'Deadpool 2,' 'Avatar' sequels, new 'X-Men' movies latest news: 20th Century Fox unveils upcoming films' release dates
It looks like 2018 is going to be 20th Century Fox's year as far as releasing movies is concerned. The entertainment company, who owns the rights to the movie adaptations of "X-Men" and "Deadpool," has just announced that both film franchises will each have a sequel next year.
Entertainment Weekly first revealed the release dates of these movies. Two "X-Men" flicks will be released next year. "Dark Phoenix," which is set for release on Nov. 2, 2018, will serve as the continuation of "X-Men Apocalypse." It will focus on Jean Grey's (Sophie Turner) transformation into a darker version of her character after being possessed by the Phoenix Force. It remains to be seen how similar it will be to "X-Men: The Last Stand," the third film from the original movie series, which tackled the same storyline.
"New Mutants," as the title suggests, will feature both new and familiar faces from the "X-Men" universe. In the comics, "New Mutants" was the series that featured the younger students of Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. Rumored characters, as well as the actors who are said to play them, that will be appearing in the film are Storm (Alexander Shipp) and Professor Xavier (James McAvoy) himself. They will be featured alongside new characters Illyana Rasputin/Magik and Wolfsbane. They are rumored to be played by Anya Taylor-Joy and Maisie Williams, respectively. However, this piece of information is not yet confirmed. Its release date is set on April 13, 2018.
"Deadpool 2," meanwhile, is scheduled to drop on June 1, 2018. Joining Ryan Reynolds, who plays the lead role, are Zazie Beetz, who will play as Domino, and Josh Brolin, who will portray Cable. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the latter's contract with the franchise will last for four films. Brolin also portrays Thanos in other Marvel movie adaptations.
Meanwhile, the four sequels of "Avatar," which are also distributed by 20th Century Fox, will be released from 2020 to 2025. The first film will be released on Dec. 18, 2020, while the second will premiere on Dec. 17, 2021. The third will come out three years later on Dec. 20, 2024, and the fourth rolls out on Dec. 19, 2025. Concurrent production of all four films is currently ongoing.
