Weekly Poll Analysis: X-Men Spinoff Edition (4/24/14)

This week on the poll, I asked "What X-Men Spinoff Do You Want?" The surprise winner of the poll was Mystique. She took in 41% of the votes cast.

The results went as follows:

Mystique: 41%

Gambit: 25%

Magneto: 25%

Beast: 8%

Cyclops: 0%

Analysis: Wow. What I really found surprising was that Scott Summers received no love whatsoever. Cyclops from the comics is perhaps the most popular mutant, but according to our poll that poor sun-glassed bastard will continue to be obscure within the X-Men movie universe. Brian Singer made the decision back in 2001 to focus in on Wolverine rather than Cyclops. And because of that Hugh Jackman has become a superstar for playing Wolvie, while most people cannot even recall who played Cyclops in the original trilogy. That actor's name is James Marsden. Have you heard that name lately? Probably not. He is not in much. I just like to wonder sometimes if Cyclops was given a more proper and prominent treatment in the original X-Men films, could his popularity have been rivaled that of Wolverine's within the general audience. I think it was possible.
          Now to talk about something not so depressing. Mystique won our poll, which means people on this site are reacting positively to the rumors of her potential spinoff. Last week, FOX producer Lauren Shuler Donner spoke about how the studio is mulling over spinoff films featuring X-Men. The character she mentioned in particular was Mystique. Now the internet had mixed reactions over the news. Some were delighted to see the shapeshifting mutant get a chance for her own story. Others were angered by the rumor. They claimed Mystique does not have the popularity to warrant a spinoff and that this film is only a possibility because the studio is looking to capitalize off their casting of mega-star Jennifer Lawrence in the role.
          While I do agree that Mystique's popularity alone should not earn her a film, I disagree that it is a bad idea entirely. Jennifer Lawrence's Mystique can find an audience in a movie landscape that has begun to embrace strong heroines in titular roles. Her Katniss Everdeen led Catching Fire to commercial and critical success. Earlier this year Shailene Woodley emerged as a fan favorite as Tris in Divergent. Audiences have clearly connected with these female heroes and you can bet your ass Lawrence's has the chops to carry her own X-Men film into the public's good graces.
          Lawrence's Mystique could be the first female lead character in the new wave of villain-centric comic book movies. Sony has started this new wave by setting up their Sinister Six and Venom films. Mystique could be FOX's first villain-centric spinoff. Then maybe a Magneto film or Sabretooth film could be made. Everyone loves a good villain. Hell, I hope that villains take over the comic book genre and 6 years from now I am sitting in the theater watching Joker vs. Lex rather than Batman vs. Superman. Well anyway, I believe if the story is right and Jen is ready to blue up, this spinoff could be a critical and commercial success. Check out Mystique and all the other X-Men in X-men:Days of Future Past in theaters May 23rd.

Thanks for reading and make sure to vote in our polls each week. Make your voice heard. What do you think of a potential Mystique spinoff? Sound off in the comments.