Superhero movies and TV shows are everywhere. Between the various shared universes and their small screen adventures, you can't turn a corner without bumping into some superpowered character in tights saving the day. FOX is getting in on the action this coming fall, as The Gifted will bring characters and settings from the X-Men universe to the small screen. One of those characters is Lorna Dane/Polaris, who is Magneto's mutant daughter in the comics. But will Magneto have a presence in the new series? Creator Matt Nix revealed that he may factor in later in the season, saying:
When we think of it, the baggage of mental illness -- and there is some awareness she is Magneto's daughter -- I mean, her powers certainly are like Magneto's. That's something we will be exploring as time goes on, but more towards the end of the season, when some of these ideas and suspicions come to the fore. She has to confront, 'Okay, if that's the case, what does it mean?' The idea is there are challenges and opportunities with that. In some ways, it might divide her from her friends. In other ways, does she accept the mantle of her birthright? Is it her job to be Magneto in his absence?
This certainly sounds interesting. Because while the Master of Magnetism is unlikely ever going to physically show up on the new X-Men series, having his daughter as a primary protagonist is a great way of incorporating Magneto into the narrative. Now we just have to see what Polaris does with her powers when the new series premieres.
Matt Nix's comments to CBR will no doubt excited hardcore comic book fans, who want to see a faithful adaptation of characters like Polaris and Blink when The Gifted premiers on FOX. Because rather than ignoring Polaris' connection to Magneto, the character will be informed by her comic book roots.
In the X-Men comics, Polaris long suspected that she may be related to the villainous Magneto. Their power are almost identical, and Lorna ended up eventually confirming that she was Magneto's daughter. This struggle for the truth will no double be part of her narrative in The Gifted, and will help convince casual X-Men fans to tune in every week.
Polaris is also known for dealing with mental health issues, which isn't all that common in Marvel comics. It's currently unclear exactly how this will be adapted for The Gifted, but it will likely give actress Emma Dumont (Bunheads) plenty to work with during the show's first season.
The Gifted will premiere October 2, 2017 on FOX, complete with Magneto's daughter. In the meantime, be sure to check out our fall premiere list to plan your next binge watch.
