Originally published June 9, 2017. Updated November 21, 2019.
We’ve already had a tease from producer Hutch Parker that X-Men: Dark Phoenix could see the mutant superheroes heading into space, and now it seems we may have confirmation that the next instalment in the main X-Men franchise will introduce the Shi’ar Empire.
Omega Underground have got their hands on an audition tape featuring Toby Huss (Ghostbusters, Halt and Catch Fire) testing for the role of ‘Hoover’, a character described as a “bureaucrat/recon agent.” The audition contains the following dialogue:
Hoover: Have you learned their language?
2nd Character: Please, there are only 171,000 words, more than 40,000 of which are obsolete.
Hoover: They are a primitive people. They have never been a threat to anyone but themselves.
2nd Character: If that was so true, we wouldn’t be here. So, what have you learned? What type of weapons do they have? Who are their most powerful protectors?
Hoover: They call themselves SEALS, and their the ones responsible for what’s happened.
The dialogue would seem to suggest that Hoover is unfamiliar with language and weaponry, which does seem to suggest this is a conversation between to alien characters. And from there, it’s only a short jump to the conclusion that they could be members of the Shi’ar Empire, given the prominent role they play in The Dark Phoenix Saga comic book storyline.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Shi’ar, they are one of three major alien empires in the Marvel comic book universe alongside the Kree and the Skrulls. In The Dark Phoenix Saga, the Shi’ar take exception to Jean Grey’s actions as – when overwhelmed by the Phoenix – she destroys an entire populated world, and conclude that she must be destroyed. In an effort to save Jean from her death sentence, the X-Men challenge the Shi’ar to a duel of honor, which results in a contest on the Blue Area of the Moon as they battle to decide the fate of the Phoenix.
X-Men: Dark Phoenix is set for release on November 2nd, 2018. As yet, the only confirmed cast member is Sophie Turner, who reprises the role of Jean Grey, although both James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender are expected to be back as Professor X and Magneto.
