Official First Class News & Speculation Thread

[Aesop Rocks]

I'll roll my eyes back. TWICE.

[FaT_tONle]

No way a teaser will be out by Potter. Probably more a long the lines of a TIH time frame where we get something substantial only in March. Maybe they'll have something by December but something small and not very CGI intensive.

[Aesop Rocks]

Wait, doesn't 1st Class come out in June? A 3 month period for promotion? :huh:

[misjuevos]

how much of a budget will this movie get

[BMM]

Wait, doesn't 1st Class come out in June? A 3 month period for promotion? :huh:

There will most likely be a trailer released by December or January. I don't believe there's been a single X-Men movie released, produced in a similar timeframe, in which we haven't had a trailer by then.

[JP]

Yeah, all the previous films had trailers by December. And early December at that.

[X-Maniac]

With the Star Trek comparison...I am going to guess that Bishop is coming back in time to stop the events of his future and change the present. So essentially, we get another timeline like with Star Trek. It isn't nullifying all the other movies but it is allowing this to be a new franchise and do new things but still use the same characters. That means all new actors playing the same characters.

This is possible. Bishop needn't even be a time traveller, he could be a precognitive whose visions predict the mutant registration act, Stryker, the cure and the deaths of Scott, Jean and Xavier.

Although it would be rather like Star Trek, it would also mean they had some leeway in the story. I wouldn't object. It all depends on the execution of ideas.

[JustABill]

I really wouldn't mind all of the previous films being erased from existence. 1 and 2 were good films, but ultimately failed as films about the X-Men.

[Da-Scribe]

This is possible. Bishop needn't even be a time traveller, he could be a precognitive whose visions predict the mutant registration act, Stryker, the cure and the deaths of Scott, Jean and Xavier.

Although it would be rather like Star Trek, it would also mean they had some leeway in the story. I wouldn't object. It all depends on the execution of ideas.

I can certainly dig that.

[TNC9852002]

No way a teaser will be out by Potter. Probably more a long the lines of a TIH time frame where we get something substantial only in March. Maybe they'll have something by December but something small and not very CGI intensive.
Oh, a teaser could definitely be ready by the end of November...it all depends on how much they want to show.


By November, they would have been shooting for over 2 months...

I'm talking about a 60-90 second announcement teaser with very rough, untouched effects (if even necessary) and probably just a few narrations, a logo introduction, bits of dialogue, and whatnot..

Remember The Dark Knight's announcement trailer? It was nothing but dialogue and some flashy animation. Something like that will at least get people excited or aware..

[Aesop Rocks]

Hell, they just released an Avengers teaser and that hasn't even started filming yet. I can totally see a 2:30 teaser by December.

[JP]

If we get a short teaser similar to TDK or The Avengers, people will just say its because Fox is cheap and rushing the movie. :rolleyes:

[TNC9852002]

If we get a short teaser similar to TDK or The Avengers, people will just say its because Fox is cheap and rushing the movie. :rolleyes:
Hell yeah..

[misjuevos]

It's strange vaughn wouldn't mind doing something similar to what star trek did. But scrapped a scene because it was similar to another scene.

[JP]

Well, we don't know exactly how it will be similar to Star Trek. People are just assuming things.

[TNC9852002]

He was pretty vague about those Star Trek comparisons anyway, so...it might not mean much of anything..

[Randal Graves]

I don't think it be similar to Star Trek plot wise ; just the younger cast/prequel/reboot aspect.

[Lightning Strykez!]

I really wouldn't mind all of the previous films being erased from existence. 1 and 2 were good films, but ultimately failed as films about the X-Men.

Brilliant. :up:

[TNC9852002]

I guess it's all about how you perceive what an X-Men film should be about.

[JP]

Producer Talks First Class
There was a rumor (http://www.movieweb.com/news/NEJOMJLSzvTaOJ) that Aaron Johnson (http://www.movieweb.com/person/aaron-johnson) was portraying Cyclops. Is that happening at all? Are there any other cast members you can tell us about?

Tarquin Pack (http://www.movieweb.com/person/tarquin-pack): Nothing you don't know about, yeah. Don't believe everything you read in the papers about Aaron (http://www.movieweb.com/person/aaron-johnson), unfortunately. Aaron (http://www.movieweb.com/person/aaron-johnson)'s kind of busy, yeah.

