Josh Boone, the writer and director of The New Mutants (2020), recently opened up about his experience making the Marvel film, describing it as “so traumatic” and ultimately “unfulfilling.” Fans may be surprised as the director candidly shares his experiences during the troubled production, which lasted several years and encountered numerous setbacks.
Josh Boone Marvel Film: Critical Reception of The New Mutants
The mutant-themed horror movie, produced by 20th Century Fox, faced poor reception. Critics gave it a 36% score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audience scores hovered at 55%. Despite the film’s struggles, Boone praised the cast and their dedication, noting that the actors were passionate about bringing their characters to life.
Production Challenges During Filming
The film faced multiple setbacks that contributed to Boone’s dissatisfaction. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the release schedule and box office, and the sale of 20th Century Fox to Disney during production caused additional delays. Boone shared his experience:
“It’s so hard because it was so traumatic. The studio was sold, and we hit a pandemic… The studio was sold during the shooting, and then the pandemic happened when they decided to release it. And it just was such a — I had a wonderful time. I love the cast so much, but making that… It took so many years, and it was so unfulfilling, ultimately.”
Boone also admitted that he never got to make the movie he truly envisioned:
“We didn’t really get to make the movie we wanted to make. We made half the movie we wanted to make. And the release was so compromised by the pandemic… I’d rather just never do it again, just to be honest.”
Boone’s Vision vs. Reality in The New Mutants
Boone emphasized that despite the difficulties, the experience was a learning opportunity. While he felt the final product did not reflect his original vision, he remains proud of the cast and crew for their dedication and hard work.
The Future of Mutants in the MCU
Although Deadpool, Wolverine, Charles Xavier, and Kamala Khan have already appeared in the MCU, Marvel plans to officially kick off the Mutant Saga after Avengers: Secret Wars. Marvel Studios reportedly plans to reintroduce the X-Men and potentially launch a new New Mutants team.
Reports suggest that a new X-Men film, directed by Jake Schreier (known for Thunderbolts), may precede any New Mutants introduction. This could set the stage for fan-favorite mutants like Magik, Sunspot, Wolfsbane, and Mirage to join the MCU in future phases.
Possible New Mutants Appearances
If a New Mutants movie eventually joins the MCU, Boone has stated he would not return due to his negative experience. Nevertheless, these characters could still appear in ensemble movies or Disney+ series, giving fans hope for their cinematic debut.
Boone’s Perspective on the Marvel Experience
Boone’s comments highlight the challenges directors face when working within large studio frameworks. While the pandemic and studio sale were major setbacks, he also pointed to creative constraints as a source of frustration. His candidness provides a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the complexities of making superhero films, especially for projects outside the main MCU timeline.
Despite its struggles, The New Mutants remains a notable chapter in Marvel’s cinematic history. Boone’s honesty sheds light on the difficulties of bringing comic book stories to life, especially during unprecedented times. As the MCU continues to expand its multiverse and mutant narratives, fans can look forward to new stories while appreciating the trials of past productions.
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