Bryan Singer not directing X-Men: First Class?

[Electrix]

JackMercy linked to this in another thread, but I think this deserves its own.

HitFix has exclusively learned, from multiple sources, that Bryan Singer may not be directing “X-Men: First Class” despite recent press reports to the contrary, and that 20th Century Fox is actively searching for directors to step in and helm the film, with discussions with at least two other filmmakers as recently as last week.

The filmmakers that they’re approaching now about directing “X-Men: First Class” are good names, guys who either have real experience in the comic book movie medium or who have heavy credibility with fan audiences. Names that would make fanboys happy from the first moment they’re announced. I’m curious to see who else they meet with in the next few weeks now that their first few choices have passed. Those meetings, exclusively reported by HitFix, make it seem like no matter what public face they’re putting on things, Fox is making plans as if Singer will not be free.

Singer is already scouting locations for "Jack The Giant Killer." He's deep into pre-production on the picture now, and it would seem almost actionable if he were to drop out at this point. Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures are counting on Singer to deliver this big-budget fairy-tale, and the earliest he's going to be free to start work on another large-scale picture will be 2012. There's no way Fox wants to wait for either "X-Men: First Class" or "Wolverine 2" for that long, so my guess is that Singer will be involved in those films as a producer of some sort, but not directing either one.

It sounds like "X-Men 4," the next full adventure of the original cast, is going to be the earliest place in the story arc where Singer's going to be able to get behind the camera again, which raises the question of why they sat for this story and what games are being played here. It's interesting... when Singer was waiting for Fox to make his deal on "X-Men 3," a process that took over a year due to some hardball negotiation, Warner Bros. took advantage of that and dangled the "Superman" in front of him. It was an awkward moment for Fox and led to some seriously difficult feelings between Singer and the studio. I'm sure Fox would be happy to undercut Warner on a big fantasy film by stealing Singer away, but this is not the same situation. Singer's already signed and in process on "Jack The Giant Killer," and I would hope he stays to see that one through before running back to the studio that treated him with such powerful contempt at least once before. Fox may be whispering sweet nothings to him now, but this is the same studio that had him thrown off the lot over "X-Men 3" a week before they had to allow him back on the lot to make the "House" pilot.

http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/2008-12-6-motion-captured/posts/exclusive-bryan-singer-directing-x-men-first-class-not-so-fast

[Lighthouse]

I always knew he was going to have to ditch either this or Jack the Giant Killer, and I really thought it was going to be Jack.

[Deaths Head II]

If Singer is not on board for First Class my interest will severely drop. Unless he works as producer or some type of supervisor role but even I'm not sure I'll be seeing it in theaters. I like how the article points out that WB is once again involved with Singer not being available for Fox's deadline for an X-Men film.

[Electrix]

For me it all depends on the replacement director. Matthew Vaughn would be a good choice, but he's got Kick-Ass now.

Does this mean they'll be bringing back Josh Schwartz and his script? Fox better not screw this up again!

[Downhere]

Ugh, great, just when I was getting optimistic about an X-Men movie we got another X3/SR fiasco preventing Singer from directing, ugh!

[Deaths Head II]

For me it all depends on the replacement director. Matthew Vaughn would be a good choice, but he's got Kick-Ass now.

Matthew Vaughn would indeed be a good choice but there is no guarantee Fox won't treat him the same way. Singer was the only director that could seemed to handle Fox's business tactics.

Besides, with Singer not able to direct because of a WB film and Fox being anxious to meet a deadline for the new X-Men film, I wouldn't doubt Vaughn leaving and being replaced by Ratner at the last minute.

Does this mean they'll be bringing back Josh Schwartz and his script? Fox better not screw this up again!
:csad:

[FaT_tONle]

Hopefully this turns out horrible and Disney takes it over thereafter. Seems like Fox really wants to have FC and Wolverine 2 out at the same time because they are running out of time with FF and DD.

[batboy99]

Oh crap, oh crap, oh crap. I'll believe it once it's on the front page.

[TheComicbookKid]

Everything old is new again?

Jesus Christ, Fox. You have Wolverine ready, you don't need to rush anything. It's not like the X-men are going to be out of the public's mind anytime soon.

[Electrix]

Hopefully this turns out horrible and Disney takes it over thereafter. Seems like Fox really wants to have FC and Wolverine 2 out at the same time because they are running out of time with FF and DD.

I don't want to say this, but I can actually understand why Fox would want to get another director on-board. When they signed Singer he wasn't 100% sure what his next movie would be, however over the past few months Jack the Giant Killer has entered further into pre-production. 2 years is a long time to wait for Singer.

On the positive side, I guess this means we'll get X-Men: First Class earlier than we would if Singer directed. There's just the small issue of whether it will be any good or not...

[Downhere]

On the positive side, I guess this means we'll get X-Men: First Class earlier than we would if Singer directed. There's just the small issue of whether it will be any good or not...

Is this really a positive? Honestly, Fox's track record proves otherwise and without Singer at the helm I think we may end up with another lackluster entry into the X-Men Franchise.

[FaT_tONle]

I don't want to say this, but I can actually understand why Fox would want to get another director on-board. When they signed Singer he wasn't 100% sure what his next movie would be, however over the past few months Jack the Giant Killer has entered further into pre-production. 2 years is a long time to wait for Singer.

On the positive side, I guess this means we'll get X-Men: First Class earlier than we would if Singer directed. There's just the small issue of whether it will be any good or not...

I'm just curious as to why Fox wants to rush out a prequel? It's Fox I know, but still... I can understand if it was X-4 with the same cast. Maybe they want to re-use the actors in Wolverine. Or maybe they need to do X-Men movies to maintain rights. Why not wait an extra year if Bryan is comitted?. I have my doubts Wolverine will also reach it's target date so I don't know why Fox is rushing both of them.

[Deaths Head II]

On the positive side, I guess this means we'll get X-Men: First Class earlier than we would if Singer directed.

I guess that means we can at least get it over with quick.