Can you talk a bit about the tone of the film? Will this be similar to the first three films or will you be going in a different direction, tonally?

Tarquin Pack (http://www.movieweb.com/person/tarquin-pack): I think the first two (X-Men (http://www.movieweb.com/movie/x-men) and X2: X-Men United (http://www.movieweb.com/movie/x2-x-men-united)) are the closest to the sort of movie we want to make. This isn't going to be a Kick-Ass (http://www.movieweb.com/dvd/DVk1XoktGw84nn) version of X-Men (http://www.movieweb.com/movie/x-men-first-class). It is what it is and I think Matthew (http://www.movieweb.com/person/matthew-vaughn) will bring a freshness to it. He has a way of authoring movies, like you see in Layer Cake (http://www.movieweb.com/movie/layer-cake), Stardust (http://www.movieweb.com/movie/stardust) and Kick-Ass (http://www.movieweb.com/dvd/DVk1XoktGw84nn), that nuanced outlook will be in X-Men (http://www.movieweb.com/movie/x-men-first-class) because that's just the way he is as a director. That's just the way he works. I think all of the movies he's done, where you expect him to turn right, he turns left. That's why Fox asked him to do an X-Men (http://www.movieweb.com/movie/x-men-first-class) movie (http://www.movieweb.com/news/NEd3AHf26c6Qfk#) and, even though it's a big, franchise American movie, and you might think he'll be turning right like everyone else would, we'll still be turning left (Laughs).

There was a story (http://www.movieweb.com/news/NEw5SYTjRLbHAC) that came out a few days ago where Matthew (http://www.movieweb.com/person/matthew-vaughn) said he had seen Inception (http://www.movieweb.com/movie/inception) and had to cut a few pages out of the script. Can you elaborate on those revisions at all?

Tarquin Pack (http://www.movieweb.com/person/tarquin-pack): I can't go into great detail, but let's just say that an idea we thought we had that was brilliant and original... damn that Christopher Nolan (http://www.movieweb.com/person/christopher-nolan) (Laughs). In the end, there were cuts. You always want everything to be in your film, but they were kind of irritating changes to make, because it was a really cool idea, but I think there's a possibility that there's a version of it that we might be able to use as well. In the end, it wasn't that we had to remove all this stuff in the film that didn't make sense, it was more that it was a really cool device that we thought we were going to be using.http://www.movieweb.com/news/NEd3AHf26c6Qfk


Mentioned Aaron was "busy".. is that a semi confirmation of Cyclops?

[Crockett]

So there we have our super confirmation that Johnson is not portraying Cycolps, shame although I hope they will find a as good actor for the role. Really glad that that they're going for the same tone and direction as X-Men 1&2.

[Project862006]

sounds like a confirmation for aaron johnson not to be in this film

[JP]

sounds like a confirmation for aaron johnson not to be in this film
I'm just saying, he implied that Johnson isn't in the film due to scheduling issues. Maybe I'm grasping at straws, but that sounds like there is still a chance that Cyclops is in the film.

Also, I'm glad Tarquin Pack, another frequent Vaughn collaborator, is producing the film . :up:

[Project862006]

why would there be doubt of cyclops

thats like making avengers w/o cap

[TNC9852002]

Well, if you've been reading the discussion on the Cyclops issue here, you'll understand why there would be a doubt about it...

[Project862006]

why because he has'nt been cast yet?

was'nt james marsden the last to be cast in the original series

[sabetoonth]

i thought that was Hugh Jackman? Tom Jane almost ended up as Logan but he did a movie with Morgan Freeman anf Gene Hackman i think instead of going in for the screen test, so the Punisher was almost Wolverine lol

[Project862006]

might of been logan since hugh was not the first choice

[Randal Graves]

That wasn't really a confirmation. If he wasn't even attached to it, Pack would have said "No, he isn't." So it sounds like their still negotiating or Fox hasn't given them the OK to start announcing things.

[Spider-Fan83]

i thought that was Hugh Jackman? Tom Jane almost ended up as Logan but he did a movie with Morgan Freeman anf Gene Hackman i think instead of going in for the screen test, so the Punisher was almost Wolverine lol

might of been logan since hugh was not the first choice
ya, but the point is Cyclops was still the last character to be cast....wolverine was already cast at the time, but, it fell throw last minute and they needed to find a replacement.. (i.e. Jackman)
so, though, Jackman was the last to join the cast, the character of wolverine was still orginally cast first before cyclops got cast...

