9 Upcoming Movies That Are Tricking You (But Not How You Think)

3. Jessica Chastain Is Playing A Totally New Character - Dark Phoenix

What You're Expecting

It's fair to say that most X-Men fans aren't expecting much more than mediocrity from this final effort into Fox's core X-Men franchise, and by far the most intriguing narrative thread relates to the identity of Jessica Chastain's antagonist.

After initial reports suggested that Chastain would be playing Empress Lilandra Neramani of the Shi’ar Empire - who appeared in The Dark Phoenix Saga comic - both Chastain and writer-director Simon Kinberg denied this. And with mere weeks until the film hits cinemas, Fox still hasn't given the character a name.

This has prompted speculation that Chastain will be playing a secret comic book villain. With her character described as an "alien shapeshifter" and the Skrulls being involved in the Dark Phoenix comic, fan consensus seems to have landed on Skrull Empress R'Klll.

The REAL Trick

Dark Phoenix has had countless test screenings over the last year, resulting in numerous plot leaks online - many of which are now invalid due to the film's heavily re-shot third act.

But one aspect of the film which reportedly remains unchanged is that Chastain's character is never actually named over the course of the film, and she absolutely isn't playing a beloved comic book antagonist of any kind.

Piecing together scant leaks and rumours, it seems highly likely that Chastain's villain is simply a physical embodiment of the Phoenix Force, as would explain her playing a pivotal role in unleashing the full destructive potential of Jean Grey's abilities.