My anticipation for this film just went down the drain.

[Mace Dolex]

I'm more interested in an X-Men 4 rather than First Class and I hope an X4 happens before any of the actors they plan on bringing aboard start getting too old.

[Electrix]

I'm just curious as to why Fox wants to rush out a prequel? It's Fox I know, but still... I can understand if it was X-4 with the same cast. Maybe they want to re-use the actors in Wolverine. Or maybe they need to do X-Men movies to maintain rights. Why not wait an extra year if Bryan is comitted?. I have my doubts Wolverine also reach it's target date so I don't know why Fox is rushing both of them.

That's how movie studios work. Sony recently did it with Spider-Man. They didn't want to wait while Raimi sorted out the script so they bailed and rebooted. They like to have their big summer tentpoles lines up years in advance. X-Men: First Class is one, and they don't want to delay it more than they need too. Wolverine and X3 proved that they don't need Singer to make $400 million+ (which is what they only care about at the end of the day).

Ideally they'd wait for Singer, but they are a business and they don't want to wait for him while he's away making money for a rival studio. This is like X3/Superman all over again. I just hope they keep it civil and have Singer as a producer so he can make more X-Men movies when he's free.

[FaT_tONle]

Yeah but Sony has to keep the rights. Fox already does that with Wolverine or even Deadpool to my knowledge, as long as those movies are made.

[Electrix]

Yeah but Sony has to keep the rights. Fox already does that with Wolverine or even Deadpool to my knowledge, as long as those movies are made.

Yeah in this case rights aren't an issue. But they have the opportunity to make an X-Men film and gain $200+ million in profit, so they are going to take it.

It's not as though X-Men: First Class is going to be rushed production like X3 was. If they were going to change directors they might as well do it now rather than wait a few more months and then try and rush it out for summer 2012.

If they hire a new director over the next few weeks that he should have plenty of time to focus on it and at least try to do it right.

[Deaths Head II]

Yeah but Sony has to keep the rights. Fox already does that with Wolverine or even Deadpool to my knowledge, as long as those movies are made.

I heard something about a Wolverine film only keeping the Wolverine rights and that there has to be a film using several X-Men characters to keep the rights to all the X-Men. Which might explain why there were so many X-Men cameos in Wolverine. Wolverine 2 will not have as many cameo possibilities so they might need First Class.

Or maybe they want to squeeze some more dollar bills out of this prequel idea so they can make an X4 before all the actors become too old.

Yeah in this case rights aren't an issue. But they have the opportunity to make an X-Men film and gain $200+ million in profit, so they are going to take it.

It's not as though X-Men: First Class is going to be rushed production like X3 was. If they were going to change directors they might as well do it now rather than wait a few more months and then try and rush it out for summer 2012.

If they hire a new director over the next few weeks that he should have plenty of time to focus on it and at least try to do it right.

Unfortunately they had all the time in the world for Wolverine and they still messed it up.

[FaT_tONle]

I never heard that death head... not saying it doesn't sound right. I know X-Men is their most profitable, but if that was the case, DD would have gone back to Marvel by now. Maybe it already has or will shortly so who knows... but if Fox wants summer 2012 they will be hit hard in what will be a jam packed CB season. 200 million in profits is a pipe dream.

[JackMercy]

Yeah in this case rights aren't an issue.

It's not as though X-Men: First Class is going to be rushed production like X3 was.

A) Aren't they? :2face: :ninja:

B) That remains to be seen. :dry:


Oh, and...thanks for the credit up top.

[Project862006]

let him do X4 then wonder who could be these directors maybe

Matthew Vaughn
Louis Leterrier
David Yates
Gore Verbinski

just to name a few

[BMM]

I was afraid something like this would happen. I had hoped Fox moving forward with the Wolverine sequel would buy First Class some time. If true, I guess not.

[TheVileOne]

Making an X-men prequel is a terrible idea. And a stupid one.

[Rac]

Ah well, it sounded too good. I wonder if they keep Singer's story treatment as the basis anyway, or the screenwriter he picked.

[Ipodman]

Hmm.. not surprised FOX cant wait to get their X-men franchise going...
or maybe its the license and if they do not make a First Class movie soon, they will loose it?

[Retroman]

Fox has known for a while that he was committed to Jack The Giant Killer, so why not just wait until he's done with that before speeding into First Class? The very reason many fans were excited for this X-Men prequel was because of the return of Singer. :o
Ah well, it sounded too good. I wonder if they keep Singer's story treatment as the basis anyway, or the screenwriter he picked.

Hopefully (if it's any good) they will keep Singer's story treatment and have him involved as a producer.

This could however be a blessing in disguise.In the La Times interview he seemed very keen on a X-Men 4 of some sorts so he could i guess start development on that and then move on to start production on that once he's finished with JTGK.
I was afraid something like this would happen. I had hoped Fox moving forward with the Wolverine sequel would buy First Class some time. If true, I guess not.

That's what i thought too.:(

[FaT_tONle]

With Singer not returning, I think it's more likely that Fox will be looking for something more long term than just one prequel. Maybe a string of prequels like we were discussing in the other thread, to maybe buy themselves time before having to make X-4. I think they should still do a Magneto movie and First Class before doing X-4 if that's the route they go, as was the original plan. String it out a bit.

[Phoenix_Flare]

well I guess somethings are to good to be true, *sigh* I so wanted Singer to continue on with what he started, but if Singer is going to be like Nolan is to the Superman reboot then I'm all for it!!!! He can produce, and have some input on the script and direction of the franchise...

[batboy99]

Has this been confirmed or is this just a ''maybe'' situation?

[Neptune]

Who cares about X-Men first class anyway? Singer should do X-4. That has a lot more potential then yet another prequel where Magneto is yet again the villain and we'll only get a handful of X-men. And not the most interesting X-men if you ask me :o

[Deaths Head II]

Who cares about X-Men first class anyway? Singer should do X-4. That has a lot more potential then yet another prequel where Magneto is yet again the villain and we'll only get a handful of X-men. And not the most interesting X-men if you ask me :o

Singer said there was going to be a new villain and a bunch of new X-Men characters so this statement is incredibly flawed.

