Fans are sitting on the edges of their seats as they await the premiere of "X-Men: Apocalypse." This time, viewers are taken 10 years after the 1980s setting in "X-Men: Days of Future Past" and introduced to a younger breed of mutants. Although "Apocalypse" has not come out yet, fans are already eager to learn what's next for the multi-million movie franchise.
Since "X-Men: First Class" first hit theatres, the "X-Men" storyline progressed by 10-year increments. To the big bosses behind the movies, this strategy has proven to be an effective storytelling technique.
"It's a nice way for the audience to kind of keep track of the timeline, and it's fun to play in these different eras. So that's a good starting point," "X-Men: Apocalypse" director Bryan Singer told Fandango.
Singer also teased about the possibility of exploring an interstellar trope, particularly focusing on an alien character in the "X-Men" universe.
"Exploring the X-Men universe and being able to utilize that would be exciting, visually," he added.
Marvel expert John Gholson told Fandango that his outer space theme could be achieved with Jean Grey's "Dark Phoenix" storyline. In this particular arc, Jean Grey exiles herself in outer space to protect X-Men from her powers. She, however, ends up destroying a planet and fires up the wrath of the Shi'ar Empire.
The later part of "X-Men: Apocalypse" is rumored to go towards the direction of Jean Grey transforming into the Dark Phoenix.
Although producer Simon Kinberg did not mention any alien planet, he did confirm that the next "X-Men" film will be set in the '90s, according to ComingSoon.net. This seems to coincide with the recently confirmed "New Mutants" project. The teen-skewing spinoff will center on a new team of mutants-in-training, including Magik, Cannonball, Sunspot, Wolfsbane and Warlock. Previous reports suggest that James McAvoy will also play a key role as Professor X, while Alexandra Shipp will reprise her role as Storm.
According to "New Mutants" writer and director Josh Boone, filming is expected to begin early in 2017. No confirmation has been made with regard to the movie's official release date.
Meanwhile, "X-Men: Apocalypse" will be in cinemas on May 27.
Watch "X-Men: Apocalypse" trailer below: