'X-Men' Sequel Goes Rogue Without Rogue


If you were wondering how Bryan Singer plans to fit so many mutants into "X-Men: Days of Future Past," here's the unexpected answer: He doesn't.

Case in point: Anna Paquin's Rogue is no longer in "Days of Future Past." The original "X-Men" castmember was involved in only one sequence in "Days of Future Past," according to Singer, and that sequence is no longer a part of the film — and neither is Paquin, as a result.

"Through the editing process, the sequence became extraneous," Singer told Entertainment Weekly. "Unfortunately, it was the one and only sequence Anna Paquin was in, the Rogue character was in. Even though she's in the materials and part of the process of making the film, she won't appear in it."

Rogue's exclusion from "Days of Future Past" is a bit of a surprise, considering how important she was in the original "X-Men" trilogy. Indeed, she's one of the most prominent "X-Men" characters of all, even looking outside the films. It's a shame to lose Rogue from "Days of Future Past," but perhaps it opens the door for some new ways to bring the powers-absorbing mutant back into theaters:

Rinse and Reboot

"First Class" proved that the "X-Men" films can withstand some continuity changes. Heck, "The Wolverine" made it seem like "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" never even existed. Why can't the "X-Men" films do the same with Rogue? The Paquin-Rogue was always closer to Kitty Pryde or Jubilee than the southern bombshell from the comics and 1990s animated series. Why not reintroduce Rogue in a future film, with or without Paquin in the role — a character closer to the high-flying, hard-punching Rogue that comics readers know and love?

(While we're at it, can we do the same for Cyclops, please? It's so lame that he died in "X3." Someone, step up and fix that.)

Uncancel The 'Apocalypse'

A stronger Rogue, with or without Paquin, could and should take a front-and-center seat in "X-Men: Apocalypse," the recently announced "Days of Future Past" follow-up. Based on the title, it's fair to assume that "Apocalypse" features, well, Apocalypse, considered the first mutant, and one of the most powerful and villainous "X-Men" enemies out there.

"Apocalypse" could take its cues from the "Age of Apocalypse" comic books, a story line in which Apocalypse rules Earth, mutants reign supreme, and several X-Men appear in different roles. Rogue is one such X-Man, as she's both a team-leader and Magneto's wife. That version of Rogue could pop quite nicely onscreen, especially with Michael Fassbender as Magneto.

Fly Solo

If Fox wants to spread their wings with the "X-Men" series, and create a "cinematic universe" of their own à la the Marvel Studios brand, then there are few better candidates for solo movies than Rogue. She's an established character both for die-hard comic-book fans and casual moviegoers. Paquin brings a fan base of her own, too, thanks in large to "True Blood."

Continuity issues aside, how could you say no to a "Rogue" movie starring Paquin, with Taylor Kitsch co-starring as Remy "Gambit" LaBeau? You really can't say no to that. It's legitimately not an option.