[Electrix]

Has this been confirmed or is this just a ''maybe'' situation?

HitFix got the 'scoop'. It hasn't been confirmed or denied yet (although it is the weekend so nothing much happens).

It could easily be the case that Fox were talking with directors about Wolverine 2, and HitFix got it wrong. We may get some confirmation one way or another next week.

[cronosred]

Making an X-men prequel is a terrible idea. And a stupid one.

I agree, I would much rather have a sequel or a reboot.

[TheVelvetOnion]

That news is a rumour... so far i dont believe it to be true. Not because im a fan of the franchise. Just the source of where this information came from.

[Mace Dolex]

And the problem with doing X-Men First Class is that they'll want to cater to the teenage/Disney craze by hiring pretty boys.

[Neptune]

Singer said there was going to be a new villain and a bunch of new X-Men characters so this statement is incredibly flawed.

In that case the prequel would make even less sense. I thought the whole idea was to show how the Professor X/magneto relationship began, and how the prof formed teh original X-men. I would really like to know why Fox insits on making a prequel.

[X-Maniac]

In that case the prequel would make even less sense. I thought the whole idea was to show how the Professor X/magneto relationship began, and how the prof formed teh original X-men. I would really like to know why Fox insits on making a prequel.

Yes, it will show the Xavier/Magneto friendship and how it went wrong. So, with Xavier/Magneto both on the same side, there would be need to be another antagonist, wouldn't there?

And why show only the basic original characters? There would be other characters who would go their separate ways by the time of X1. We've already seen a young Jean (in X3), a young Cyclops (in Wolverine) and also a young Emma Frost (in Wolverine), so there will probably be other students.

Why are you getting in such a tangle about it? It's painfully simple.

They're making a prequel because there is a backstory that could be told (because X1 began with an already-established team).

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

Really hope this isnt true, I'm not that keen on the idea of First Class and Singer was really the only reason I was on board with it, so if this news is true I dont think I will be on board, depends what we hear about it I suppose, but it is Fox afterall.

Either way, I do hope Singer does an X4.

[Manic X]

Really hope this isnt true, I'm not that keen on the idea of First Class and Singer was really the only reason I was on board with it, so if this news is true I dont think I will be on board, depends what we hear about it I suppose, but it is Fox afterall.

Either way, I do hope Singer does an X4.


Bollocks.
The very fact that you hang out on an xmen forum proves that you will be first in line to see first class, just like the rest of us.

Don't give me the 'i'm not gonna be on board' speech.

[Spider-Vader]

It's X-Men 3 all over again. Why can't they just s*** out another Wolverine movie? That'll give singer a good amount of time.

[BMM]

Fox already is, and it is reportedly scheduled to begin shooting before First Class, which is why I'm somewhat confused by this news. Perhaps the studio is looking to release an X-Men related movie more than once every 3 years now.

[Sawyer]

Hopefully this turns out horrible and Disney takes it over thereafter. Seems like Fox really wants to have FC and Wolverine 2 out at the same time because they are running out of time with FF and DD.

That really seems like the best case scenario to me. I just really dont want Fox to ever touch a Marvel property again.

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

Bollocks.
The very fact that you hang out on an xmen forum proves that you will be first in line to see first class, just like the rest of us.

Don't give me the 'i'm not gonna be on board' speech.

I dont hang out on here, I have barely visited the X-Boards for a long time, not to mention I have barely paid to see a Fox movie since X3, if we get another X3, which I believe first class will be without Singer, I guarantee I wont be going to see it, I have more important things to spend my money on.

So, i'm afraid, you will have to accept the 'i'm not gonna be on board' speech, sorry.

[Manic X]

Mmm hmm. I believe you. :P

[danoyse]

Mmm hmm. I believe you. :P

Good, now drop it.

[chaseter]

I wasn't excited for First Class anyways. I am much more happy that he is probably going to do X4.

[Deaths Head II]

In that case the prequel would make even less sense. I thought the whole idea was to show how the Professor X/magneto relationship began, and how the prof formed teh original X-men. I would really like to know why Fox insits on making a prequel.

Showing the Magneto and Professor X relationship suggests Magneto would play an X2-type role, not a villain. I don't see how showing the relationship means he has to be the main villain. I actually assumed from the start that whoever they face in this film will be the cause of their split. Some type of villain that convinces Magneto his differences with Xavier are irreconcilable.

And showing new mutants is open game considering how little has been established about the original team. The films have never said what the original team is so I don't see how adding any of that stuff makes this prequel not make any sense.

I think First Class had potential to be interesting but without Singer directing my interest is gone. We better get an X4 with him to make up for it.

[Rac]

Bollocks.
The very fact that you hang out on an xmen forum proves that you will be first in line to see first class, just like the rest of us.

Don't give me the 'i'm not gonna be on board' speech.

Hey, I skipped Wolverine, FF2, Blade: Trinity etc. I don't support what I don't like.

[TheFuture]

Aw, Singer was the only reason I got happy about First Class, but I don't want him to walk away from Warner Bros. so I really am conflicted.

[TheVileOne]

I agree. If Singer comes back, he should do X4 or Wolverine sequel.

[Raiden]

Hopefully this turns out horrible and Disney takes it over thereafter. Seems like Fox really wants to have FC and Wolverine 2 out at the same time because they are running out of time with FF and DD.

I hope that Fox will run out of time with FF and DD; I have no interest seeing a reboot of either franchise in the hands of Fox. I'm still surprised that Fox hasn't lost the right of DD already, because Elektra was released eons ago and by all means the license should've reverted back to Marvel.

As for Singer not directing First Class, I'm disappointed but Fox has a great opportunity to cast an inspired choice like Paramount did with Favearu and Iron Man. However, the only certainty is that Fox will screw it up again somehow.

