anything away, say absolutely, you may find a piece of that in this film."

The young Jean Grey is played by Sophie Turner in Apocalypse, taking over the role from Famke Janssen who tackled the part in the first three movies. Turner's version is a teenager when we meet her, leaving plenty of room for her development into the Dark Phoenix. And while the next main X-Men movie has yet to be announced, based on Singer's above comments it's not out of the question. "We definitely explore how powerful she is in this movie," Kinberg teases, "and that can be something that is empowering and something that is dangerous."

Directed by Bryan Singer and starring Oscar Isaac, James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, Sophie Turner, and Olivia Munn, X-Men: Apocalypse opens on May 19 in the UK, and May 26 in the US.

Images: Fox