Exploring How a Fourth X Movie Can Bring Healing to Pearl's Heartbreaking Journey
Pearl's deepest desire was simple yet profound.
If Ti West decides to expand his X franchise with a fourth movie, it has the potential to address Pearl's most heartbreaking story. In 2022, Ti West introduced the slasher film X, which was inspired by exploitation and horror movies from the 1970s. Taking place in 1979 Texas, X follows a pornographic film crew as they visit a farm to shoot their new movie. The elderly couple, Pearl and Howard, who owned the farm, were unaware of the crew's intentions to use their guesthouse as a film set. Shortly after X was released, the prequel Pearl was introduced.
Pearl, set in 1918 Texas during the influenza pandemic, tells the story of a young Pearl living with her parents on the farm while Howard was serving in World War I. Showing signs of psychopathy, Pearl's unmet expectations led her to commit a series of crimes. The third installment in Ti West's X series is MaXXXine, which follows the sole survivor of the X massacre as she moves to Los Angeles in the 1980s to pursue her dream of becoming a famous actress. If MaXXXine receives a sequel, it has the potential to address the tragic story of Pearl.
A Fourth X Movie Can See Maxine Achieving What Pearl Never Could
Pearl crying after her failed audition - A Fourth X Movie Can See Maxine Achieving What Pearl Never Could
In an interview with What’s Under the Bed?, West discussed the future of the X franchise and the possibility of a fourth movie in Pearl and Maxine’s stories. West mentioned having an idea for a fourth X movie but is currently focusing on MaXXXine and gauging audience reception before moving forward. He did not provide details about the idea but hinted that a potential fourth movie could address the heartbreaking story of Pearl's thwarted acting career if Maxine survives her latest film.
Both Pearl (young and old) and Maxine are portrayed by Mia Goth.
Pearl loved movies and would sneak off to the local cinema to watch them, even though her mother didn't approve of her dream to become a chorus girl. When an audition for dancers for a traveling troupe came to town, Pearl saw it as her chance to pursue her dreams and leave the farm behind. Unfortunately, she didn't make the cut, and her disappointment haunted her for the rest of her life, as shown in X. However, Maxine's future is looking brighter than Pearl's.
If Maxine becomes a star, a sequel could follow her acting career, offering a glimpse of the success that Pearl never achieved.
Maxxxine's Sequel Could Repeat Pearl's Biggest Tragedy
In X, Maxine was already pursuing her career as an adult film star, surpassing Pearl's accomplishments. The fate of Maxine in a potential sequel, Maxxxine, remains uncertain. However, if the movie does have a follow-up, it is likely because Maxine survived once again. If Maxine achieves stardom in her next film, the sequel could delve deeper into her acting journey, offering viewers a glimpse of the success that eluded Pearl.
Mia Goth standing holding an ax in Pearl. - Maxxxine's Sequel Could Repeat Pearl's Biggest Tragedy
On the flip side, there is a chance that a fourth X movie might mirror Pearl's tragic story. Even though Maxine has already achieved more success in her career than Pearl ever did, she could still face a downfall depending on her path and the people she encounters (the plot is still uncertain at this point). If Maxine doesn't reach stardom and her career takes a dark turn, she could end up like Pearl, becoming a formidable antagonist in a potential sequel.
West's belief that Pearl and Maxine are distinct characters yet the same individual would be more evident, leading to the inevitable repetition of Pearl's misfortunes by Maxine. The future of the title character in Maxxxine remains uncertain, raising questions about the possibility of a fourth installment in the X movie series and its potential storyline.
Editor's P/S:
Ti West's X franchise has captured the hearts of horror enthusiasts with its gripping narratives and complex characters. The potential for a fourth movie in the series is tantalizing, as it offers the opportunity to delve deeper into the tragic story of Pearl. Pearl's unfulfilled dreams and subsequent descent into darkness left a lasting impact on viewers, and a sequel could explore the parallel journey of Maxine, who shares Pearl's aspirations but may face a different fate.
If West chooses to expand the X franchise, the direction of a fourth movie will be crucial. The possibility of Maxine achieving the success that Pearl never could is both intriguing and heartbreaking. It would serve as a bittersweet reminder of Pearl's tragic destiny while highlighting the resilience and determination of Maxine. Alternatively, a sequel could mirror Pearl's downfall, showcasing the fickle nature of fame and the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition. Ultimately, the choice lies with West, and the anticipation for the future of the X franchise is palpable.
