X-MEN Comic Book Writer Chris Claremont Reveals How He'd Rewrite X-MEN: APOCALYPSE And DARK PHOENIX

Legendary X-Men comic book writer Chris Claremont has revealed how he'd have completely rewritten the last two movies, and his take on both X-Men: Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix sounds considerably better...

By JoshWilding - Oct 13, 2021 06:10 AM EST

Filed Under: Dark Phoenix

Source: AIPT

It's probably fair to say most fans are relieved that the rights to the X-Men have returned to Marvel Studios. While Fox delivered some good movies featuring the characters, they never really got mutants, and that was particularly the case with Bryan Singer and Simon Kinberg's vision for the franchise.

X-Men: Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix were total disasters, dropping the ball with beloved storylines and characters who deserved much better on the big screen.

Now, legendary X-Men comic book writer Chris Claremont has weighed in with his thoughts on how he'd redo those movies. Talking at the New York Comic-Con this weekend (via AIPT), he explained that he'd have introduced Sophie Turner as Rachel Summers at the end of X-Men: Days of Future Past when Wolverine is reunited with Cyclops and Jean Grey.

In X-Men: Apocalypse, Jean would be shown having nightmares about the Phoenix after witnessing the future through Logan's mind. However, rather than possessing her, the Phoenix takes Rachel, and in this present day-set adventure, Patrick Stewart's Charles Xavier would use James McAvoy as his "mental image." Professor X was set to once again be defeated by Apocalypse, but En Sabah Nur would have tried to take Jean's body instead of the older leader of the X-Men.

Rachel was going to defeat the villain, unleashing the power of the Phoenix into the cosmos. Like in his run, Claremont felt the alien force should consume a star, setting the stage for the Shi'ar to come to Earth. He described that as "the true Westchester Incident," an apparent reference to what happened prior to Logan.

It's certainly interesting to hear the writer's thoughts, and this does sound quite a bit better than what Singer and Kinberg delivered with their respective X-Men movies.

What do you guys think?

Click on the "Next" button below for 10 key steps to
success for the X-Men in the Marvel Cinematic Universe!

10. Hated And Feared

The X-Men are every bit the heroes the Avengers are, but they shouldn't be perceived that way by the public. Whether it's because they're the next stage in human evolution or because they didn't receive their powers through a scientific experiment gone wrong, mutants need to be hated and feared.

That automatically makes them way more interesting, and there's a lot Marvel Studios can say about racism and bigotry in a movie like this they might otherwise not get the chance to do.

Despite the way they're treated, the X-Men will fight for everyone...even when those people want them dead. That's a strong message to send to moviegoers, and one that's worth tackling in the reboot. The original movies certainly touched on this, but not in a way that was meaningful.

9. Krakoa

It's still early days for the concept of Krakoa in the Marvel Universe, but we've already seen enough of it to safely say it could work really well outside of the comic books.

Think about it for a second; just the idea of mutants living peacefully on an island Charles Xavier has secretly been transporting them to for years would explain why they've been off the radar until now, and we're sure some sort of cataclysmic event could be what brings them out of hiding.

The notion of them being fish out of water is also interesting, while the outside world believing that Professor X has amassed an army of powered beings on a hidden island would explain why they're feared and hated. This is a concept with a lot of potential on the big screen (and a much-needed departure from the mansion in Westchester we've spent so much time in before now).

8. Comic Accurate Costumes

Some of the recent X-Men movies tried to head down this route, but it was either only briefly or in a way that disappointed. Thankfully, Marvel Studios has never shied away from comic-accurate costumes and they've been known, on occasion, to actually improve them (Captain America).

With the X-Men, there are plenty of places to turn for inspiration, but rather than the mutants all wearing the same uniform, we're hoping for a sight not all that different to the one you see above.

Each member of the team has their own distinct personalities and powers, and that can be emphasised through their costumes. It's about time we get to see Wolverine's classic blue and yellow duds, and with Marvel Studios' talented team of concept artists on the jobs, there's no excuse not to deliver.

