The New Mutants stands out as one of the least acclaimed superhero films produced by Fox. Despite this, it introduced a character beloved in the comics: Magik. As the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) enjoyed soaring success following Avengers: Endgame, the Fox superhero narratives were waning, particularly after Disney’s acquisition of Fox in 2019. It was amid this transitional phase, where Fox was preparing to bid farewell to the X-Men franchise, that The New Mutants made its release in 2020.
Before this release, Fox had dedicated considerable effort into expanding its X-Men universe, achieving commercial triumph with films like Deadpool and X-Men: Days of Future Past. Initially, The New Mutants was envisioned as a launching pad for a new storyline. Regrettably, its timing relegated it to a legacy film status, much like Aquaman 2, arriving at a point when the franchise was on its last legs.
Magik: A Standout Character in the X-Men Universe
Magik’s Impact in the X-Men Comics
In The New Mutants, the character Illyana Rasputin, portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy, made her cinematic debut. The cast also featured other notable talents including Maisie Williams and Charlie Heaton. Magik, as she is known, possesses an extraordinary range of abilities such as teleportation, time travel, sorcery, and a unique connection to the demonic realms, amplifying her power set.
Regarded as one of Marvel Comics’ most innovative creations, Magik offers an abundance of storytelling potential. Her visually stunning powers, mastery of magic, and layered backstory could have seamlessly integrated her into multiple storylines alongside other iconic mutants. Unfortunately, the execution of her debut in The New Mutants was quite unfortunate, likely diminishing her prospects for reappearing in live-action adaptations anytime soon.
Magik’s Debut: A Missed Opportunity in a Poorly Received Film
The New Mutants: A Project Set for Failure Early On
The New Mutants faced significant obstacles due to its release in an environment where the franchise had lost its momentum. Lacking a dedicated marketing campaign and enthusiasm, the film felt like a mere afterthought in a fading series. The subsequent negative reviews of the film further underscored this lack of excitement, contributing to its overall failure.
The movie’s problematic timeline also played a key role in its disappointing reception. Initially filmed in 2017, its release was delayed three years as plans for reshoots were impeded following Disney’s acquisition of Fox. Ultimately, the film debuted without the necessary enhancements, resulting in a disjointed product that failed to honor the character of Magik with the attention she deserved.
Why Magik Could Have Thrived in Other X-Men Films
Fox’s X-Men Universe: A More Favorable Climate
Magik possesses the versatility to integrate seamlessly into various X-Men narratives. With the series’ reboots bringing in younger characters, she could have enriched team dynamics. Additionally, the popularity of Deadpool demonstrated how multiple characters could coexist, each with a unique arc, making way for Magik’s complex story to enrich the franchise.
Moreover, Anya Taylor-Joy’s casting represented a stellar opportunity that, if executed properly, could have elevated the character’s introduction. Taylor-Joy has emerged as an impressive action star, showcasing her charisma in roles such as Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. Unfortunately, The New Mutants served as one of the least favorable platforms for her to debut the character. Had Magik appeared in any other film prior to The New Mutants, it’s likely her first impression on audiences would have been significantly more positive.