[MMHMM RK]

Once again more info from the web. Long post but lots-o-info in it. Got this off movies.yahoo.com.

Release Date: May 26th, 2006 (wide)

Release Date Note: (6/2/03) The tentative release date of May 5th, 2006 is the same relative weekend, three years later, as the May 2nd, 2003 release date Fox gave X2: X-Men United. (4/9/04) That date is confirmed. (3/23/05) Fox has bumped the date back three weeks to the very prime Memorial Day weekend date of May 26th, 2006.

Title Note: (6/2/03) The title of 'X3: X-Men 3' that I'm currently listing this movie under is not official, as there is currently no official title for this movie.

MPAA Rating Note: (6/2/03) Nothing's official until the MPAA sees the final cut, but it is extremely likely that Fox will be shooting for a PG-13 rating like the first two movies received.

Distributor: 20th Century Fox

Production Company: Marvel Studios (Iron Man, Fantastic Four), The Donners Company (Timeline, Constantine)

Cast: Hugh Jackman (Logan, AKA Wolverine), Patrick Stewart (Professor Charles Xavier), Shawn Ashmore (Bobby Drake, AKA Iceman), Halle Berry (Ororo Munroe, AKA Storm), Daniel Cudmore (Piotr Rasputin, AKA Colossus), Famke Janssen (Dr. Jean Grey), James Marsden (Scott Summers, AKA Cyclops), Sir Ian McKellen (Erik Lensherr, AKA Magneto), Anna Paquin (Rogue), Rebecca Romijn-Stamos (Mystique), Kelsey Grammer (Dr. Hank McCoy/Beast), Vinnie Jones (Cain Marco/Juggernaut), Ben Foster (Warren Worthington, Jr./Angel), Ellen Page (Kitty Pryde/Shadowcat), Cameron Bright (Leech), Olivia Williams (Dr. Moira MacTaggert), Michael Murphy (Warren Worthington, Sr.), Shohreh Aghdashloo (Dr. Cecilia Reyes), Bill Duke, Omahyra Mota

Wolverine Note: (6/1/03) Officially, Hugh Jackman has not yet signed on for 'X3.' However, he is a bit of a Catch-22, because there have been several remarks made to the effect that Fox will never do an 'X-Men' movie without Wolverine. In other words... if he doesn't sign on, the movie probably won't happen. So, I suspect that Fox will do what they need to do to get Jackman to sign on (ie, I think finding a new actor for Wolverine at this point is probably not what they will pursue). (3/24/05) Hugh Jackman is officially signed on for this third movie, as well as a solo 'Wolverine' movie scheduled for 2007.

Cast Unlikely to Return: (6/1/03) The cast member from the first two movies most likely to not return for the third movie is Halle Berry (Ororo Munroe, AKA Storm), due to her rising profile as an A-list star, and the script difficulties of keeping Storm's role in each of these ensemble movies large enough to do her status justice. There are rumors that Fox may someday develop a 'Storm' movie for her to star in, however. (11/18/03) According to USA Today, Halle Berry is still considering returning for this third film. According to her costar Shawn Ashmore (via X-Men Hype!), besides budgetary concerns, the biggest requirement for Berry to return might be for her hours to be shortened, and her role lengthened. Although that sounds contrary, what he *means* is that she doesn't want to have to stay in Vancouver for six months during the entire shoot like most other cast members have to. (3/24/05) "Variety" reports that Halle Berry is indeed in talks to return, though reports about the script suggest Storm's role may be small. There have been recent rumors that James Marsden might not return as Cyclops, but it appears he probably will. (8/2/05) Alan Cumming will not be returning as Nightcrawler according to his official site.

Possible Returning Cast: (6/1/03) Several actors/characters who were in the second movie might return for this third one. First off, Kelly Hu revealed recently that she is signed on for a sequel, but there is no word yet about whether that would be 'X3' (or 'X4' or 'X5,' etc.). Other possibilities from the first two movies who might return are: Steve Bacic (Dr. Hank McCoy, AKA Beast), Bruce Davison (Senator Kelly), Bryce Hodgson (Arthur "Artie" Maddicks), Shauna Kain (Theresa Cassidy, AKA Siryn), Tyler Mane (Sabretooth), Ray Park (Toad), Cotter Smith (President McKenna), Aaron Stanford (John Allerdyce, AKA Pyro), Katie Stuart (Kitty Pryde) and Kea Wong (Jubilee).

Villain Notes: (4/13/05) Up until now, there really hasn't been much word about what new villains may show up in this movie. Magneto and his crew (Mystique, etc.) are sure things in some capacity, and the ending of the second movie clued us in that Dark Phoenix (AKA Jean Grey) will probably be included as well. Now, however, emerging rumors/reports covered by both AICN suggest that Brit tough guy actor Vinnie Jones is in talks to play a new villain, and that villain will be... the Juggernaut. See my commentary to the right for more details on ol' Juggy.

New Mutant Notes: (6/2/03) In a special screening of X-Men in Los Angeles the week before the release of X2, screenwriter David Hayter revealed that the character most likely to be introduced in this third movie is original X-Man Dr. Hank McCoy, AKA The Beast. What is unclear is whether the same actor who had a small cameo as McCoy, Steve Bacic, would return in the role, or if Fox would seek someone a bit more famous. Of course, if Dr. McCoy has already evolved into the blue-furred version of Beast by the time of this movie, that problem may solve itself. Other likely candidates that have been mentioned or rumored for either 'X2' or 'X3' in recent years are original X-Man Warren Worthington III (AKA 'Angel') and Remy LeBeau (AKA 'Gambit'). In that same talk, Hayter said that he doubted Gambit would ever have more than a small role because he's too similar to both Cyclops (powers-wise) and Wolverine (personality-wise).

(12/23/03) Talking recently to Dark Horizons, producer Lauren Shuler-Donner confirmed that Beast is a strong possibility for this third movie, and threatened that she might also push to include Gambit. I say threaten, because I am among that vocal portion of the fanbase that is rabidly anti-Gambit. Whereas most of the X-Men characters thus far adapted for the movies are cool, Gambit is "kewl" and "kewlness" sucks. He's a relic of a dark time in comic book history when style was valued over substance, and probably the character that most singularly divides fans into two camps: the Gambit fans and those Gambit bugs. I would pity any actor who ends up playing Gambit; the down side is potentially huge... even if you please the Gambit fans, you still have to deal with all of the people who think the character just plain sucks.

(3/24/05) The three X-Men that are now confirmed as appearing in this movie as new characters in some capacity are Angel, The Beast (who will be played by a new actor) and Gambit.

(6/7/05) It's been announced that the part of Dr. Hank McCoy/Beast will be played by Kelsey Grammer. It hasn't been announced if Beast's big, blue, furry incarnation will be Grammer in prostetics, or a CGI creation.

(8/2/05) Ben Foster ('The Punisher,' TV's "Six Feet Under") will play winged-mutant Angel in the film. Also, Ellen Page (this winter's 'Hard Candy') has been cast as Kitty Pryde.

Director: Brett Ratner (Rush Hour 1 and 2, Red Dragon, After the Sunset)

Director Notes: (6/1/03) Officially, Bryan Singer has not signed on to return as director of this third movie, but he has been quoted as saying there is a strong chance that he will do so. Even if he doesn't, Singer is likely to be very active as producer and story contributor. (12/10/03) "Variety" confirmed this week that Bryan Singer is indeed in talks to return for this third movie. (7/19/04) Bryan Singer has signed on instead to direct 'Superman', and since both movies are aiming for the summer of 2006... this series loses the man who got the ball rolling. Alas... but can comics fans really complain? (3/24/05) Just as Bryan Singer's roots before 'X-Men' were in the independent movie scene, Fox has chosen a British director with just one credit, Matthew Vaughn, as his replacement. (6/7/05) Matthew Vaughn has left the director's chair over what has been described as personal, rather than creative, reasons. Less than a week after that announcement, Warner Bros. officially stated that Brett Ratner will be taking over the reigns. The shoot is still on track to begin August 2nd.

Screenwriter: Simon Kinberg (XXX: State of the Union, Mr and Mrs. Smith; cowriter of Fantastic Four) and Zak Penn (cowriter of Elektra, Inspector Gadget)

Based Upon: (6/1/03) This will, of course, be the third movie based on the popular 'X-Men' comics that have been published by Marvel Comics since the early 1960s. The previous films were 2000's X-Men, which grossed $157 million in the U.S. after opening to $54.5 million (on a budget of $75 million), and X2: X-Men United, which currently has grossed $199 million in the U.S. after opening to $85.6 million (on a $110 million budget).

Franchise Note: (3/12/04) Bryan Singer and 20th Century Fox are reported to be considering filming both 'X3' and 'X4' back-to-back, with those movies potentially closing the book on the 'X-Men' movies as a team, but opening the door to myriad spin-off movies (with the first one confirmed to be 'Wolverine').

Premise: (6/1/03) There is much that is currently unknown about this movie's premise, but here's what is known. This movie will follow the continuing adventures of the superpowered group, the X-Men, led by Professor Xavier, and based at his school for gifted students, as they try to foster good will for mutants like themselves, in a world where some people are born with extraordinary powers, and many ordinary humans fear them for it. One likely subplot to be addressed in this movie is the status of Dr. Jean Grey, who experienced something strange in the second movie, something to do with something called Phoenix... (I know a lot more about Phoenix than that, but I'm trying not to spoil the second movie.) Another possible element that may be introduced in this third movie is the idea of the Sentinels, giant mutant-hunting robots constructed to capture and control the "mutant menace" forever.

Filming: (6/1/03) There is currently no production start date, but if Fox is aiming for a May, 2006 release date, filming will probably start sometime in early 2005 or so. The location is likely to be Vancouver, Canada, and the budget will probably be north of $110 million. (3/24/05) Filming is expected to start in the summer of 2005 in Vancouver. (6/7/05) It's scheduled to begin shooting on August 2.

Genre: Action, Based on a Book, Eye Candy, Science Fiction, Sequel, Superhero

Official Site: xmen3themovie.com (currently takes you to the Fox Movies site)

Unofficial Rumor Controls: Comics2Film, CountingDown.com, IGN FilmForce, X-Men Hype!

Production Designer Interview: CountingDown.com (this great, detailed piece reveals plenty of what was not used in X2, which may therefore show up in 'X3')

Official Site of the Previous Movie: X2-Movie.com

Official Comic Books Site: Marvel.com

Unofficial Fan Site: X3Movie.net

Message Board: Share your thoughts on our "X3: X-Men 3 (2006)" Message Board

Input about Greg's Previews of upcoming Movies, or any movie covered here, is encouraged. Just e-mail Greg Dean Schmitz using our feedback form. Please note that all release dates are subject to change.
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Recent Updates to This Page:

10/11/05 - Cast
8/25/05 - Screenwriter
8/04/05 - Production Company, Official Site



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Greg's Preview Thoughts:
Sort: By Most Recent | Chronologically

7/19/04 - Well, Fox is still moving right along with plans for a May, 2006 release, except there is one teensy, tiny difference... Bryan Singer has bailed out to instead invest his talents in the much-awaited revitalization of 'Superman.' Is it disappointing to lose him on this project? Sure, a little bit, but come on, Bryan Singer on 'Superman'?! That's awesome. Fox will hopefully find someone else, maybe with a different vision, for X3 and X4... and maybe we will see that the change only helps keep the X-movies get better and better. I have faith in these movies.

6/02/03 - As I write this, the wildly entertaining X2: X-Men United has been in theaters for exactly a month, and it was a massive success, opening to $85.6 million, with a current gross of $199 million (and counting). X2: X-Men United accomplished the rare task for a superhero sequel of building upon what the first movie established, and then transcending it. Not only do you not have to have seen the first movie to enjoy X2, if you didn't think the first movie was all that great, you might still like X2. That's something; X2: X-Men United is probably the best superhero sequel ever made. With such a success, there has of course been a great deal of sequel talk, with Fox mentioning a target release date for 'X3' of May, 2006. That three year gap gives director Bryan Singer (if he's returning) and the cast time to go out and do other things, and of course, they need time to actually develop a script. The ending of X2: X-Men United gave a pretty clear idea of what one of the stories in 'X3' might be, but there are lots of other possibilities, since the pattern established in these movies is that each movie doesn't tackle just *one* story, but three or four, all intertwined into each other.

