The X-Men franchise is getting a reboot, and the writer behind it is emphasizing a crucial aspect: the X-Men are for everyone. Lee Sung Jin, the writer of Marvel's X-Men movie, and his co-writer Joanna Calo are taking a character-driven approach, focusing on the universal relatability of the X-Men. This strategy is a refreshing change from the message-first era of the franchise, as evidenced by the success of X-Men '97 Season 2, which ditched the heavy-handed agenda messaging and delivered a compelling, character-driven story that resonated with audiences.
The X-Men, as created by Stan Lee and John Byrne, were never intended to be a direct allegory for civil rights, despite the activist framing that fans later attributed to them. Instead, the characters were designed to be a mirror for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, a feeling that transcends demographics and resonates universally. This idea is supported by the success of X-Men '97 Season 2, which received critical acclaim and high ratings, proving that a character-first approach can be both engaging and impactful.
The new X-Men movie, directed by Jake Schreier, is set to continue this character-driven approach, focusing on the relatable aspects of the X-Men. This strategy aligns with Marvel's recent shift away from message-first storytelling, as evidenced by the success of Avengers: Doomsday, which was marketed as a return to character-driven narratives. The movie's emphasis on character-first storytelling is also reflected in the casting rumors and the involvement of breakout star Inde Navarrette, who has already met with the director.
The X-Men franchise has always had a unique appeal, and this reboot aims to capitalize on that. By focusing on the universal relatability of the characters, the franchise can appeal to a broader audience and deliver a more engaging and impactful story. The success of X-Men '97 Season 2 and the emphasis on character-first storytelling in the new movie bode well for the future of the franchise, and it will be interesting to see how the new approach translates to the big screen.
