With a “business-friendly” administration and a President who adores Rupert Murdoch, the government isn’t going to stand in the way of the upcoming Disney-Fox merger. However, 20th Century Fox has to act prudently and carry on with business as usual. That means continuing to crank out a bunch of superhero properties even if those franchises may get upended or rebooted once the characters land in the hands of Marvel Studios.
THRreports that the studio isn’t slowing down on its superhero properties. There’s the untitledKitty Pryde movieTim Milleris set to direct withBrian Michael Bendiswriting the script; there’s the previously reportedDoctor DoommoviefromLegionshowrunnerNoah Hawley; and THR adds that acclaimed comic book writerBrian K. Vaughan(Y: The Last Man) is working on a script for aSilver Surfermovie. Additionally, a search is underway for a newGambitdirector with a new script expected by March, andNew Mutantswill take on reshoots this summer that will add a new character, but the film is still slated for June 14, 2025.
Then there’sX-Force, which could be huge for Fox.Drew Goddardis still on board to direct, and THR reports thatDeadpool 2starsRyan ReynoldsandJosh Brolinare expected to star in the picture, which is aiming to start filming in October. Additionally, the studio is planning three X-Men movies for 2019 and another three X-Men movies for 2020.
Even if the Fox-Marvel deal is approved this year, it makes sense for Fox to proceed with these movies sinceKevin Feigehas his own plans for the time being. I have little doubt that he’ll want to eventually integrate the X-Men into the MCU, but for the time being, and given the production schedules for blockbuster films, it makes sense for Fox to proceed as they would even if the merger wasn’t happening. That may mean thatDoctor DoomandSilver Surfermovies may not see the light of day, but it’s a smart move to at least have them in the scripting stage.