[FaT_tONle]

What's the earliest Fox can have DD out? Late 2011? Early 2012? And what are the chances it happens before FC and Wolverine, or concurrently for that matter? If Disney doesn't take it back because they don't want a legal mess on their hands, I'll give up on Marvel's in house projects as well.

[Raiden]

What's the earliest Fox can have DD out? Late 2011? Early 2012? And what are the chances it happens before FC and Wolverine, or concurrently for that matter? If Disney doesn't take it back because they don't want a legal mess on their hands, I'll give up on Marvel's in house projects as well.

I read from another site that Fox can retain their Marvel licenses as long they have them "in production", but they don't need to actually make a movie. It means they can keep the licenses indefinitely if they want to. I'm trying to find out if it's true, but if this is indeed the case then Marvel really made a huge blunder when they sign that agreement with Fox years ago.

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

Mmm hmm. I believe you. :P

As I knew you would :cwink:

Hey, I skipped Wolverine, FF2, Blade: Trinity etc. I don't support what I don't like.

I skipped, Eragon, AVP2, FF2 and a few others, only Fox movies I have paid to see since X3 are Die Hard 4, Wolvie and Avatar.

[Manic X]

As I knew you would :cwink:



I skipped, Eragon, AVP2, FF2 and a few others, only Fox movies I have paid to see since X3 are Die Hard 4, Wolvie and Avatar.

So you saw Wolvie after hearing all the negativity about it, AND after being 'disappointed' after with X3, huh?
Yeah, you won't be first in line to see first class. (sarcasm BTW)

[Deaths Head II]

I haven't seen a Fox film in theaters since X3, aside from Avatar which I consider to be a very special exception.

[Snikt]

So do some of you actually boycott all Fox movies, or just the ones you think don't look good? Just curious.

This is just me, but if I'm interested in the movie, think it looks good or have been looking forward to it for a long time, I'll definitely see it it theaters.

The Fox movies I've seen the past few years, X3, FF2, Die Hard 4, Wolverine, AVP 2, 28 Weeks Later, The Simpsons Movie, Avatar, Percy Jackson.

I've liked all of 'em, but like I said that's just me.

[Majik1387]

So is this report concrete or just hearsay?

So do some of you actually boycott all Fox movies, or just the ones you think don't look good? Just curious.
I boycott in the sense of pirating.
The Fox movies I've seen the past few years, X3, FF2, Die Hard 4, Wolverine, AVP 2, 28 Weeks Later, The Simpsons Movie, Avatar, Percy Jackson.

I've liked all of 'em, but like I said that's just me.
Out of those, I've only paid to see X3, AVP2, 28 Weeks Later, and the Simpsons movie.
I waited for Die Hard 4 to go on DVD.

They were ok, entertaining.

[Deaths Head II]

I haven't had enough interest in any Fox movie to see them in theaters. I almost didn't see X3 in theaters but I figured I saw the first 2 so I might as well see how X3 is for myself. I wasn't really excited to see it and I regretted it after. I was going to see Wolverine in theaters but then I decided I didn't feel like it so I didn't.

[FaT_tONle]

Yeah Majik you basically funded their DB:E budget... but hey it's your money. The only Fox movie I have since since X-3 is Avatar, unless there is something I am missing.

[Majik1387]

Well as someone who could care less about DB, I didn't care how much they butchered DB:E, as I pirated that one as well.:cwink:

[JackMercy]

I read from another site that Fox can retain their Marvel licenses as long they have them "in production", but they don't need to actually make a movie. It means they can keep the licenses indefinitely if they want to. I'm trying to find out if it's true, but if this is indeed the case then Marvel really made a huge blunder when they sign that agreement with Fox years ago.

True dat. Although "in development" would be a more apt term. Usually, as long as a pencil pusher at Fox keeps forwarding crazy Rothy and his execs the appropriate documents to sign, i.e. a piece of paper that says "Fox Studios is actively developing the Daredevil property for a feature film" (including proof that someone -- anyone -- is working on it, from a scriptwriter to a plaster-model maker) then Fox could/would generally retain the rights to said material in perpetuity...

However, some property deals may indeed include production clauses (i.e., "Production must begin on an X-Men feature film within five years of the studio's last production, or the rights to said property are hereby forfeited to the original holders.") -- which might in some cases force the studio to strongly consider entering into principle production by a certain date, no matter what talent is involved, if only to retain the rights to the material for another half-decade or so!

I think there's a couple of these debates going on right now around town... ;)

That's the business, folks!

:word:

[FaT_tONle]

If the reboots have to happen at Fox then I hope it's part of Marvels universe. You don't need a cameo or a time frame (ie: Before or After Avengers) but just a mention of something related, like Natasha Romonov/Russian spy in the news paper or something. Probably too late to do that with X-Men unless they reboot, but it's still possible.

[danoyse]

So do some of you actually boycott all Fox movies, or just the ones you think don't look good? Just curious.

This is just me, but if I'm interested in the movie, think it looks good or have been looking forward to it for a long time, I'll definitely see it it theaters.


Same here. I have better things to do than hold personal vendettas against movie studios, even if they annoy me as much as Fox usually does.

If I want to see the movie, I go. If I don't like it, somehow I find to a way to pick up the pieces and move on. It's really that simple.

[Majik1387]

If the reboots have to happen at Fox then I hope it's part of Marvels universe. You don't need a cameo or a time frame (ie: Before or After Avengers) but just a mention of something related, like Natasha Romonov/Russian spy in the news paper or something. Probably too late to do that with X-Men unless they reboot, but it's still possible.
Won't happen.

[Silvermoth]

If Singer goes, My interest will plummet.

[Raiden]

True dat. Although "in development" would be a more apt term. Usually, as long as a pencil pusher at Fox keeps forwarding crazy Rothy and his execs the appropriate documents to sign, i.e. a piece of paper that says "Fox Studios is actively developing the Daredevil property for a feature film" (including proof that someone -- anyone -- is working on it, from a scriptwriter to a plaster-model maker) then Fox could/would generally retain the rights to said material in perpetuity...