Personally, I hope we see the return of a larger, more powerful Brotherhood of Mutants, with perhaps new members like The Blob, Destiny and Avalanche joining (we already saw one new member join at the end of X2: X-Men United), along with Toad and Sabretooth from the first movie. It seems inevitable to me that Magneto would think of having as large of a force as Xavier has on his side. Meanwhile, I would suspect the Phoenix storyline would continue in some respect (whether it be the whole thing or just bits of it), and I'm sure the human threat will continue (perhaps the introduction of the Sentinels?). Well, three years is a long time to wait for a movie, and these "Greg's Preview Thoughts" columns usually get pretty darn long for superhero movies, so I think I will keep this starting thought short for now. I'm sure there will be plenty more to "think" about in the years to come.

3/23/05 - Things are starting to fall in place this week as Fox has announced their choice for director in the form of a British newcomer whose first movie, 'Layer Cake' was well-received at Sundance in January (or so I heard from friends who saw it there). Particularly good news is that Fox is apparently doing a very good job of luring the majority of the cast back (ka-ching, ka-ching), including Halle Berry (possibly), who many (ie, me) had presumed probably would not. Now, we just need to find out who will be playing Angel, Gambit and the Beast.

4/13/05 - As of right now, this is strictly in the realm of a "strong rumor" (AKA, it's been reported by separate sources to both AICN and IGN FilmForce), but we may now have our first bit of casting news, and it's a doozie. Vinnie Jones, a British actor best known for playing tough guy characters like mob thugs and soccer hooligans, is not himself a huge star, but the character he's rumored to be playing, the Juggernaut, is one of Marvel's *great* characters, and Jones is perfect for him in my book. First off, you can read a nice summary of the character over at The Marvel Directory, but I'll sum him up too. The Juggernaut is the most prominent superpowered non-mutant in the X-Men mythology, being both Charles Xavier's step-brother (and a bully to him as a kid), and the recipient of the magical powers of something called the Crimson Ruby of Cyttorak that makes him an unstoppable force, super strong and invulnerable to physical damage. Basically, the gist is that he can walk anywhere he wants, and freely and forcefully uses this power to walk through walls, buildings, you name it. He's also a very angry guy.

Okay, the main thing that I think they are going to *obviously* have to change is the whole magical Ruby of Cyttorek thing; my hunch is that he will probably be the result of an experiment to try to give normal humans super powers (or... something). He can't be magical though; the whole point of these movies is that they are set in a world that is otherwise "normal" except for the existence of mutants. Magic... which is great in something like Doctor Strange or Ghost Rider just isn't going to work here. Other than that, I am very, very enthused that Juggernaut is (if he is) making his way into the third movie, and Vinnie Jones is an excellent choice. Yes, the Juggernaut in the comics stands about 7 feet tall, and and is nearly that wide, bristling with muscles, and Jones is sort of tall and skinny (but *mean* looking). The thing is... *no* one on this planet looks like the comic book Juggernaut, just like no one looks like the comic book Hulk, Hellboy, etc. I figure they'll either use CGI (not my favorite choice if he's going to look... "comic booky") or just leave Vinnie Jones as he is, and make him a normal-sized guy who has Juggernaut's powers. The acting is what matters, really, and Vinnie Jones can do Juggy's angry, unstoppable fury thing, NO PROBLEM.

Of course, this whole Vinnie Jones/Juggernaut thing might be a completely unfounded rumor. I'm guessing not.

Here's the teaser site. www.x3movie.com

[Pierced]

Awesome. Absoloutly awesome.

Pierced*

[PaidInFull]

Awesome, loved both X1 and X2

[Skeeter]

I'm wary of the change in directors and not too fond of the screenwriters, but I'm still looking forward to X3.

[Braid]

Aiee. I hope this is as good as the other two despite the change in directors and such. I am most definitely seeing this the week it is released. Yesss.