7. The Original Five (And Maybe A Few More)

Matthew Vaughn's X-Men: First Class was a fun ride, but it failed to deliver what 99% of fans wanted: the original five X-Men! It all started with Cyclops, Jean Grey, Angel, Beast, and Iceman, and putting the focus on them in the reboot seems like the smartest possible move.

Now, we're not saying we can't see other mutants, but going too big, too soon, could be a major mistake.

Throwing the likes of Storm and Wolverine into the mix definitely wouldn't hurt, but for the most part, this first movie should reinvent and reboot these characters in a way that will ensure that they're a big part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for years to come. That's particularly important with Scott Summers, as he's a character who has been overlooked time and time again on screen.

6. Avengers Vs. X-Men

Given how much baggage the X-Men franchise has thanks to Fox's movies, it's not going to be easy convincing the vast majority of casual moviegoers to check out another of the team's adventures regardless of which world it's set in. So, why not kick things off with an Avengers Vs. X-Men film?

Using Krakoa, the team could be quickly introduced, and immediately square off with Earth's Mightiest Heroes (who believe they're a threat before realising they're wrong). With a final act team-up against a bigger threat, this could be exactly what's needed to give the X-Men a makeover.

Alternatively, the Secret Wars movie the Russo Brothers want to make might be a good option. The Multiverse is another possibility, but there's really no need to make this team part of another reality (unless we're getting a Crisis on Infinite Earths-style movie that combines universes).

5. A New Love Interest For Cyclops

At this point, Cyclops and Jean Grey's romance has been done to death both on screen and in the comic books. In recent years, he's seemingly been involved in an open relationship with Jean, Emma Frost, and possibly even Wolverine, but that's not something we expect to see in the MCU.

However, Emma has always been a great fit for Scott Summers, and seeing as she's a character who has been underutilised on screen thus far, the chance is there for a fresh take on the anti-hero.

If Marvel Studios wants to move away from Jean, she could be replaced by Emma, and that would certainly be something fresh. Moving forward, she could become a pivotal part of the team, and there's a lot of potential with Scott and Emma. She's more than just a love interest, though, and is a powerful psychic and powerhouse with the ability to turn her entire body into diamonds.

4. A Rival Brotherhood Of Mutants

The Brotherhood of Evil Mutants never received their due in Fox's movies, and we'd definitely like to see a fresh interpretation on the Brotherhood in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

For starters, they shouldn't be "evil." Instead, we would like them to just serve as an alternative, rival group to the X-Men, not all that dissimilar to how the group was handled in the Ultimate X-Men comic books. A heroic Magneto who descends into being a villain is an exciting prospect, and far more exciting than him immediately being someone Professor X's team is at war with.

Characters could jump between both teams, and the different ideals Charles and Erik have is something Marvel Studios needs to explore in a way that isn't necessarily black and white.

3. Sentinels

We saw a version of the Sentinels in X-Men: Days of Future Past, and they were...okay? The redesign was understandable, but the movie never really took advantage of the premise of these mutant-hunting robots. In the MCU, we want to see them patrolling the skies, and possibly even as big as a skyscraper to really get across how much of a threat they are to the team.

Ultimately, their involvement could lead to Nimrod showing up, and we're sure that could be tied to Ultron somehow. Failing that, there are ways to link up to the Celestials and Deviants that could better explain the place of mutants and these robots (or Marvel Studios can keep things simple and make them a man-made threat enhanced by some familiar MCU technology).

In terms of appearance, minimal changes to the Sentinels should be made, and they're something we're confident Marvel Studios could make work on screen. Whether they're primary or secondary antagonists, there's so much which could and should be done with these massive robots.

2. A Fresh Take On Professor X

Patrick Stewart's take on Professor Charles Xavier is iconic, but the next actor to play him shouldn't emulate what's come before. James McAvoy was also superb, but having to play a younger version of the character obviously meant that one hand was tied behind his back.