However, some property deals may indeed include production clauses (i.e., "Production must begin on an X-Men feature film within five years of the studio's last production, or the rights to said property are hereby forfeited to the original holders.") -- which might in some cases force the studio to strongly consider entering into principle production by a certain date, no matter what talent is involved, if only to retain the rights to the material for another half-decade or so!

I think there's a couple of these debates going on right now around town... ;)

That's the business, folks!

:word:

Ugh, this just makes me sick. :cmad: Was Marvel back then so desperate for money that they'd let Fox keep their licenses indefinitely using this legal loophole? Seriously, I hope Disney will have their top lawyers read every fine print on that old contract and see if they can wrestle the licenses back to Marvel.

[Deaths Head II]

If the reboots have to happen at Fox then I hope it's part of Marvels universe. You don't need a cameo or a time frame (ie: Before or After Avengers) but just a mention of something related, like Natasha Romonov/Russian spy in the news paper or something. Probably too late to do that with X-Men unless they reboot, but it's still possible.

Yep, not going to happen.

I wish Fox and Sony would release their death grips on the license and just make a deal with Marvel to distribute like Universal and Paramount do. Is Fox so determined to make 90 minute films that they insist on producing the films themselves?

[Silvermoth]

If Singer goes, My interest will plummet.

[Electrix]

Is Fox so determined to make 90 minute films that they insist on producing the films themselves?

...well yes. That's how they make money from it. If they allowed Marvel to make the films they wouldn't make nearly as much just from distributing.

The fact that they produce and distribute means they get to reap most of the profits. Which was the whole point of them purchasing the rights in the first place.

Paramount only distribute Iron Man etc. Marvel had the financing to produce themselves, but didn't have the means to distribute. After The Avengers Disney will be doing all the distributing anyway, as they own Marvel now.

[FaT_tONle]

Yep, not going to happen.

I wish Fox and Sony would release their death grips on the license and just make a deal with Marvel to distribute like Universal and Paramount do. Is Fox so determined to make 90 minute films that they insist on producing the films themselves?

I doubt Fox will remain with full creative control next time they reboot. Sony moved immediately in terms of a director and script once SM4 was derailed. The minute Fox is serious about going ahead with FF or DD, I am sure Disney will try to take a stake in it. FF could be a hugely viable franchise for Disney. If they don't work out a distribution deal, it will probably be something where they lose more and more control per subsequent movies. I just hope it won't be too late by then.

[Project862006]

never thought of this but it would be cool if they got John Woo to direct Wolverine 2

[Deaths Head II]

...well yes. That's how they make money from it. If they allowed Marvel to make the films they wouldn't make nearly as much just from distributing.

The fact that they produce and distribute means they get to reap most of the profits. Which was the whole point of them purchasing the rights in the first place.

Paramount only distribute Iron Man etc. Marvel had the financing to produce themselves, but didn't have the means to distribute. After The Avengers Disney will be doing all the distributing anyway, as they own Marvel now.

Still, neither FF nor DD are giving any profits as is. The last installments in both franchises yielded disappointing profits and right now they're yielding zero profits since Fox is doing nothing except what is necessary to keep the license. Even the profit intake from distribution is better then zero profit. It's not like Fox is above letting another studio do all the work producing a film they had no intention of making and taking a cut of the profit. They did it with Watchmen.

[Sawyer]

If Singer doesnt come back for First Class, I'd love it if Fox got Joss Whedon.

[Deaths Head II]

If Singer doesnt come back for First Class, I'd love it if Fox got Joss Whedon.

They would probably never do that, but it would be so awesome. :csad:

[Sawyer]

I really just want Fox to lose all their rights toward any Marvel property and have them all revert to Disney. It would be such an improvement.

[Project862006]

http://www.deadline.com/2010/03/singer-to-producex-men-first-class/

[Gabe99]

http://www.deadline.com/2010/03/singer-to-producex-men-first-class/
From Deadline New York:Singer To Produce`X-Men: First Class (http://www.deadline.com/2010/03/singer-to-producex-men-first-class/)

Singer will join Lauren Shuler Donner and Simon Kinberg as producers. He's not available because Warner Bros and Legendary are locked into a summer production start on Jack the Giant Killer. They’ll begin casting shortly. It is a big CG project, and they are likely to either shoot 3D or convert it later.


Last December, Singer agreed to direct the First Class prequel after the studio sparked to his detailed treatment, with the studio knowing full well Singer would likely make the other movie first. The willingness to wait changed when execs flipped for Moss's script. He's now honing the origin story that focuses on Xavier and Magneto and offers similar opportunities that JJ Abrams took advantage of to resuscitate Star Trek.


Fox is short-listing directors and has talked to several. Perhaps sensing the momentum and worried Singer might get booked for First Class passage, Warner Brosand Legendary were quick to lock Singer into an iron-clad deal on Jack the Giant Killer. After all, it was they who got the director to do Superman Returns when Fox didn't close him fast enough on X-Men 3. That move singed Singer’s relationship with Fox until they kissed and made up with First Class.


Fox hasn't definitively set this as the next X-Men project, but why replace Singer for any other reason? Fox did get a strong draft of a Wolverine sequel from Christopher McQuarrie, and while there is no director, production could start in the fall when Hugh Jackman is free from the Shawn Levy-directed Real Steel. Fox also has new versions of Marvel Comics franchises Fantastic Four and Daredevil percolating. My bet is First Class starts production in summer or early fall, when Singer will be off slaying giants of his own.

[BMM]

Singer will join Lauren Shuler Donner and Simon Kinberg as producers. He's not available because Warner Bros and Legendary are locked into a summer production start on Jack the Giant Killer. They’ll begin casting shortly. It is a big CG project, and they are likely to either shoot 3D or convert it later.

Last December, Singer agreed to direct the First Class prequel after the studio sparked to his detailed treatment, with the studio knowing full well Singer would likely make the other movie first. The willingness to wait changed when execs flipped for Moss's script. He's now honing the origin story that focuses on Xavier and Magneto and offers similar opportunities that JJ Abrams took advantage of to resuscitate Star Trek.

