Full Breakdown
Josh Boone Reflects on the Traumatic Experience of Making *The New Mutants*
10/22/2025, 1:54:44 PM
Overview of Production Challenges
Director Josh Boone has described the making of *The New Mutants* as a deeply “traumatic” experience, marking it as a significant low point in his career. The film, which was the final installment of 20th Century Fox’s X-Men franchise, faced numerous challenges including a change in studio ownership, extensive delays, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally pitched as a horror-themed entry into the X-Men universe, the film was released in August 2020, but it failed to resonate with audiences and critics alike, earning a 36% critics' score and a 55% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Boone's Disappointment with the Film
In interviews, Boone has expressed his dissatisfaction with the final product, stating, “We didn’t really get to make the movie we wanted to make. We made half the movie we wanted to make.” He noted that the film's release was significantly compromised by the pandemic, which affected its box office performance, ultimately grossing only $47 million against a budget of $67 million. Boone emphasized that despite enjoying working with the cast, including Anya Taylor-Joy, Maisie Williams, and Charlie Heaton, the overall experience left him feeling drained and unfulfilled.
The Impact of Corporate Changes
The production of *The New Mutants* was further complicated by the acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Disney, which occurred during filming. Boone remarked, “The studio was sold during the shooting, and then the pandemic happened when they decided to release it.” This transition led to a toned-down script and significant studio interference, which contributed to the film's troubled development.
Future of the X-Men Franchise
As Marvel Studios prepares to explore the Mutant Saga following *Avengers: Secret Wars*, Boone has made it clear that he has no intention of returning to the superhero genre. When asked if he would consider directing another X-Men film, he stated, “I’d rather just never do it again, just to be honest.” Despite Boone's departure from the franchise, there are plans for a new X-Men film under Marvel Studios, directed by Jake Schreier.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of *The New Mutants* have pointed to its lack of cohesion and the failure to deliver on its initial promise as a horror film. The film's shortcomings have been attributed to the chaotic production environment and the challenges posed by the pandemic, which ultimately hindered its potential success.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ It’s so hard because it was so traumatic.” — Josh Boone, Director
- “We didn’t really get to make the movie we wanted to make. We made half the movie we wanted to make.” — Josh Boone, Director
- “The studio was sold during the shooting, and then the pandemic happened when they decided to release it.” — Josh Boone, Director
- “I’d rather just never do it again, just to be honest.” — Josh Boone, Director
In conclusion, while *The New Mutants* aimed to carve a niche within the superhero genre, its troubled production and subsequent reception have left a lasting impact on those involved, particularly Josh Boone, who has firmly closed the door on future projects within the X-Men universe.