This next Professor X should be American, and quite possibly non-white. It also wouldn't hurt to ditch the wheelchair to begin with, and a visual overhaul similar to recent comics makes sense too.

Xavier isn't someone who should be left on the shelf, so doing something new with him is a must, and it would also be great to see him butt heads with Cyclops when it comes to leading the team. The alternative is moving forward minus Charles, but that robs the X-Men franchise of a key player.

1. A Sinister New Threat

Down the line, we definitely want to see Magneto break bad, while there's plenty of opportunity for new takes on the likes of Bolivar Trask, Apocalypse, and Dark Phoenix. In the meantime, we need something different, and a baddie like Mister Sinister definitely fits the bill for us right now.

His obsession with the Summers bloodline could be fun to explore, while recent takes on the villain have made him wonderfully eccentric and camp, automatically resulting in an antagonist we've never really seen in the MCU before now. If he's played by Bryan Cranston, that would be even better.

To kick things off for the X-Men here, we really can't think of a suitably more sinister foe than this, and it's essential Marvel Studios does something new after two decades of Magneto stories.

Simon Kinberg Reflects On How To Properly Tell The DARK PHOENIX Saga For Film Or Television

Recommended For You:

DARK PHOENIX Star Jessica Chastain Hopes To Play A More Established Comic Book Villain Next Time

DISCLAIMER: ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and... [MORE]

ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.

Do you have what it takes to write for us?

Want to contribute?

22 Comments

SummersEssex - 10/13/2021, 7:00 AM

I could fart in a jar and it would be better than what we got from Singer and Kinberg.

AwesomePromoz - 10/13/2021, 7:27 AM

@SummersEssex - Sounds like something we might get on HBO Max

thewanderer - 10/13/2021, 3:48 PM

@SummersEssex - I still think there’s a good hour of footage for an X-Men: Civil War movie in “Dark Phoenix”. Could have been great.

bkmeijer2 - 10/13/2021, 7:02 AM

Having Xavier present a mental image is a pretty clever way of using a young cast later in the timeline. Maybe then the timeline still would've made some sense. Aside from that, this sounds infinitely better

GhostDog - 10/13/2021, 7:12 AM

@bkmeijer - yea the mental image idea is clever. Always love to see different facets of Xavier’s power set.

GeneralZod - 10/13/2021, 7:07 AM

What i find astonishing is how Fox Studios/Kinberg didn't even bother to engage Claremont as a script consultant. Claremont is not just a resource, he's the author that built the Phoenix Saga. Why wouldn't Claremont have been brought on board to help with the script? Sheer stupidity.

regularmovieguy - 10/13/2021, 8:35 AM

@GeneralZod

Comic book creators typically have no input in these movies.

MaddAddaM - 10/13/2021, 7:09 AM

Claremont’s work defining the X-Men is legendary, untouchable. He’s a comics god for his contributions…

All that said, if you’ve read anything that’s he’s written since returning to the characters, you know that he really doesn’t have many great X-Men stories left in the tank.

A king has his reign, and then like all men, he moves on. Claremont should move on, standing on the sidelines complaining about others work is unbecoming. Especially considering how much he was bragging about his input into Dark Phoenix film when the film came out. He called Simon Kinberg a great director and visionary. Dude can’t be trusted anymore.

GhostDog - 10/13/2021, 7:10 AM

Reading his ideas on how he would re-do everything has been INFINITELY better than both those films

The1st - 10/13/2021, 7:34 AM

Because the bar is so high to match that excellence achieved in those films.

sKeemAn - 10/13/2021, 7:49 AM

So Claremont would have done some actual justice and continuity to the X-Men mythos?

the fact that they kerfunkled this story twice is incredible.
makes me sick.

slickrickdesigns - 10/13/2021, 10:02 AM

@Waddles - Kinberg proved you don’t have to be good at writing to get a job writing movies.

sKeemAn - 10/14/2021, 7:18 AM

Keep writing @waddles your break will come soon. Sending you the best of luck.