I guess... I wish they would just let Jackman finish his run as Wolverine and utilize First Class as a reboot. This all seems like such a mess, if not pointless.

[danoyse]

Fox did get a strong draft of a Wolverine sequel from Christopher McQuarrie, and while there is no director, production could start in the fall when Hugh Jackman is free from the Shawn Levy-directed Real Steel. Fox also has new versions of Marvel Comics franchises Fantastic Four and Daredevil percolating. My bet is First Class starts production in summer or early fall, when Singer will be off slaying giants of his own.

Wait...so do this mean Wolverine 2 actually is better than the first one? Pretty please?!

I guess... I wish they would just let Jackman finish his run as Wolverine and utilize First Class as a reboot. This all seems like such a mess, if not pointless.

That route seems to make the most sense at this point. Will they do it? I can't even tell anymore.

And I guess the question now is...who directs First Class?

[BMM]

Your guess is as good as mine. At this point, I think it makes the most sense to begin production on Wolverine 2 first. They have a script, or a strong draft, and Jackman will apparently be free later this year. If the studio wants to go forward with a sequel to Wolverine, now sounds like the time to do it.

[Sawyer]

Come on Joss Whedon, Come on Joss Whedon, Come on Joss Whedon...

[danoyse]

Your guess is as good as mine. At this point, I think it makes the most sense to begin production on Wolverine 2 first. They have a script, or a strong draft, and Jackman will apparently be free later this year. If the studio wants to go forward with a sequel to Wolverine, now sounds like the time to do it.

Makes sense to me too. I know he's doing Real Steel this summer, and I read he's involved with Lee Daniels' new film, but there's nothing confirmed on that yet...if he's available and the script is ready, just go for it.

The whole director shift makes no sense, though. Didn't anyone check their schedules first before deciding on Singer to direct the film when he clearly wouldn't be available? :doh:

[BMM]

Makes sense to me too. I know he's doing Real Steel this summer, and I read he's involved with Lee Daniels' new film, but there's nothing confirmed on that yet...if he's available and the script is ready, just go for it.

The whole director shift makes no sense, though. Didn't anyone check their schedules first before deciding on Singer to direct the film when he clearly wouldn't be available? :doh:

I'm not sure what anyone was or wasn't thinking on that one.

[X-Maniac]

I'm not sure what anyone was or wasn't thinking on that one.

It's a bad case of studio politics. Again.

[Deaths Head II]

I guess... I wish they would just let Jackman finish his run as Wolverine and utilize First Class as a reboot. This all seems like such a mess, if not pointless.

I'd really, really, really, really rather not have a reboot under Fox. That is my least favorite option out of anything. Either they try to salvage the franchise they already established or drive it to the ground.

Nice to see Singer is producing at least. Still, I'm not getting my hopes up.

[Electrix]

It's a bad case of studio politics. Again.

At least they got a script and vision out of it. He'll still be around anyway.

Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass) and James McTeigue (V for Vendetta) would be my choices. Although Kick-Ass will probably do well and Vaughn will probably have to work on the sequel.

[Gabe99]

Makes sense to me too. I know he's doing Real Steel this summer, and I read he's involved with Lee Daniels' new film, but there's nothing confirmed on that yet...if he's available and the script is ready, just go for it.

The whole director shift makes no sense, though. Didn't anyone check their schedules first before deciding on Singer to direct the film when he clearly wouldn't be available? :doh:
From /film:
Wolverine 2 Script Finished; Shoots January 2011 (http://www.slashfilm.com/2010/03/03/wolverine-2-script-finished-shoots-january-2011/)

[Venom160]

It's a bad case of studio politics. Again.they should seriously apply a three strike rule on studios. They **** up a single franchise three times in a row they have to sell it to another studio. The way I see it this is strike three for Fox.

[danoyse]

I'm not sure what anyone was or wasn't thinking on that one.

Probably too busy counting Avatar money to notice... :whatever:


From /film:
Wolverine 2 Script Finished; Shoots January 2011 (http://www.slashfilm.com/2010/03/03/wolverine-2-script-finished-shoots-january-2011/)

This much we knew. :cwink:

[co2]

I guess... I wish they would just let Jackman finish his run as Wolverine and utilize First Class as a reboot. This all seems like such a mess, if not pointless.

I know. Is Fox trying to ruin the X-franchise?

[ross2287]

Come on Joss Whedon, Come on Joss Whedon, Come on Joss Whedon...

:up:

[Downhere]

The whole director shift makes no sense, though. Didn't anyone check their schedules first before deciding on Singer to direct the film when he clearly wouldn't be available? :doh:

I think Fox decided to move up the schedule since I just read that they want to release it for 2011.

The studio is wanting to do FIRST CLASS right away because they were so impressed with writer Jamie Moss' (STREET KINGS) script based on Singer's treatment, envisioning it as the first part of a trilogy. They are also hoping that the project will have a 2011 release. Fox has spoken to several directors on the shortlist. They are in quite the hurry to get this project started.

http://www.joblo.com/index.php?id=31452

[FaT_tONle]

Fox has no clue what they want to do. There is no direction or end game. Now we are hearing more of the same in terms of flip flopping on directors and scripts, be it they are cheaper and more feasible to put into production or whatever the reason, they just go with the flow and the most efficient short cut. FC may be some attempt at a new franchise or may not be... whatever the case is, Fox will take it one movie at a time and as long as it makes bank, it doesn't matter what the end result is. If it becomes a reboot or a set of prequels, so be it. My guess is that it will be a poor man's SR, in terms of rebooting/prequeling or remaking/retooling all in one. Some amalgam that satisfies the majority of the heads and that will be that.

[Lighthouse]

I'm not buying the whole "so impressed they decided to do it now" thing. Sure, they probably liked the draft, but I think doing First Class soon was always their intention, and when they couldn't get Singer off of Jack the Giant Killer, they started looking for other directors.

