X-Men: Apocalypseis drawing near, rounding out the second trilogy of full teamX-Menfilms, and though reviews for the film have been less than stellar so far, there are some new things that fans can look forward to. In addition to returning cast membersJennifer Lawrence,Michael FassbenderandJames McAvoy, there are several new additions to the mutant team includingAlexandra Shipp, who will be taking over asStorm. The actress doesn’t seem totally content just playing Storm with her fellow X-Men castmates though.
Shipp is playing storm in anX-Menfilm, which is controlled by Fox Studios which at the moment has no crossover with any of the Marvel Studios films.Black Pantherjust made a very well received debut inCaptain America: Civil Waras portrayed by Chadwick Boseman, and that presents a very interesting potential opportunity which Shipp really wants to explore. In a recent interview withObsv, the actress expressed her strong desire forBlack Pantherand Storm to have acrossover movie.
“I want that movie so bad. I’ve got a pitch, I’m like coming up with a vision board, I want this movie to happen. Honestly it doesn’t have to be me - if Chadwick [Boseman] was like ‘you know what, I really want to do this with Halle [Berry]’ I’d be like yo, that’s fine at least make the movie.”
Sadly, it looks like Marvel Studios and Fox have little to no interest in crossing over their franchises at this point in time, but those who know their comic book history, which Shipp clearly does, know that there is precedent for this. The character of T’Challa aka Black Panther was married to Storm in in the comics in 2006, though they did get divorced in theAvengers V. X-Menminiseries from 2012. It is also interesting to note that Shipp would be comfortable with the movie happening, even if she isn’t the one playing the role of Storm, becauseHalle Berryhas previously expressed desire for a Stormspinoffmovie. Last year in an interview withDeadline, Berry was very enthusiastic when asked if she would star in a Storm movie.
“In a heartbeat. In a heartbeat I would do aStorm movie. I love that character through and through. So if that ever became an opportunity for me if it’s before I’m 65-years old I would absolutely do that. I think they should do it. If the fans want that the fans need to speak up and I’m sure it would be a possibility. If Fox felt like they could make money off of a Storm movie I’m sure they would do it.”
Fans may not want to totally give up hope for the potential of aBlack PantherandStormmovie though.Black Pantheris currently slated for a Feb. 2018 released date withCreeddirectorRyan Cooglerat the helm. Marvel has announced nothing for their phase 4 slate yet, and with the success that the character is already having, it would make sense that aBlack Panthersequel would be in the plans for phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. By that time, a lot could change for Fox. WithDeadpoolenjoying massive success and taking the franchise in a new direction and Hugh Jackman getting ready to hang up the claws as Wolverine afterWolverine 3, Fox could be looking for some new opportunities, especially after theFantastic Fourreboot bombed and with early signs pointing toApocalypsenot being the smash hit the studio was hoping for. If Marvel was able to make a deal with Sony forSpider-Man, anything is possible.
X-Men: Apocalypsecomes out on May 27 and is directed byBryan Singer, who helmedX-Men,X2andX-Men: Days of Future Pastpreviously. The films starsOscar Isaac,James McAvoy,Michael Fassbender,Jennifer Lawrence,Nicholas Hoult,Ty Sheridan,Sophie TurnerandEvan Peters. What do you think of the idea of a possibleStorm and Black Panthercrossover movie?
