20<sup>th Century Fox pushed back "The New Mutants" for a whole year but it looks like the delay is not just for simple reshoots. The latest report claims that the movie is undergoing something of an overhaul as it is set to add a brand new character. Details are currently scarce as to which mutant would join the ensemble but the most popular suggestion today is someone straight out of the comic book roster: Warlock.
Introduced in Chris Claremont and Bill Sienkiewicz's "New Mutants" #18 back in 1948, Warlock is an alien, techno-organic being who fled to Earth in fear of being slain during a traditional combat with his powerful father and ruler of the planet Technar, Magus. Despite initially being considered a threat, the character eventually became an ally of the X-Men and a member of the New Mutants.
Screen Rant notes that Warlock was originally included in the team which is currently consist of Magik, Sunspot, Cannonball, Mirage, and Wolfsbane. That has been followed by several conflicting reports, though. Earlier casting rumors missed off the character but a purported casting call looking for a CGI actor "for a principal role with no dialogue" seemingly confirmed Warlock's inclusion. The rumors then came to a sudden end when the character was not mentioned in any of the film's marketing, only to resurface yet again after the film's release delay.
Apparently, "The New Mutants" is adding another character and while nothing has been announced yet, many were quick to assume that it is the long-rumored Warlock. According to Digital Spy, bringing the mutant to the fold would explain the year-long delay. As one of the most visually distinctive characters the X-Men universe, he would have required CGI to bring to life.
Of course, this is just a speculation. It could also be other characters from the comic book like Karma, who was the New Mutants' original leader or Cypher, who is fluent in all languages including alien and technology. Only time will tell.
Originally scheduled to premiere in April 2018, "The New Mutants" will now open in cinemas on Feb. 22, 2019. It is being written and directed by Josh Boone and stars Anya Taylor-Joy as Magik, Maisie Williams as Wolfsbane, Charlie Heaton as Cannonball, Henry Zaga as Sunspot, and Blu Hunt as Mirage.
