Opening Night Of MOMA's Eighth Annual Contenders Featuring The Film Arcade's JAMES WHITE (Photo : Robin Marchant/Getty Images for The Museum of Modern Art)
With the success of "X-Men: Apocalypse" in theaters just recently, it is no surprise that others would want to join the bandwagon. The latest of which is the order FX has made for an eight-episode TV series featuring Noah Hawley's "X-Men" take "Legion."
FX Productions and Marvel Television have sealed a deal that would bring "Legion" to the small screens next year, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The new series will tackle the story of David Haller, a mentally disturbed young man who is actually more than human. "Downton Abbey" star Dan Stevens is going to play the lead role. David is the son of Professor Charles Xavier (or Professor X) and Gabrielle Haller. His character first appeared in New Mutant #25.
This project marks the first partnership between Marvel Television and FX Productions, and both parties are positive with the deal. "We've come to expect excellence from Noah Hawley and with Legion he has delivered another major creative achievement," said FX original programming president Nick Grad, per THR. "Just as he did in reimagining Fargo, he is bringing an entirely new aesthetic and sensibility to the enormously popular and richly represented X-Men world."
Jeph Loeb, executive producer and head of Marvel TV, said via Marvel.com, "From the first time we heard Noah's vision to his exceptional script and cast through the extraordinary filming of the pilot, we knew the series would be incredible."
Grad also expressed how pleased he was with the pilot episode and the stunning performance of Dan Stevens, along with his co-stars Aubrey Plaza, Jean Smart and Rachel Keller among others. Aubrey Plaza ("Parks and Recreation") is playing as David's friend, Lenny. Jean Smart ("Fargo") is Melanie, the therapist, while Rachel Keller ("Fargo") takes on the role of someone who is a mix of Rogue and Spyke.
The production is set to begin this summer, with Noah Hawley at the helm as showrunner and executive producer. His co-executive producers include Lauren Shuler Donner, Bryan Singer, Simon Kinberg, Jim Chory, John Cameron and Jeph Loeb.
"Legion" Season 1 is slated to debut in early 2017 on FX.
