Fox undoubtedly hopes X-Men: Dark Phoenix will be better received than X-Men: Apocalypse and the studio's previous attempt to adapt "The Dark Phoenix Saga" with 2006's X-Men: The Last Stand. In trying to change up the franchise formula, it appears writer/director Simon Kinberg is aiming to make the film a drama instead of traditional superhero fare.
“Jean goes crazy in the movie," Cyclops actor Tye Sheridan told TheWrap. "Well, Cyclops doesn't think she's going crazy — Cyclops just thinks she's gotta work some stuff out. It's interesting, the drama in the movie. We treated this movie as much more of a drama versus a superhero film."
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Sophie Turner, who reprises her role as Jean Grey, previously described the film as a "dark, gritty drama." Jennifer Lawrence, who has played Mystique since 2011's X-Men: First Class, also characterized the story as a drama.
Despite a looming acquisition by Disney, a recent report indicated Fox plans to release eight X-Men movies over the next three years.
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Opening Nov. 2, X-Men: Dark Phoenix stars James McAvoy as Charles Xavier, Michael Fassbender as Magneto, Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique, Nicholas Hoult as Beast, Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, Alexandra Ship as Storm, Tye Sheridan as Cyclops and Kodi Smit-McPhee as Nightcrawler.