Introduced in 1982 as the younger teen students to the now-grown X-Men, “The New Mutants” have always been the grittier, left-of-center B-team that turned the teen angst up to 11.
Still think Wolverine is your favorite mutant? OK, boomer.
Here’s a quick rundown of the new superpowered kids on the block, finally hitting theaters Friday after a long and tortured journey.
Cannonball, a k a Sam Guthrie
Played by Charlie Heaton
This country-fried Kentuckian discovered he could wrap himself in thermal energy and shoot around like a (you guessed it!) cannonball when he escaped from a collapsing coal mine when he was 16. Renewable energy has always been the future.
Mirage, a k a Danielle Moonstar
Played by Blu Hunt
Co-leading the group with Cannonball, Mirage’s powers are a mystical blend of psionic energy manipulation and illusionary fear projection. A woman in charge?! That’s enough to make some men quake in their boots.
Sunspot, a k a Roberto da Costa
Played by Henry Zaga
A Brazilian bad boy with buckets of cash, Sunspot originally had his eyes on becoming a professional soccer star. Those dreams were burnt to a crisp after he turned into a walking sun while on the field and now, well, he’s just an actual star.
Wolfsbane, a k a Rahne Sinclair
Played by Maisie Williams
The walking embodiment of Catholic guilt, Wolfsbane is a good Scottish girl who literally was set to be burned at the stake after her lupine mutant abilities manifested when she was just 13. Just like Shakira, she has since let her she-wolf out of the closet.
Magik, a k a Illyana Rasputina
Played by Anya Taylor-Joy
Kid sister to iron X-Man Colossus, Magik is also pretty heavy metal. She was raised in Limbo (between heaven and hell) by an evil sorcerer before escaping using a sword she forged from her own soul. Rock on.
