Directed by Josh Boone, who co-wrote alongside Knate Lee, The New Mutants finally hit cinemas in late 2020, albeit to reduced audiences due to the coronavirus pandemic. Fortunately, the film's now available via home release, so we've put together a rundown of the five titular mutants and the powers each of them possess.
Wolfsbane aka Rahne Sinclair, played by Maisie Williams
Perhaps most instantly-recognisable is Maisie Williams, thanks to her years playing Arya Stark in HBO series Game of Thrones. Here however, she takes on a role that couldn’t be more different, as a young Scot with the ability to transform between human and wolf.
From an abusive background in which strict religious 'values' were imposed upon her, Rahne is one of the most unique and interesting characters to come from Marvel comics, first appearing back in 1982 as a founding member of the junior X-Men.
When in her Wolfsbane state, Rahne is not only stronger, but faster and able to withstand much more than her human counterpart could ever endure.
Cannonball aka Sam Guthrie, played by Charlie Heaton
Fans of Stranger Things will recognise Charlie Heaton as Jonathan Byers, one of the main protagonists of the show who audiences warmed to, despite his ever-so-creepy introduction as a creeper with a camera.
His New Mutants character Sam Guthrie also made their Marvel comics debut back in 1982, with one of the strangest powers yet; he’s basically a human cannonball. Able to launch himself through the air at intense speed and move freely and with ease, he’s completely invulnerable while in motion, making him an integral part of taking down any villainous entities.
Mirage aka Danielle Moonstar, played by Blu Hunt
Blu Hunt may be familiar to those who have seen The Originals or Netflix's Another Life, but this feature is certainly the biggest she's been a part of to-date.
A landmark superhero, Danielle Moonstar is a Cheyenne Native American that was one of the first New Mutants in the Marvel comics. Her superpowers include being able to manifest exactly what scares a person into a lifelike illusion, which is sure to give her the upper-hand when going up against devious opponents.
It is she that brings the mysterious villain Demon Bear in contact with the group in the comics, so we expect a similar story to play out on the big screen's adaptation.
Magik aka Illyana Rasputin, played by Anya Taylor-Joy
Those who enjoy BBC series Peaky Blinders or M. Night Shyamalan's Split and Glass will recognise Anya Taylor-Joy a mile off, and here she'll be playing the mutant introduced earliest in Marvel comics (way back in 1975), Illyana Rasputin.
Given the mantle Magik in 1983, she's the sister of iconic X-Men alumni Colossus and a sorceress who has trained under a whole host of famous names, including Storm and Shadowcat.
In the film, we expect to see her journey leading up to the aforementioned training play out, as she’s a younger version of the character. Still, we imagine her powers of teleportation on Earth will play a major part in her inclusion.
Sunspot aka Roberto Da Costa, played by Henry Zaga
Rounding out the five New Mutants is Roberto Da Costa, played by Henry Zaga of 13 Reasons Why and Teen Wolf fame.
Hailing from Brazil, the mutant Sunspot has actually been brought to life in live-action in the past, albeit by a different actor; Designated Survivor’s Adan Canto. As one of the founding New Mutants however, co-writers Boone and Lee obviously decided he was just too important to leave out here, recasting a younger star for the role.
As the name suggests, Sunspot uses solar energy for his superpowers, which include increased strength and the ability to fly. Absorbing a huge amount of solar power transforms him into a higher being entirely, turning his body a scorching black which we expect can emit some devastating damage!
The New Mutants is available on digital, DVD, Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD now.
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