The latest entry in the X franchise takes horror to 1980s Los Angeles with a star-studded cast
The eagerly awaited first trailer for “MaXXXine,” the latest horror spectacle by A24, has just premiered, setting the stage for a thrilling summer cinema release. This instalment marks the third chapter in the acclaimed X franchise, directly following the events of the original film “X” and its prequel “Pearl,” both of which made their mark in 2022. Mia Goth reprises her role as Maxine, the resilient adult film actress who emerged as the sole survivor in “X,” now stepping into the neon-lit streets of 1980s Los Angeles with aspirations of becoming a Hollywood starlet.
Joining Goth is an ensemble cast that reads like a who’s who of television and film: Giancarlo Esposito of “Better Call Saul,” Lily Collins from “Emily in Paris,” Elizabeth Debicki of “The Crown,” Bobby Cannavale of “Ant-Man and The Wasp,” and iconic Kevin Bacon. This stellar lineup brings together a diverse range of talent, promising to deliver performances that will captivate and terrify audiences in equal measure.
Set against the backdrop of 1980s Los Angeles, a stark contrast to the rural Texas setting of “X,” “MaXXXine” ventures into the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. However, Maxine’s journey is far from glamorous as she finds herself entangled with a serial killer, ominously dubbed the Night Stalker. This antagonist draws unsettling parallels to the real-life Richard Ramirez, whose own reign of terror left a dark stain on California’s history in 1984.
In a conversation with Collider last year, Goth hinted at the scale of “MaXXXine,” describing it as the most ambitious and expansive film of the trilogy. The stakes have never been higher for Maxine, who, according to Goth, has endured a great deal throughout the series. Director Ti West, praised for his creative vision, promises a film that not only escalates the horror and tension but also deeply immerses viewers in the meticulously crafted world of “MaXXXine.”
As Goth takes on the dual role of filming “MaXXXine” and participating in Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming adaptation of “Frankenstein,” her career continues to ascend. With Jacob Elordi stepping in for Andrew Garfield as Frankenstein’s monster due to scheduling conflicts, the project boasts an impressive cast including Oscar Isaac, Christoph Waltz, and Felix Kammerer.
“MaXXXine” is slated for release in US cinemas on July 5, followed by a UK premiere on August 9. As the summer approaches, horror fans and cinema-goers alike eagerly anticipate the return of Mia Goth in what promises to be a gripping continuation of the X franchise.
