'Legion' Showrunner on How Show Fits With 'X-Men' Movie FranchiseTheWrap

FX’s “Legion” is set in the same cinematic universe of Fox’s “X-Men,” but where it fits is still a bit of a mystery.

“There is a periodness to the movies, and by hiding the period [on the show], the question is a little more open-ended,” showrunner Noah Hawley told reporters after the show’s panel at the Television Critics’ Association’s press tour Thursday.

“Some of that is just to allow us to prove ourselves and stand on our own two feet. As we did with ‘Fargo’ that first year, for the first three hours, there was no connection to the movie at all, so the audience thought, ‘Oh great, this is working on its own,’ and then in the fourth hour, we introduced the money from the movie. Then suddenly, it was connected. But by that point, we had earned our right to be judged on our own merits.”

One big clue might be that “Legion,” starring Dan Stevens, explicitly uses the words “mutant” to describe what he is.

Also Read: FX Marvel Series 'Legion' Gets Premiere Date, New Trailer (Video)

“We obviously had a conversation based on the movies, where in the second-tolast movie, mutants became public knowledge, and our idea is that they’re not public knowledge,” Hawley said. “So it was a lot about where are we and how do we play with those rules and everything. I think that phrase is part of the identity of what this franchise is.”

But that doesn’t necessarily mean “Legion” takes place between “X-Men: First Class” and “X-Men: Days of Future Past.”

Also Read: FX's 'Legion' Trailer Reveals X-Men Connection (Video)

“The other thing that X-Men has is a lot of alternate universes,” he said. “It’s not that I’m saying it’s one of those, but I’m saying the rules are flexible enough that I can sort of place the show and say, ‘Just watch it, and experience it, and then we’ll talk.'”

“Legion” premieres Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 10 p.m. ET on FX.

17 Breakout TV Stars to Watch for In 2017, From Ricky Whittle to Rose Leslie (Photos)

Another year, another crop of TV stars ready to steal audiences' hearts and attentions. Here are 17 up-and-comers we're keeping an eye on in 2017.
Camila Mendes, "Riverdale"
The entire cast of The CW's teen drama are about to become huge stars, but our safe bet is on Mendes, the new Veronica Lodge, the troubled bad girl whose arrival in town coincides with some big changes for Archie and his friends.
The CW
Corey Hawkins, "24: Legacy"
Stepping into Kiefer Sutherland's shoes is no small task, but could reap big rewards for Hawkins, who's been poised for a breakout since last summer's hit "Straight Outta Compton."
Fox
Sonequa Martin-Green, "Star Trek Discovery"
We don't know anything about the new "Star Trek" series ... but it's a new "Star Trek" series, and if you're the star of it, you're going to have a big breakout moment.
Getty
Ricky Whittle, "American Gods"
Bringing a sizable fanbase from "The 100" with him, Whittle is set to endear a whole new set of rabid fans in Bryan Fuller's Neil Gaiman adaptation.
Starz
Rachel Keller, "Legion"
After impressing Noah Hawley on "Fargo," the showrunner is giving Keller an even bigger breakout platform, as the female lead opposite Dan Stevens in FX's X-Men superhero series.
FX
Finn Jones, "Iron Fist"
Marvel's latest superhero will do his best to keep up with the likes of "Daredevil," "Jessica Jones" and "Luke Cage," all of whom have been breakout stars and critical and fan favorites.
Netflix
Adria Arjona, "Emerald City"
"Wizard of Oz" fans, get ready to meet your new Dorothy. From director Tarsem, NBC's new fantasy drama should be visually stunning if nothing else.
NBC
Jermaine Fowler, "Superior Donuts"
CBS has been high on the stand-up comedian and retooled this sitcom for him twice before ordering it to series - time for the world to see Fowler's talents.
CBS
Rose Leslie, "The Good Fight"
This "Game of Thrones" alum no longer has to share the spotlight with a cast of thousands as the lead of CBS All Access' "The Good Wife" spinoff.
CBS
Jacob Lofland, "The Son"
As the younger version of the central character, Lofland is central to the sprawling Texas-set family drama, setting the groundwork for his character to grow up to be Pierce Brosnan.
AMC
Allison Tolman, "Downward Dog"
After her impressive turn on "Fargo," it's about time Tolman got her own show - hopefully that talking pooch doesn't hog all the limelight.
ABC
Austin P. Mckenzie, "When We Rise"
The Broadway alum plays a young LGBT activist in Dustin Lance Black's chronicle of the early days of the gay movement.
ABC
Logan Browning, "Dear White People"
The Justin Simien movie made Tessa Thompson a breakout star, and Browning is set to take over the role in the Netflix series.
Netflix
Dylan Minnette, "13 Reasons Why"
The "Goosebumps" star plays the lead in the long-gestating Jay Asher YA novel, from producer Selena Gomez.
Getty
Pearl Mackie, "Doctor Who"
The new Doctor's Companion should prepare herself to become a star. Just ask her predecessors Karen Gillan and Jenna Coleman.
BBC
Freddie Stroma, "Time After Time"
After endearing audiences on "UnREAL," Stroma takes a lead role as H.G. Wells in Kevin Williamson's "Time After Time."
ABC
Jodie Comer, "The White Princess"
The star of the sequel to "The White Queen" could find herself becoming the next Rebecca Ferguson.
Starz