“The age of Apocalypse is upon us, as X-Men: Apocalypse is taking theaters by (somewhat underwhelming) storm. The ninth X-Men adventure brings to a close the timeline-bending First Class trilogy and sets up the next round of X-films. The final Wolverine flick is next on the docket, with an untitled X-Men film – likely set in space – expected for arrival within the next 2-3 years.
Much like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, though, 20th Century Fox’s Marvel universe is missing a certain feminine aspect. With a Gambit solo film on the docket, and three Wolverine standalones, is the time right for a Mystique feature?
Producer and director Bryan Singer certainly thinks so. In the latest Empire Spoiler podcast, screenwriter/producer Simon Kinberg and Singer, the gurus of FOx’s X-universe, discussed X-Men: Apocalypseand the future of the franchise. Singer further explored the origins of the film and its connection to the comic book world, especially the alternate-reality saga Age of Apocalypse. Singer explained:
“[It’s my] kind of my homage to the Age Of Apocalypse comic – everyone sort of switches roles. Obviously I didn’t tell that full story, but people’s sides are switched, alliances are changed.”
Many X-Men fans probably caught wind of the various film subplots tied into the popular comic book story arc (and other hints). On the other hand, casual moviegoers with only a little experience with the series were likely a bit confused. The renewed timeline set up by X-Men: Days of Future Past allowed Singer and crew to dart between classic X-mythology and tweak the characters and their relationships to one-another. One of the most interesting aspects of Apocalypse, though, was a getting a fresh look at Jennifer Lawrence’s Raven/Mystique…”
iLLUMiNA MAGAZiNE 