X-Men TV series Legion will be a 'fable' not linked to the films

Showrunner Noah Hawley isn't ruling out the lead character's comic book relation to Professor X

(FilmMagic)

The prospect of an X-Men television series from Fargo showrunner Noah Hawley more than likely caused fans of the mutant series to rejoice.

However, fresh details have emerged on the series which has just been picked up for a full series order - and it may slightly sour fans' tastebuds; Hawley has branded his series a 'fable' that doesn't have any association with the film universe.

When asked by Hitfix if Legion is part of the film series, Hawley simply stated: "No, it's not."

Hawley elaborated:

"It’s a little more of a fable in my mind. If you were to say, ‘Where is it, and when is it?’, it’s not exactly clear, I think. And a lot of it is because he’s not exactly clear. It’s the world as perceived subjectively on some level. The recent X-Men movies, starting with First Class, are rooted in a time period and a world and playing with history in interesting ways. This isn’t doing that.”

The showrunner went on to discuss Legion's schizophrenia-suffering lead character who will be played by The Guest actor Dan Stevens.

"I want to explore, on some level, the reality of what it’s like to have those abilities in a more existential way. So it’s not, ‘You have these powers; now run!’ More in the idea that you go through your life with this identity as a crazy person, and then someone comes along and says, ‘No, actually, you’re perfectly sane, and have the abilities you have,’ which sounds like what a crazy person’s thoughts would be."

X-Men: Legion will also star Jean Smart, Aubrey Plaza and Bill Irwin. It is expected to premiere early 2017.