Halle Bailey and Chloe Bailey both want to take on the role of Storm in Marvel Studios' upcoming reboot of theX-Menfranchise.
Halle Berry’s Storm came, well, storming into theX-Menmovies and into the hearts of audiences around the world (even if it became worthy of being a meme). With Disney either rebooting certain old franchises in the MCU or bringing their older stars back, fans have been wondering what direction they’ll take withfamousX-Mencharacters like Storm.
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During an interview withVariety, Chloe Bailey explained why the role of Storm appeals to her. “I’ve always wanted to be a superhero, and she’s my favorite one, so you may fill in the blanks,” Chloe Bailey said. “She is just so fierce and sexy and strong — all of the things I want to be — and she’s beautiful at the same time. And she doesn’t take any shit.” Chloe Bailey expressed interest in the part with her recent Halloween costume acting as a visual audition of sorts, even earning the Twitter approval of the original Storm, Berry. It is worth noting that Halle Bailey, who playsAriel in Disney’sThe Little Mermaidremake, also told Variety she would love to play Storm in an X-Men project during D23 in September.
Chloe Bailey would probably find herself amongst a host of other actresses all competing for the role if the MCU decides to ultimately reboot theX-Menafter bringing back Deadpool (there’s word thatGiancarlo Esposito has been looked at for a new Professor X). With Halle Bailey taking the lead in The Little Mermaid, Disney would likely lean toward giving Chloe Bailey a bigger chance, since they’re already in the Bailey business. However, that’s only if they don’t just choose their own live-action Ariel, Halle Bailey, who’ve they already spent a marketing fortune on in the first place.
Then again, if the MCU wants to go the established route, they could end up with neither Bailey. Instead, they could go with Berry reprising the role she originated, which is cinematically associated with her. This would also fall in line withPatrick Stewart returning as Professor X inDoctor Strange 2and Hugh Jackman returning as Wolverine in the MCU-officialDeadpool 3.
Berry would simply be one of several returning actors at that point, with nothing to argue against that solid of a decision. Plus there’s already audience familiarity. Whatever the future of theX-Menfranchise is, the casting—and the decision to go with the familiar or the new—is sure to be one of the biggest sticking points.
