In 2017, FX premiered the X-Men adaptation “Legion” starring Dan Stevens (“Abigail”) as mutant David Haller. The son of Charles Xavier, his omega-level abilities are initially misdiagnosed as schizophrenia, but after a strange encounter, he discovers special powers that will change his life forever. Almost five years after the show went off the air, Stevens says he is interested in reprising his role, but in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
“It was a really fun role,” Stevens told Screen Rant when asked about playing David at CinemaCon. “I’ve never had anything like it come across my inbox, and it was such a fun gang to work with. The director of “Deadpool” is here tonight. I think we could maybe have a word. Do you think we should corner him and see what we can do? This is Vegas. We can sort this out.”
All joking aside, Stevens was also honored with the Award of Excellence in Acting that night.
Not Impossible
While reviving a character from a long-canceled show may seem odd, this would be the perfect time to do it. With “X-Men ’97” receiving praise from critics and fans alike, mutant fever is at an all-time high. The MCU is currently introducing Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and Aaron Stanford as Pyro in “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Two Fox-owned Marvel characters who are now part and parcel of the Disney purchase. Not to mention, Patrick Stewart’s Professor X returning in “Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness.”
This is fueling rumors we may see more Fox-era “X-Men” characters return, like Jennifer Garner’s Elektra. We all know the first rule of comics is that no one ever really goes away, and that is starting to creep into comic book movies. So, Stevens’ return as Haller isn’t really that far-fetched.
Only time will tell if the powers that be will grant us this bit of fan service, or if this just remains as a bit of fantasy casting. You can catch Stevens in Radio Silence’s new movie “Abigail,” in theaters now. All three seasons of “Legion” are currently streaming on Hulu.
[Editor’s note: It’s like “Twin Peaks” and “The X-Files” for comic book fans. It’s so freaking good- it’s got an even crazier Aubrey Plaza, evil Jean Smart, and amazing needle drops. Highly suggested!]
