X-Men comics saw many of the mutant characters receiving their own stories. However, the movie franchise under 20th Century Fox failed to replicate this individual focus for many movie characters. Only Logan, Wade, and Jean received their solo movies, while the other X-Men characters were largely featured in ensemble films. Notably, Hank McCoy aka Beast was supposed to have a solo movie, X-Men: Fear the Beast, which even included an appearance from Wolverine.
The movie was ultimately shelved in favor of other ensemble projects, and Fox never had the chance to revive the movie. Kelsey Grammer and Nicholas Hoult played two versions of the Beast in X-Men movies, and Fear the Beast was centered around Hoult’s version.
Also Read: Kelsey Grammer’s Beast Transformation Process For X-Men Was Way Tougher Than Fans Think
The Shelved Beast Solo Movie Featured Wolverine
20th Century Fox became interested in solo movies after X-Men Origins: Wolverine, but the film’s poor performance at the box office made them abandon such plans in favor of X-Men prequel films. However, as the prequel films took off with the audience, the interest in standalone films resurged, including a Beast movie featuring Nicholas Hoult.
A spec script written for the movie by Byron S. Burton found its way online on Reddit. The story explores the adventures of Hank McCoy as he faces off against the comic book villain, the Wendigo. McCoy is called in to help by a desperate colleague, Dr. Paul Cartier, who is cursed to turn into the flesh-eating monster Wendigo.
However, the movie never saw the day of light after Fox deemed Dark Phoenix as a better project to pursue. Interestingly, the story of the leaked script was covered by The Hollywood Reporter and VICE, with the latter reviewing the script as superior to Dark Phoenix. Interestingly, Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine was also included in the script.
Jackman was a prominent character throughout the X-Men films. He concluded his tenure with 20th Century Fox movies in Logan in 2017. The shelved Beast movie was an excellent opportunity to explore Wolverine further. The Prestige actor is set to make a return to the role, this time under Marvel Studios in Deadpool 3.
Will Beast Make An Appearance In The MCU?
A major SPOILER ahead for Marvel fans who missed The Marvels in theaters: Hank McCoy has debuted in the MCU in The Marvels. The end-credits scene of the Brie Larson starrer featured the character played by Kelsey Grammer. With Marvel gradually introducing mutants like Kamala Khan and Namor into its universe, Beast is speculated to play a more substantial role in upcoming films, including Deadpool 3.
On the solo movie front, Beast stands a better chance with Marvel Studios than Fox. Disney has dished out several shows centered around lesser-known characters and plans to continue this trend in the future. If a solo movie is greenlit, there’s a possibility that the filmmakers (or series creators) will refer back to Burton’s script for some inspiration.
Also Read: 3 Reasons Why Kelsey Grammer’s Beast is Far Superior to Nicholas Hoult’s X-Men
Fans will get to see Hugh Jackman back in action as Wolverine in Deadpool 3, scheduled to hit theaters on July 25, 2024.
