The Gifted season 2 SDCC panel: How emotional relationships supercharge mutant powers
During #TheGifted panel at #SDCC, the cast and creators spoke on why emotional character relationships supercharge mutant powers for the audience, and confirm tolerance themes will still be at the forefront.
At San Diego Comic-Con, the cast and creators of Marvel’s The Gifted took the stage in Ballroom 20 to tease The Gifted season 2, talk about the relevance and importance of the supernatural series, and show one of the most epic trailers of the weekend. Last season, The Gifted’s producers and writers made it clear that this was to be a show about relationships, families and compassion, just as much as it was to be a series about discovering mutant powers.
Executive producer Matt Nix spoke on what the creators learned during season 1 about the importance of developing strong relationships. “I think that the thing we realized in season 1 was, when we were really connecting to the characters, relationships between the characters, emotional depth of the characters, where they’re coming from, it made all the power stuff more exciting,” he said. “It made the fighting better.”
Stephen Moyer, who plays Reed Strucker, echoed Nix’s words. “The idea that big explosions and everything that we can do that’s really exciting, and with the powers and everything, only means something if you care about the characters,” he said. “We want you guys to care about the characters, and that happens on an emotional level. Once we enjoy the emotional level, and we can see what’s happening, the stakes [rise] and everything means more.”
The Gifted season 2 dives deeper in moral obligation, compassion
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Actor Skyler Samuels, whose character(s) led the charge in dividing the mutant groups, spoke on why the non-supernatural themes of the series are the most crucial. “We have a show that challenges you to think about you place in the world, your responsibility to bring the voice to the voiceless, and how to find compassion for those you don’t understand,” Samuels explained. “I think we do it in a cool way, and there’s definitely a supernatural element to The Gifted, but we are dealing with some very real stuff.”
Marvel executive Jeph Loeb commented on how the X-Men story has always been about tolerance. “[Mutants] protect a mankind that fears and hates them, and so that’s the spirit of the show in so many ways,” Loeb said. “That’s what Matt has really captured in a bottle, and I think what you guys have probably responded to… and the really cool powers too.”
Watch the full Comic-Con trailer for The Gifted season 2 below:
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The Gifted season 2 premieres this fall on FOX! What was your favorite part of the trailer? Let us know on Twitter @HiddenRemote!