Logan Director Still Wants His X-23 Movie, Will Disney Do It?

Logandirector James Mangold is still interested in making anX-23movie. The character was introduced in Mangold’s 2017 movie and played by Dafne Keen. In 2017, comic book fans were excited about the idea of anX-23movie possibly hitting theaters. The character was first introduced in the 2003X-Men: Evolutionanimated series. She was later reintroduced and given a backstory in a limited comic run NYX, which had her as an underage prostitute. The story was controversial, to put it lightly.

Since James Mangold introduced Laura, aka X-23 on the big screen inLogan, comic fans were hoping a standalone movie would happen at some point. Mangold even confirmed that anX-23script was being written after Laura appeared in the 2017 movie. However, things have gotten more difficult now that Disney owns Fox. Mangold was recently asked if he’s still interested in making the movie. “Do I have an interest? Yes. Will it happen? At least in the near future, I doubt it,” said the director.

Disneyand Marvel Studios are taking theX-Menfranchise and retooling it for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. So, James Mangold is probably right about his vision for anX-23movie not happening, at least not for now. Dafne Keen could certainly return to the role after she finishes up work on HBO’s expansiveGolden Compassseries, but it looks like Marvel Studios will be going for a whole new set of actors to take on the different roles, which is going to be pretty interesting since we’ve seen a number of people play these characters in recent years.

Thefemale-led comic book moviehas gained a whole lot of momentum over the past few years. DC’sWonder Womanis a prime example, as is this year’sCaptain Marvel. MCU fans also have Scarlett Johansson’s standaloneBlack Widowmovie hitting theaters next year, which has been asked about since 2010. AnX-23movie, especially done with James Mangold’s style, could end up offering something completely different for comic book fans than the rest of these movies haven’t been showing on the big screen, thoughBlack Widowlooks like it might be serving up some grit.

James Mangoldis currently promoting hisFord v Ferrarimovie, which is set to hit theaters on November 15th. The biopic tells the story of American engineers and designers, led by automotive visionary Carroll Shelby and his British driver, Ken Miles, played by Matt Damon and Christian Bale, respectively. The team is given the mission of building the Ford GT40, a new racing car with the potential to possibly defeat the dominant Ferrari racing team at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France. Early reactions to the movie have been extremely positive, so Mangold will have his hands full for the next few months. The interview with Mangold can be seen below, thanks to the Playlist YouTube channel.