April Fools’: THE NEW MUTANTS shocker – Disney forgoes theatrical and streaming release for FX television series.

Original article posted as April Fools’ satire.

The fate of director Josh Boone’s THE NEW MUTANTS has been a big question mark ever since the long-awaited film faced multiple release date changes in the face of Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox’s properties, which include film studio 20th Century Fox and their stable of Marvel character.

After Disney execs evaluated the film, the company has decided to rework the film as a 10-part television series for their newly adopted FX television network. According to insiders, the film has a runtime of 135 minutes, which will be edited into the first three 1-hour episodes (with commercials).

Cast members Maisie Williams (Wolfsbane), Blu Hunt (Dani Moonstar), Charlie Heaton (Cannonball) and Henry Zaga (Sunspot) are in talks to return for seven additional episodes to round out the series. Actress Anya Taylor-Joy, who plays the hellfire mutant Magik, has declined to appear and will either be recast or written out completely by the fourth episode, as she didn’t want to continue with the role for television.

“This is really an unprecedented moment,” says industry expert April Flemmings. “An already completed big-budget movie being reconfigured for a TV series? It’s pretty bold for a studio to do that. Some would say it’s foolish to do that, but I think it can work out great for them.”

Boone will stay on board as executive producer and showrunner, with writer Knate Lee and a host of talented scribes rounding out the series. Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige and longtime X-Men film producer Simon Kinberg will also serve as producers.

“FX is eager to continue exploring the world of mutants,” said Tommy Wontin. “Their hit series ‘Legion’ will be coming to a end with its third season, so they put the word out to Disney that they have interest in new ventures.”

The series is planned for release in Spring 2020.