Jessica Chastain is in talks to join Simon Kinberg’s “X-Men: Dark Phoenix” as the villain Lilandra.
Lilandra is the empress of an alien empire called the Shi’ar, who leads the quest to imprison and execute Dark Phoenix, leading her into conflict with the X-Men.
The film will focus on Sophie Turner’s Jean Grey by centering on the story of the Dark Phoenix saga from the X-Men comics. The Phoenix, in the form of Jean, appeared as the primary antagonist in “X-Men: The Last Stand.” She was portrayed in the film by actress Famke Jansen.
Kinberg, who co-wrote “X-Men: The Last Stand” — the franchise’s first attempt at tackling the Dark Phoenix saga — was reported several months ago to be in talks to not only write the “Apocalypse” sequel but to direct the film as well.
Kinberg is producing with Hutch Parker and Lauren Shuler Donner. Kinberg is also a producer on “Deadpool 2,” as well “X-Men: The New Mutants.”
The film has a release date of Friday, Nov. 2, 2018.
Chastain is repped by by CAA, Mosaic and Hansen Jacobson.
The Hollywood reporter first broke the news of Chastain’s involvement.