Collider argues that 2020’s *The New Mutants* squandered a strong cast and much-loved comic-book source material, particularly Anya Taylor-Joy’s portrayal of Magik. With Fox-era X-Men characters returning to prominence ahead of *Avengers: Doomsday*, the article says the film’s young mutants deserve another opportunity in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The film adapted elements of Chris Claremont and Bill Sienkiewicz’s acclaimed 1980s “Demon Bear” storyline, but endured four delays across two years and disappointed many viewers. The article attributes this to an overemphasis on horror and a short running time that limited character development, while praising Taylor-Joy, Blu Hunt as Dani Moonstar, and Maisie Williams as Rahne Sinclair, including the film’s same-sex relationship storyline.