[Man of Tomorrow]

I thought Cyclops, Jean and the others from the previous film (except Beast, Prof X and Magento) aren't in this.

[Doctor Jones]

I don't get why people think Cyclops isn't in this film. Just because we haven't heard much doesn't mean he's not in it. They're obviously saving them for last and are being careful who to cast.

[JP]

Nothing about this film is "obvious".

Part of the reason I'm so looking forward to it.

[BMM]

That wasn't really a confirmation. If he wasn't even attached to it, Park would have said "No, he isn't." So it sounds like their still negotiating or Fox hasn't given them the OK to start announcing things.

That's what I'm thinking... or hoping. It wasn't a clear-cut denial, but it certainly wasn't a confirmation.

[BenReilly]

This is basically the closest of a confirmation we have to Cyclops and Jean Grey.

The L.A. Times piece from March, on Bryan Singer:

That's why Shuler Donner went to Singer with "X-Men: First Class," a prequel to the 2000 film that shares its name with the eight-issue comics series that began in 2006 and was written by Jeff Parker with art by Roger Cruz. Singer says the film will find its axis in the relationship between Professor X and Magneto and the point where their friendship soured.

It will also detail the beginning of the school for mutants and have younger incarnations of some characters with new actors in roles of Cyclops, Jean Grey, the Beast, etc. (He only shrugged when asked if Hugh Jackman might appear as Wolverine, the one character who doesn't age at the same rate as humans.)

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2010/03/bryan-singer-and-the-xmen-together-again.html

Also, this report from the Hollywood Reporter from May:

Word among the Hollywood community is that Singer has been using "Giant Killer's" casting process as an opportunity to look for potential X-Men, vetting actors who may be qualified to play a young Cyclops or young Jean Grey.

http://heatvision.hollywoodreporter.com/2010/05/xmen-first-class-already-casting.html

[The Original Bamfer]

I don't see why there'd be a prequel film with other students, but no Cyclops and Jean. :huh:

[TheWatcher]

I still want Johnson as Cyclops DANGGIT!

[misjuevos]

Optic blast! Just love seein it on screen one of the best parts about an x-men movie. That and the tp/tk stuff. Not to mention the bamfing. Wonder if we will ever see nightcrawler again.

[sabetoonth]

i hope we do, i love him in X2

[Electrix]

I'm thinking they cast Beast quite early on so the actor could prepare physically for the role and so they could get the prosthetics made.

Cyclops/Jean/Storm just require themselves so scheduling-wise there is less need to cast them so quickly, as long as it is before filming.

[X-Maniac]

I don't see why there'd be a prequel film with other students, but no Cyclops and Jean. :huh:

Well, if it's set in the 60s (as has been suggested), and if it shows the early years of Xavier/Magneto and events leading up to the establishment of the school, then Cyclops and Jean would not have huge roles in the story. They would not even be born in the 1960s for a start, unless you have a bizarre notion that they were more than 50 years old in the previous films. :doh:

It could be that the first students will figure in later part of the film and be included more fully in a sequel.

After all, no one expected Cyclops or Jean to pop up in X-Men Origins: Magneto.

This film seems to be more about the formation of the school. We could only see Cyclops and Jean in scenes set in the 1980s and beyond.

[Blackman]

Is it all iin the 60s? I thought part of it would be with the rest taking place later.
But it would be stupid to have Havoc and no Cyclops

[marvelrobbins]

Once again why Is everyone assuming the entire film would be In the 1960's.Bryan Singer
called this the formative years of Xavier and magneto.The synopis suggests the film spawns from Xavier and magneto meeting to their falling out.Magneto Is still with Xavier when Jean Is found.And do you really think they would have beast a teenager In the 1960's?Remember repots of searching for actor to play a teenage Xavier? Uing Star Trek as model you could beguin with Xavier as teenage jumping ahead to when he and magneto meet and become friends and then jumping years later to after the school Is open where the main part of the film takes place.I think Cyclops and Jean will be In this film but It Is up In the air exactly how large their roles are.