Armageddon26 - 10/13/2021, 7:55 AM

I respect and feel for the fact he had the Fox X-Men continuity remembered well enough to completely rewrite it, and connect it to Logan even. Definitely not the first time he’s thought about it lol

TheDpool - 10/13/2021, 8:29 AM

You know what the worst thing about Dark Pheonix was?

Sophie Turner. Promoting the movie, the girl had this smugness and strangley large ego considering she was literally only known for her X-Men role and GOT.
I remember her on shows and interview clips, strutting around like she was the next Angelina Jolie. The way she acted as if the movie was good, and she was the best part of it.

And then you watch her Jean (the weakest of the cast) and you wonder how she could think she was justified to act that way.

slickrickdesigns - 10/13/2021, 9:59 AM

@TheDpool - I feel like that’s normal for actors and actresses, even when promoting a bad movie you have to act like it’s worth seeing… and whatever arrogance she had in interviews are normal as well like Megan Fox when she promoted any of the turd nugget movies she was in.

Reeds2Much - 10/13/2021, 10:13 AM

@TheDpool - Because people react more positively towards confidence. We may act like it's horrible, put it's simply a fact of life that you're more likely to succeed if you act like your shit don't stink.

CorndogBurglar - 10/13/2021, 10:52 AM

@TheDpool - She's always been annoying to me, but she definitely wasn't the worse thing about that movie. The worse thing was the entire movie being complete garbage.

ModHaterSLADE - 10/13/2021, 8:43 AM

Would only be an improvement.

slickrickdesigns - 10/13/2021, 9:50 AM

I really don’t get how Kinberg kept his job and Singer made 2 decent X-men movies but wouldn’t use the comics as reference material. Fox’s X-men were a joke that only Patrick Stewart and Hughe Jackman could keep a float. First class was decent but still too close to the previous movies that didn’t really work. X2 was the best one in my opinion (not including Logan or the Wolverine) and even that one had plenty of issues.

CorndogBurglar - 10/13/2021, 10:50 AM

As much as I love Claremont, I think this sucks too. Why make Rachel the Phoenix/Dark Phoenix?

I could understand wanting to use her later, but the first encounter with the Phoenix Force needs to be Jean Grey.

Related Headlines

Dark Phoenix

Simon Kinberg Reflects On How To Properly Tell The DARK PHOENIX Saga For Film Or Television

MarkJulian

Sep 03, 2023 09:09 AM

X-Men

Taylor Swift Belts Out A Tune As Dazzler In Resurfaced Fan-Art As DEADPOOL 3 Rumors Persist

MarkCassidy

Aug 15, 2023 06:08 AM

Dark Phoenix

DARK PHOENIX Star Jessica Chastain Hopes To Play A More Established Comic Book Villain Next Time

JoshWilding

Jan 06, 2022 10:01 PM

Related Headlines

Dark Phoenix

Simon Kinberg Reflects On How To Properly Tell The DARK PHOENIX Saga For Film Or Television

MarkJulian

Sep 03, 2023 09:09 AM

X-Men

Taylor Swift Belts Out A Tune As Dazzler In Resurfaced Fan-Art As DEADPOOL 3 Rumors Persist

MarkCassidy

Aug 15, 2023 06:08 AM

Dark Phoenix

DARK PHOENIX Star Jessica Chastain Hopes To Play A More Established Comic Book Villain Next Time

JoshWilding

Jan 06, 2022 10:01 PM

Dark Phoenix

DON'T LOOK UP Star Jennifer Lawrence On Hollywood Hiatus: "I Just Think Everybody Had Gotten Sick Of Me"

MarkCassidy

Nov 22, 2021 02:11 PM

Dark Phoenix