'X-Men 7' release date, plot rumors: next installment to pick up Dark Phoenix story arc again?

An image of Jean Grey after her Phoenix persona manifested itself.Marvel

Last week, rumors of 20th Century Fox rebooting the "X-Men" franchise started spreading. The studio hasn't confirmed if the rumors are true; however, it does make sense since Hugh Jackman will be popping Wolverine's claws for the last time in "Logan." The studio is also trying to get Jennifer Lawrence, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Nicholas Hoult to come back. The question is will they do it?

This week, a new rumor has risen like a phoenix. LRM reported that their sources told them the studio is planning to revisit the Dark Phoenix storyline for the next "X-Men" film. This time, it will allegedly be the main focus. Well, Jean Grey (Sophie Turner) managed to use the Phoenix force in "X-Men: Apocalypse," so this storyline progression makes sense.

In an interview with Fandango back in May, director Bryan Singer mentioned that the next film might take place in outer space while saying it would take place in the '90s. He could be thinking about the Dark Phoenix storyline since it is set in space. Of course, Singer is stepping down, so a new director has to take over the project. Sources say producer Simon Kinberg is developing the script for the next "X-Men" film with Lawrence, McAvoy and Fassbender's characters having vital roles even though their contracts have expired.

If the Dark Phoenix saga is going to be the focus of the next film, can they do it right this time? "X-Men: The Last Stand" already featured a glimpse of the story by turning Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) into the Dark Phoenix, but it did not really follow the source material.

Meanwhile, Fox has yet to reveal the plot for the next "X-Men" film, and until they make a confirmation, all reports concerning the plot are rumors at best, so readers are advised to take everything with a grain of salt.