Whether we wanted it or not, “Dark Phoenix” is the end of the main “X-Men” movie series as we know it. It was inevitable as soon as it became clear that the Disney-Fox merger was gonna happen — we all knew that this series would have to wrap up before Kevin Feige and co. could bring the X-Men into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And so now “Dark Phoenix” is here, and the franchise that began the current wave of superhero madness in Hollywood is just about over (with only the “New Mutants” horror spinoff left to go).
But don’t expect a reboot into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the near future. Since the merger between Disney and Fox became official, fans have been wondering when to expect Fox characters like Wolverine and the X-Men joining the MCU, which has been set up at Disney. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige said during the “Avengers: Endgame” press junket that “it’ll be a while” before we see the integration of the X-Men.
So with one of the longest-running movie franchises ever now coming to a close, and with the X-Men tabled for a little bit before Marvel brings them into the MCU, “Dark Phoenix” is a bit of a momentous event.
Obviously, since there aren’t any more movies planned for this version of the “X-Men,” the film wouldn’t have a standard post-credits scene teasing the next film. But it could theoretically have an extra scene after or during the credits just to give the series a longer sendoff — “Dark Phoenix” is, after all, the work of writer/director Simon Kinberg, who has been involved with these movies for more than a decade now.
But if you’re hoping for any extra content after the credits, you’ll be disappointed. “Dark Phoenix” does not have a mid- or post-credits scene. Once the credits start rolling, the movie is over, and so you won’t risk missing anything by heading to the bathroom or just leaving if you have to.
Based on the famed “X-Men” comics arc of the same name, “Dark Phoenix” follows Jean Grey (Turner) as her telepathic and telekinetic powers are heightened following a solar flare. However, the rise in those powers also creates an evil alter ego, the titular Dark Phoenix, which threatens to destroy both the X-Men and humanity.
Written and directed by Kinberg, the film also sees the return of James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Tye Sheridan, Alexandra Shipp, Kodi Smit-McPhee and Evan Peters to the cast, with Jessica Chastain also starring.