Stan Leecameos aren’t only relegated to Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, nor just the big screen. Indeed, we’ve now learned via filmmakerBryan Singerthat Lee will make a cameo in the upcoming FoxX-MenTV series, which may or may not be titledThe Gifted. The show isverydifferent from that other recentX-MenTV show, FX’sLegion. That series hailed fromFargocreatorNoah Hawleyand, as is FX’s way, Hawley was basically allowed to do whatever he wanted, including creating a show that doesn’t really have to adhere to any of the previousX-Mencinematic mythology.
This new series, however, sounds more traditional.Burn NoticecreatorMatt Nixserves as showrunner, and it revolves around two ordinary parents who are forced to go on the run after discovering their children possess the mutant X-gene. They subsequently link up with an underground group of mutants fighting for freedom against persecution.
Stephen Moyer(True Blood) andAmy Acker(Dollhouse,The Cabin in the Woods) play the leads, while the supporting cast includesNatalie Alyn Lind,Jamie Chung,Emma Dumont,Joseph Morgan,Coby Bell,Blair Redford, andSean Teale. We know the series will include famous mutant personalities like Blink, Polaris, and Thunderbird, which sets it apart fromLegionwhich largely made up many of its mutants. The show is also looking pretty likely for a series pickup.
Singer himself directed the pilot after helming the last twoX-MenmoviesX-Men: Days of Future PastandX-Men: Apocalypse. He’s no stranger to TV having helmed the pilots forHouse, M.D.andBattle Creek, and in the below photo Singer reveals Stan Lee’s cameo that was shot during production in Dallas, Texas.
It’ll be interesting to see what kind of tone this show strikes, and if viewers tune in. Superhero TV has been hit or miss—the CW shows have built up significant fanbases, but ABC’s stabs at Marvel seriesAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D.andAgent Carterhave been met with low ratings and lackluster critical reception—Agent Carterwas cancelled after two seasons. But Fox may find the recipe for success here withThe Gifted, and if the show is picked up we’ll find out sometime during the 2017-18 TV season.
For now, check out Singer’s photo below.
