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The New Mutants

The New Mutants is a 2020 American superhero horror film directed and co-written by Josh Boone.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The New Mutants is a 2020 American superhero horror film directed and co-written by Josh Boone. It is based on the Marvel Comics team of the same name and serves as a spin-off and the final installment in the X-Men film series. The plot follows five young mutants held in a secret facility as they confront their powers and attempt to escape.

Premise

The story follows five teenagers with mutant abilities who are held in a secret medical facility. As they learn more about their powers and pasts, they discover that they are being contained against their will.

Production and release

The film was directed and co-written by Josh Boone, with Knate Lee as co-writer. It was released by 20th Century Studios on August 28, 2020, after a delayed path to release.

Cast and characters

The principal cast includes Blu Hunt as Danielle Moonstar, Maisie Williams as Rahne Sinclair, Anya Taylor-Joy as Illyana Rasputin, Charlie Heaton as Sam Guthrie, Henry Zaga as Roberto da Costa, and Alice Braga as Dr. Cecilia Reyes.

Franchise context

The New Mutants was developed as part of the X-Men film universe and is commonly described as a spin-off and the final film in that series. Its tone blends superhero elements with horror and thriller conventions.

Key facts

  • The New Mutants is a 2020 American superhero horror film based on the Marvel Comics team of the same name.
  • It is a spin-off and the final installment of the X-Men film series.
  • The cast includes Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, Blu Hunt, Henry Zaga, and Alice Braga.
  • The plot centers on five young mutants confined in a secret institution who must confront their powers and escape.
  • The film was released in theatres on August 28, 2020.
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Canadian context

The film was released in Canada as part of the wider North American rollout of major studio releases, and it is relevant to Canadian readers as a Marvel/X-Men franchise title distributed by 20th Century Studios.

Frequently asked questions

What is The New Mutants?
The New Mutants is a 2020 American superhero horror film based on the Marvel Comics team of the same name.
Who directed The New Mutants?
The film was directed by Josh Boone, who also co-wrote the screenplay.
When was The New Mutants released?
It was released in the United States on August 28, 2020.
What is the plot of The New Mutants?
It follows five young mutants held in a secret facility who must confront their abilities and escape.
Is The New Mutants part of the X-Men series?
Yes. It is widely described as a spin-off and the final installment of the X-Men film series.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_Mutants_(film)
    Supports: Basic identification, franchise position, director, cast, and premise.
  2. 20th Century Studios — https://www.20thcenturystudios.com/movies/the-new-mutants
    Supports: Official release date, runtime, genre, director, writers, cast, and synopsis.
  3. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/the-new-mutants
    Supports: Plot description, cast, release date, and X-Men franchise context.
  4. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/the-new-mutants/umc.cmc.4quchf5g9n9760swwd39hsri0
    Supports: Character names, powers, and premise.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4682266/
    Supports: Runtime, genre labels, cast, and plot summary.
  6. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-New-Mutants-film
    Supports: Film identification and franchise context.