X-Men TV Series Legion To Broadcast Day And Date In 125 Countries

Marvel and Fox today announced FX's new X-Men television series Legion will air day and date on Fox networks in over 125 countries. The show was picked up for an eight-episode first season last week, with a planned early 2017 premiere date. Based on Marvel Comics character David Haller, Legion is created by Noah Hawley (Fargo) and set in the universe of 20th Century Fox's X-Men film franchise.

"Legion brings the X-Men universe to life, as a character driven, serialized TV show, in a truly amazing new way, and we're pleased that X-Men fans will have the opportunity to see it simultaneously in the 125 countries where Fox is available," said Fox Networks Group Chairman and CEO Peter Rice.

"FX is thrilled to collaborate with our international partners to bring Legion to audiences worldwide and the day-and-date delivery will make this a truly global event," said Eric Schrier, President of Original Programming, FX Networks and FX Productions. "With the universal appeal of the X-Men franchise, fans will be amazed with the artistry and ambition that Noah Hawley and this extraordinary cast have brought to Legion."

"We are thrilled to be partnering with FOX Networks Group to launch Legion to a massive global audience," said Executive Producer and Marvel's Head of Television, Jeph Loeb. "In our storytelling, it is imperative to us that we're creating characters and a universe that resonates with people around the world and we are so proud to introduce this cast of characters to fans everywhere."

Legion is "the story of a troubled young man who may be more than human. It introduces the story of David Haller, who since he was a teenager, has struggled with mental illness. Diagnosed as schizophrenic, 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." In the Marvel Comics universe, Haller is the son of Professor X. It remains unclear if that relationship will be acknowledged in Legion.

The cast of Legion includes Dan Stevens, Rachel Keller, Jean Smart, Aubrey Plaza, Jeremie Harris, Amber Midthunder, Katie Aselton, and Bill Irwin. Noah Hawley will serve as executive producer and showrunner. Lauren Shuler Donner, Bryan Singer, Simon Kinberg, Jeph Loeb, Jim Chory, and John Cameron will also serve as executive producers.

Production on Legion's first season begins in Vancouver this summer.