Longtime comic book artist Bob McLeod, who co-created The New Mutants with writer Chris Claremont, had some unkind words regarding the recently released film based on his characters.
McLeod shared a long post about Josh Boone's New Mutants film on Facebook, stating his frustration over having his name misspelled in the film's credits. He was also disappointed with how several of the characters were presented, including Dani Moonstar's lack of braids and Rahne Sinclair's non-spiky red hair. He did, however, share his admiration for several actors in the film, including Maisie Williams, Blu Hunt and Charlie Heaton.
Meanwhile, McLeod revealed he also had an issue with the film's depiction of Roberto da Costa/Sunspot. "But mainly I was very disappointed that Roberto isn't short and dark-skinned," he said. "Yet another example of Hollywood white-washing. There's just no excuse." The artist ended his post by stating, "I think I'm done with this movie."
The revised synopsis for The New Mutants can be found below.
In this terrifying, action-fueled film based on the MARVEL comic series, five young people who demonstrate special powers are brought to a secret institution to undergo treatments they are told will cure them of the dangers of their powers. Included are Danielle Moonstar aka Mirage (Blu Hunt), who creates illusions from other people’s fears; Rahne Sinclair (Maisie Williams), who transforms into the werewolf Wolfsbane; Sam Guthrie (Charlie Heaton), who, as Cannonball, can fly at jet speeds protected by a force field; Roberto da Costa aka Sunspot (Henry Zaga), who absorbs and channels solar power; and Illyana Rasputin aka Magik (Anya Taylor-Joy). The younger sister of Colossus, Magik becomes encased in armor at will and wields a soulsword that amplifies her multiple superhuman and psychic abilities. Invited by Dr. Cecilia Reyes (Alice Braga) to share their stories about when their powers first manifested, the five “patients” come to understand that they are in a class of people called mutants, who have historically been marginalized and feared. As they relive their origin stories, their memories seem to turn into terrifying realities. Soon, they question what is real and what isn’t, and it becomes clear that the institution isn’t what it seems. Now the question is — why are they being held captive? And who is trying to destroy them? The tension and horror mount in this white-knuckle thrill ride directed by Josh Boone and co-written by Boone and Knate Lee.
The New Mutants also stars Anya Taylor-Joy as Illyana Rasputin/Magik, Charlie Heaton as Sam Guthrie/Cannonball, Henry Zaga as Roberto da Costa/Sunspot, Blu Hunt as Danielle Moonstar/Mirage and Alice Braga as Dr. Cecilia Reyes. After two years of delays, the film is in theaters now.