Is Logan After New Mutants? Unraveling the X-Men Timeline Conundrum
Hold your horses, fellow X-Men enthusiasts! Before we dive into the tangled web of the X-Men timeline, let’s address the elephant in the room: No, Logan is not after New Mutants.
The question itself is a bit like asking if the sun follows the moon. It’s a classic case of timeline confusion that’s plagued the X-Men franchise since its inception. So, let’s untangle this mess and bring some clarity to the mutant-verse.
The Time-Traveling Troubles of the X-Men Universe
The X-Men movies have a history of bending time like a pretzel. They jump back and forth, creating multiple timelines and alternate realities. It’s enough to make your head spin faster than Wolverine’s claws.
The problem with “New Mutants” lies in its ambiguous time setting. It’s set in the present day (which, in movie terms, is usually a few years after the film’s release). However, we know that “Logan” takes place in 2029. So, if “New Mutants” is also set in the 2020s, does that mean it happens after “Logan”?
The Answer: It’s Complicated… (But Not Impossible to Understand)
The short answer is no, “New Mutants” takes place before “Logan.” But here’s the kicker: it’s not a straightforward, chronological order. “New Mutants” is a bit of a wildcard, like that one friend who always shows up late to the party.
Here’s why:
- The “Logan”-Verse: “Logan” is set in a slightly alternate timeline. It’s the end of the X-Men saga as we know it. There’s a reason why we see a world where mutants are almost extinct – it’s a direct result of the events that unfold in “Logan.”
- The “New Mutants” Timeline: “New Mutants” takes place within the main X-Men timeline, which is the one we’re mostly familiar with. This timeline includes everything from the original X-Men movie to “Days of Future Past.”
- The “New Mutants” Time Loophole: Since “New Mutants” takes place before “Logan” but within the same universe, it’s likely that its events don’t directly impact the timeline leading up to “Logan.” It’s like a time bubble, a self-contained story existing within the larger X-Men universe.
So, What About All These Mutants in “Logan?”
The lack of mutants in “Logan” is explained by a major plot point: genetically modified crops have rendered mutants infertile. This doesn’t mean that all mutants suddenly vanished, but it certainly explains why there aren’t a whole lot of new mutants popping up. This, in turn, suggests that “New Mutants” takes place before the events that led to the mutant infertility, thus explaining the presence of a host of young mutants in the film.
The Bottom Line: It’s a Timeline Twister
The X-Men timeline is a tangled mess, and it’s easy to get lost in the twists and turns. But remember, just because “New Mutants” and “Logan” share the same universe doesn’t mean they take place in the same chronological order.
Think of it this way: “Logan” is the final chapter of a long and winding story. It’s a bittersweet ending that provides closure for the X-Men franchise. “New Mutants” is a side story, a detour that gives us a glimpse into a different aspect of the X-Men world, without changing the overall narrative arc that leads to “Logan.”
It’s like watching a TV show where you have a final season, and then a few years later, a spinoff comes out that takes place earlier in the original series. The spinoff doesn’t change the ending of the main show, but it does offer a new perspective on the world.
So, next time you’re wondering about the X-Men timeline, remember that things are not always as straightforward as they seem. Just embrace the chaos, enjoy the ride, and remember: It’s all part of the mutant madness!
