What the hell is going on? (Picture: MARVEL – Myles Goode)

Are you looking for a new TV show to watch?

If so, look no further than Legion, the new Marvel TV show that’s going to flip the superhero paradigm on its head.

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Even if you’re put off by the idea of committing to yet another comic book programme, or you’ve never really gotten into one before, it’s worth giving Legion a chance.

After all, it’s going to be quite unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.


The show is set to air on Thursday nights at 9pm on the FOX Channel from February 9, but meanwhile, here’s everything you need to know about it.



What is it?

Drawing inspiration from the X-Men comics of the same name, Legion is the story of a powerful mutant and schizophrenic, David Haller.

Marvel’s official press release states:

David has been in and out of psychiatric hospitals for years. But after a strange encounter with a fellow patient, he’s confronted with the possibility that the voices he hears and the visions he sees might be real.

Legion is being adapted for television by Noah Hawley, who’s best known for his work on Fargo.

The hit crime anthology series was created by Hawley, who also serves as executive producer and head writer on the show.

With a string of 133 award nominations to its name, Fargo is something special – and Hawley is undoubtedly going to bring some of that same magic to the Marvel world in Legion.

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Who’s in it?

(Picture: Chris Large/FX)

David Haller is set to be played by Dan Stevens, AKA Matthew Crawley from Downton Abbey, who is also going to star as the Beast in Emma Watson’s upcoming Beauty and the Beast adaptation.

He’s going to be joined by a whole host of other talented actors.

Rachel Keller, who previously worked with Hawley on Fargo season 2, is set to play Syd Barrett, Haller’s love interest in the series.

Hawley described the character as ‘withdrawn’ and we know Syd is another mutant, with the ability to swap minds with someone if they touch.

Also in a key role is Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Rec), who will play Lenny Busker, a friend of Haller’s and an eternal optimist despite her history of drug abuse.

Jean Smart, Jeremie Harris, Amber Midthunder, Katie Aselton, and Bill Irwin also star.

Does it have anything to do with the films?

Not exactly.

Bryan Singer, executive producer on Legion and director of various X-Men films, commented that Legion was written to function as a standalone piece, but also with the potential to tie into the X-Men films in the future.

Interestingly, within the comics, David Haller is the son of Professor X.

Hawley and the other executive producers have teased that they’ll touch on this connection somewhat, but it remains to be seen to what extent this will play a part in the series.

For now, though, don’t expect to see Wolverine or any of your other favourite X-Men to turn up in Legion. (Nor, for that matter, any of the Avengers.)



When’s it on? How can I watch it in the UK?

Legion is going to air on Thursday nights at 9pm on the FOX Channel from February 9.

The series is set to be eight episodes long.

In the UK, FOX is Sky channel 124, Virgin channel 157 and TalkTalk 422. It will also be available on NOW TV.

In the US, it will start a day earlier on February 8 at 10pm on FX.

Why should I watch it?

Legion is aiming to offer something different – in a media landscape with a deluge of superhero shows and comic book content, sometimes telling your Arrow from your Agents of SHIELD can get a little too much.

It’s why people keep on talking about ‘superhero fatigue’ – after a while, everything starts to feel a little same-y.

Here is a programme quite unlike one we’ve ever seen before – from a visionary director and writer, who’s more than proved his chops on Fargo.

When you’re offered the chance to watch something like this, something that’s set to flip the whole superhero paradigm on its head – well, why wouldn’t you give it a go?

Alex Moreland is a freelance writer and student based in London. You can read more of his work here.

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