The New Mutants star Henry Zaga still thinks it's possible the film's characters could crossover into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Originally shot back in 2017, The New Mutants was supposed to be released to theaters in 2018, before experiencing multiple, seemingly endless release date delays from both Fox and Disney. After several years of waiting, The New Mutants finally debuted in open movie theaters last week, much to the surprise of everyone who had become convinced the film would never see the light of day.

In the days following its long-awaited release, The New Mutants has gone on to rake in some relatively strong box office numbers (considering the current state of the world). However, it's also left viewers wondering about its peculiar place among comic book films. Specifically, many have questioned whether they'll ever get to see the film's version of its characters on the screen ever again, or if instead, The New Mutants is destined to be remembered as a one-and-done job for all those involved.

Related: Will New Mutants 2 Happen?

In a recent interview with ComicBook.com, Zaga, who plays Roberto da Costa/Sunspot in the film, voiced belief in the potential for either a self-contained The New Mutants sequel or a follow-up that sees the characters cross over into the MCU. When asked what he knows about any possible sequel plans, Zaga said:

The sky is the limit. I think if fans show up and if people give it a huge thumbs up and call for another one, we'll go and make it. It's really up to everyone... There is a possibility of joining the MCU, and there is a possibility of just being its own thing in its own timeline and narrative. It's all up in the air. Fingers crossed.

Henry Zaga as Sunspot Roberto da Costa in New Mutants

While Zaga's comments are understandably optimistic, they come just after The New Mutants director Josh Boone said there have been, up until this point, no discussions with Marvel Studios about transitioning the characters into the MCU. Additionally, although the film is performing admirably in theaters right now, it was met with mostly negative reviews from critics upon its release. Zaga's co-star Maisie Williams even jokingly acknowledged one of the film's scathing reviews on social media. Combined, these two details make a The New Mutants sequel or bringing the film's characters into the MCU seem overwhelmingly unlikely.

There is, of course, always the potential for Marvel to surprise audiences, especially if The New Mutants goes on to gain a massive online following. The very existence of things like Fox's Deadpool films or the Snyder Cut of Justice League are proof of what can happen when a large number of very vocal fans push studios hard enough for what they want. Whether The New Mutants will ever garner the same level of online support those projects did is a mystery. So, for right now, the chance of The New Mutants becoming a legitimate ongoing franchise will have to remain slim, at best.

More: Why We Aren't Reviewing New Mutants' Cinema Release

Source: ComicBook.com

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