5 Ways ‘New Mutants’ Aged Poorly (And 5 Ways It Aged Masterfully)

‘The New Mutants’ had a rough road to release. It was delayed many times and arrived in 2020 during theater shutdowns. The long wait changed how people saw it and hurt word of mouth.

Even with those problems, the film tried something different. It mixed a teen story with horror and superhero elements. Some choices still look smart today.

Aged Poorly — The long delays cooled the hype

The movie was first set for release years before it came out. Plans for more tweaks were floated, then dropped. By the time it reached theaters, many fans had moved on.

The Disney and Fox merger also reset the larger franchise. The film landed without a clear home or plan. It felt like an orphaned chapter.

Aged Masterfully — The Rahne–Dani romance broke ground

The relationship between Rahne and Dani was tender and direct. It was not a side joke or a tease. It was the heart of the story.

This kind of queer romance was rare in superhero films then. It gave the movie a human core. That choice looks better with time.

Aged Poorly — Colorism concerns around Sunspot

In the comics, Roberto da Costa is Afro-Brazilian. The film’s casting led to debate about colorism. Many viewers felt the role should have reflected his darker-skinned roots.

That talk has only grown louder in recent years. The choice now stands out more. It feels like a missed chance for better representation.

Aged Masterfully — The cast’s rise boosts rewatch value

Anya Taylor-Joy, Maisie Williams, and others have only gotten bigger since. Seeing them here is part of the draw. Their presence helps the film age well.

Knowing where their careers went adds interest. Fans come back to watch early turns. The performances feel more notable now.

Aged Poorly — Loose ‘X-Men’ ties that go nowhere

The film hints at bigger villains and secret groups. Those threads never pay off. The wider universe moved on without it.

For new viewers, the links can confuse more than help. They set up paths that end in a dead stop. It undercuts the story’s stakes.

Aged Masterfully — The Demon Bear still hits

The Demon Bear is simple to grasp and hard to shake. It turns fear into a monster you can see. That hook remains strong.

The final showdown gives the idea weight. It feels like a nightmare that breaks into the real world. The concept keeps the climax memorable.

Aged Poorly — Patchy effects outside the finale

Some early sequences look rough today. Certain shots lack polish. It pulls you out of the scene.

The smaller budget shows in places. Not all powers look convincing moment to moment. Viewers notice that more now.

Aged Masterfully — A small, contained story feels fresh

Most of the film happens in one facility with a tight group. That focus helps the characters breathe. It avoids the empty sprawl seen elsewhere.

In a time of bigger and bigger stakes, the small-scale approach stands out. The film keeps its scope clear. That restraint has aged well.

Aged Poorly — Edgy banter that leans on slurs

Some character beats use racist taunts and harsh jokes. They aim for shock. Today, they read as crude and lazy.

The scenes can break sympathy for key players. They also clash with the film’s message about trauma and trust. It weakens the tone.

Aged Masterfully — Superhero horror now looks ahead of the curve

Studios later leaned into darker, stranger corners of the genre. This film tried that blend early. It mixed fears, teens, and powers in one box.

Viewed now, the gamble seems clearer. It showed a path others would explore more. The idea was sound, even if the result was uneven.

Tell us what parts of ‘The New Mutants’ you think hold up and which ones don’t in the comments.