[FaT_tONle]

Several motivations for this:

1) Get this out of the way just to tease an X-4, which they probably want out by 2015 latest.

2) Get these X-Men movies done by 2012, to then set sights on properties that need to be retained (FF/DD) or else risk losing them permanently.

3) Beat the 2012 CB push (Avengers, Spidey, BB3)... possibly sandwich FC in the winter of 2011. This can work wonders because they will have no competition if they go with a Winter/Spring release.

[Retroman]

This could have been averted had they just taken a look at Singer's schedule before agreeing to have him come back. Or they perhaps the studio were arrogant enough to think that he would drop a movie he already committed to before he even pitched X-Men First Class.

At least Singer will remain involved in the creative process. He's got good credentials as a producer.
I think Fox decided to move up the schedule since I just read that they want to release it for 2011.



http://www.joblo.com/index.php?id=31452
Why do they want it out so fast?:huh:

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

Well, my interest in this movie has just gone right down, not to interested in a First Class storyline anyway and without Singer, Fox will just go with some random director who isnt up to it or who they can control.

[Electrix]

Several motivations for this:

1) Get this out of the way just to tease an X-4, which they probably want out by 2015 latest.

2) Get these X-Men movies done by 2012, to then set sights on properties that need to be retained (FF/DD) or else risk losing them permanently.

3) Beat the 2012 CB push (Avengers, Spidey, BB3)... possibly sandwich FC in the winter of 2011. This can work wonders because they will have no competition if they go with a Winter/Spring release.

1) They wouldn't make a $150 million+ movie just to 'tease' fans about a sequel. They want a new trilogy with this First Class business.

2) Fox are a movie studio who make many films. They don't need to finish one franchise before they focus on another. If they wanted too they could make X-Men, Daredevil and Fantastic Four at the same time.

3) I agree.

[Rac]

I know. Is Fox trying to ruin the X-franchise?
They already did.

[chamber-music]

If Singer doesnt come back for First Class, I'd love it if Fox got Joss Whedon.

They would probabley put him on such a tight leash even Whedon might not be able to deliver the X-Men movie we want.

[FaT_tONle]

1) They wouldn't make a $150 million+ movie just to 'tease' fans about a sequel. They want a new trilogy with this First Class business.

2) Fox are a movie studio who make many films. They don't need to finish one franchise before they focus on another. If they wanted too they could make X-Men, Daredevil and Fantastic Four at the same time.

3) I agree.

Who said they are dishing out 150 million for this? And who says it's going to be a new trilogy? Maybe they'd like that, but I doubt they are dishing out that kind of money when Wolverine won't be in this (never say never). It could just be a warm up before X-4. And yeah, they could make X-Men movies every year, but then they will lose their other properties. Don't think they will give them up lightly. Even if it means making a DB:E type movie before they give it back up. Plus it's not easy doing two spinoffs (including Wolverine 2) concurrently let alone DD/FF/X-Men movies at once. So you get these smaller spinoffs out of the way and you can set sights on relaunching DD/FF before having to go back to X-Men.

[Electrix]

Who said they are dishing out 150 million for this?

Nobody. I was just speculating. $150 million is the average price for a blockbuster. Sony are trying to make the Spider-Man reboot for less than $120 million, but thats because they have a newbie director and they'll be hiring a cheap young cast. Fox will probably be doing the same.

And who says it's going to be a new trilogy?Lauren Shuler Donner said it last year. In the article saying Singer is now producing it says "he is leaving because Fox liked the script that Jamie Moss wrote from Singer's treatment so much that the studio wants the film right away, envisioning it as the first leg of a trilogy."

And why wouldn't they make a trilogy? They'll have a young cheap cast and a wealth of stories. If X-Men: First Class is a success we're all but guaranteed a sequel.


It could just be a warm up before X-4.What is there to warm up? If they were going to give us an X4 they'd get started on one. They wouldn't be making a prequel set before the previous trilogy.

So you get these smaller spinoffs out of the way and you can set sights on relaunching DD/FF before having to go back to X-Men.I'll say it again. Fox can make DD/FF and X-Men at the same time (thats what they were doing between 2001 - 2005). Avatar just made $2 billion, it's not as though they are strapped for cash.

Warner Bros are making Batman 3, Green Lantern and Superman. Marvel are making Thor, Captain America and The Avengers. It is possible for studios to make more than one comic book movie at a time. It's not as though X-Men in getting in the way of the Fantastic Four reboot.

[Megaton Sun]

what I wanna know is why is this movie being called X-Men: First Class? Why not just X-Men Origins? I mean they went to all that trouble calling the Wolverine movie X-Men Origins: Wolverine. This movie doesn't even have anything to do with the First Class comics.

[marvelrobbins]

There are shaded of what went down with last Stand.Consider Wolverine II
has a script but won't beguin filming till early 2011 yet First Class Is still
being written and Is reportly set for filming later this year.Rush job.Granted here Bryan Singer will stay on as producer(although unclear how hands on
he will be) and they are sticking to his Ideas.Now If Joss Whedon was hired to
direct that would make me feel better but I don't know If Fox Is that smart.

While after Jack The Giant Killer Singer could do X-Men 4 provided Fox Is now willing to do a X-Men sequel and not another prequel spinoff.However we could be In the same situation since he Is going to direct a Battlestar Galactica film at some point Inless Fox moves before he Is further along devolping that.

[FaT_tONle]

Nobody. I was just speculating. $150 million is the average price for a blockbuster. Sony are trying to make the Spider-Man reboot for less than $120 million, but thats because they have a newbie director and they'll be hiring a cheap young cast. Fox will probably be doing the same.

Isn't this project more similar to the latter than the usual 200 million dollar tentpole?

Lauren Shuler Donner said it last year. In the article saying Singer is now producing it says "he is leaving because Fox liked the script that Jamie Moss wrote from Singer's treatment so much that the studio wants the film right away, envisioning it as the first leg of a trilogy."

They are going to make sequels if it makes bank, I am not denying that. Doesn't mean it has to be part 1 of 3. It will be a stand alone much like Origins.

And why wouldn't they make a trilogy? They'll have a young cheap cast and a wealth of stories. If X-Men: First Class is a success we're all but guaranteed a sequel.

And that's a BIG IF...

What is there to warm up? If they were going to give us an X4 they'd get started on one. They wouldn't be making a prequel set before the previous trilogy.

No, because they realize most of the cast has moved on and it's too expensive to produce. They'd best sit on it and give it some more time to cook up, so that it will feel as ripe as ever to audiences once the time comes.

I'll say it again. Fox can make DD/FF and X-Men at the same time (thats what they were doing between 2001 - 2005). Avatar just made $2 billion, it's not as though they are strapped for cash.

Doesn't make sense from an economical standpoint. The DD movies came out in Febuary, not the summer. FF was summer but never the same year as X-Men. They won't put out two movies in the summer. Either FC or Wolverine will be released in the summer, but not both. That's what I meant by not the same time. Point is, say Fox completes Wolverine 2/FC by summer 2012, DD can go in the winter slot (2012) earliest. FF in 2013. If Fox waits any longer than that (even then that may be too late) Disney may swoop in. That's why there is an urgency to get these spinoffs completed by 2012.

Warner Bros are making Batman 3, Green Lantern and Superman. Marvel are making Thor, Captain America and The Avengers. It is possible for studios to make more than one comic book movie at a time. It's not as though X-Men in getting in the way of the Fantastic Four reboot.

Marvel, even as a sub branch, has been operating separately from the mothership who is concentrating on their own tentpoles, and they are averaging 1.33 films a year thus far. WB is putting out GL/TDK/Supes in separate summers. Fox will do the same, but there is urgency because of their precarious standing with Disney.

There are shaded of what went down with last Stand.Consider Wolverine II
has a script but won't beguin filming till early 2011 yet First Class Is still
being written and Is reportly set for filming later this year.Rush job.Granted here Bryan Singer will stay on as producer(although unclear how hands on and if they are sticking to his ideas.Now If Joss Whedon was hired to
direct that would make me feel better but I don't know If Fox Is that smart.

While after Jack The Giant Killer Singer could do X-Men 4 provided Fox Is now willing to do a X-Men sequel and not another prequel spinoff.However we could be In the same situation since he Is going to direct a Battlestar Galactica film at some point Inless Fox moves before he Is further along devolping that.

Exactly... oh and Tim Burton also produced Batman 3/4 and we know how that turned out. A causual producer means next to nothing in some circumstances. It could mean a mere advisor.

[the a1ant]

Part of me thinks that Fox is going to get an up-and-coming director and basically have him come in and work with what's already set up by Bryan Singer and writer Jamie Moss. Then when the film comes out, they'll advertise it as Bryan Singer's X-MEN: FIRST CLASS and the actual director will get little to no mention. Kind of like Robert Rodriguez's PREDATORS and The Wachowski's V FOR VENDETTA.

[Electrix]

And that's a BIG IF...

Not really. Every X-Men film has been financially successful. If Fox make X-Men: First Class for less than $100 million with a cheap cast and a cheap director it's bound to make a profit. Even Wolverine, which was all over the internet a month before its release and had negative reviews, made nearly $400 million.

Wolverine also made less than both X2 and X3, so its not as though people JUST go for Wolverine. Fox put 'X-Men' in the title and had mutants such as Gamit, Emma Frost, Cyclops etc. in the marketing. People will still go to see an X-Men film without him. It's just a case of the cast, marketing, competition and whether its any good or not.

[topdog1]

"Do we really need Jack the Giant Killer?"

Damn good question that we all know the answer to.

At least by him producing, the flavor of the film should be right. I'm glad Fox is going ahead because we really don't need to wait. It'll be a great film with the right director and I'm firmly in the "JOSS WHEDON is the right director" camp!

[Angamb]

I hate Fox and their desicions.

[Goldenage Batman]

Come on Joss Whedon, Come on Joss Whedon, Come on Joss Whedon...


See I love Joss Whedon as a writer I realy do, his X-Men run is in my top three favs.....but as a movie director I have more faith in Batman and Robin director Joel Schumacher...Whedon's great director in the Little Leagues(TV)...but in the Major(Movie) well I've already said Joel Schmacher....

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

^Have to disagree, I thought what he did with Serenity on such a small budget was quite unbelievable, its one of my favourite movies of all time, and i'm not even a Whedon enthusiast.

[JackMercy]

Fox must want to get moving... Anyone seen these? The L.A. one was taken down, but it's popped up in various other cities, including NYC and DC. But look who's still listed as Director...

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brx/tfr/1672809185.html

:word:

[TheVileOne]

Could be out of date. Whedon is rumored to be doing Avengers now, but who knows.

I still maintain that an X-men first class by Singer is ridiculous. If Singer comes back, just do a ****ing new movie.

[Phoenix_Flare]

so does anyone know if Fox is going w/the script Singer wrote or are they gonna get a new script since he's producing???

*i remember reading somewhere that they threw out a draft another guy wrote when Singer was slated to direct*

[Electrix]

Fox liked Singer's vision and the script he wrote with Jamie Moss, so they'll probably be sticking with it. Whoever ends up directing may want to make a few changes, but probably nothing big.

[sniktsnakt]

They would probabley put him on such a tight leash even Whedon might not be able to deliver the X-Men movie we want.

Lucky. Disney/Marvel nabbed him first.

At least we'll have some good stuff coming from that quarter. :)

[TheVelvetOnion]

why is people so obessed with whedon doing x-men i didnt like his run on the series and didnt like buffy the vampire slayer why do people think he would make an excellent movie.

[Majik1387]

Because he's good at what he does, and you obviously just don't like good storytelling.:cwink:

[TheVelvetOnion]

hes not good, i think his stories are trying to be too realistic but at the same time in the wrong areas