[TNC9852002]

No one is suggesting explicitly that the entire film will be set in one time period.

It is clear however that the majority of the film will center around the late 60's/early 70's...

[misjuevos]

The opening for x-men was great seeing magneto in the camp. I wonder if they will pickup from their and just build on his hatred. Maybe show him in the camp then can jump forward.

[insane polaris]

I would love the opening scene to be Teen Xavier sat round a radio with his family, listen a news report about Jews being taken into camps (linking to X1 opening scene)

then Xavier suddenly starts picking up the thoughts of the Jewish victims... mainly a scared teenage boy (Eric) maybe into cut with the X1 opening scene.

[Doctor Jones]

That's a great idea actually.

[Doctor Jones]

Nothing about this film is "obvious".

Part of the reason I'm so looking forward to it.

Okay, maybe not obvious, but they seem to be saving casting those two for last and are being more careful in deciding. But it would be silly for them not to include those two characters. I'm 100% confident they are in. If I'm wrong, then boy...

[Doctor Jones]

Okay, so before this film comes out, I'd like to get into some X-Men comics to read. Can anyone reccomend any for me to start off with the basics please?

[Blackman]

Messiah Complex
House of M
Old Man Logan (the first one)
Dark Phoenix Saga

Not pertaining to all X-Men
Wolverine: Origins Vol. 1 - Born in Blood
Some Deadpool like Suicide Kings, Deadpool: Merc With a Mouth

[JP]

I'd suggest picking up a First Class TPB, but that really isn't a good representation of the X-Men. As I've said before its pretty much cheesy Saturday morning fun.

[Crockett]

I like God loves, Man kills. It's a good read and it served as the plot for the X2. And Days of Future Past is just one of the great story from Claremont's run and it picks up after the Dark Phoenix Saga.

[marvelrobbins]

My recommendation Is start out with X-Men:Children of the Atom.It Is good
retelling of how the X-Men come together.

If you can find back Issues I suggest find Classic X-Men reprints.It was the runs of Chris Claremont and Dave Cokcrum and then Chris Claremont and
John Bryne that turned X-Men Into the biggest comic book.If you can't then
try to find the Dark Phoenix Saga and Days of Future Past trade paperbacks.

If you want to see a good sole Wolverine story try the trade paperback of
the Classic Wolverine miniseries by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller.

If you want to read a more recent X-Men story then check out Joss Whedon's
run on Astonshing X-Men.

I am more a classic X-Men fan.I have books of titles,Reprints,paperbacks that
range from begining to Joss Whedon's Astonshing X-Men as well as reprint of first Issue of Ultimate X-Men and Issues 2-33.So I am not totally ignorent of the Ultimate version of X-Men.

I am one who was slowly pushed out of buy X-Men comics after Joe Q become Editor In Chief and the run of Grant Morrison.

[psyonic]

older stuff:
Dark Phoenix Saga
Mutant Massacre
God Loves Man Kills

newer stuff:
New X-men # 113 - 156 (Grant Morrison)
Astonishing X-Men (Joss Whedon)

[Matt Mortem]

Whedon's X-Men was really good, but if you can get your hands on some of Claremonts stuff via TPB then go for it

[AntiG]

No one is suggesting explicitly that the entire film will be set in one time period.

Well, I assume such possibility. The fact that Beast and Mystique are already cast (when Scott and Jean not) makes me think so. And Havoc is in Ultimate universe quite elder then Scott, so it's not necessary for them to appear together. Alex can join X-Men only after Xavier promised to find his brother.

I wouldn't mind to see totally new mutants as lead characters, NOT on the background of the film with Cyclops, Jean and Storm getting all the screentime once again. I don't mind to see them in the sequel. Maybe Charles and Erik would decide to build the school only by the end of the first movie, so the sequel can easily be set 10-15 years later with Scott, Jean and Storm as first true students.

I don't want to see "The First Class" jumping from 60s to 70s or 80s as "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" did. Let it be the Charles and Erik movie... There are a lot stuff to happen in 60s: they need to find each other, decide to search people with special abilities, find money (probably from Emma Frost) to build Cerebro, find Hank McCoy to help engineer it, meet Mystique, Havoc, Banshee, Darwin... and to deal with the villain.

[marvelrobbins]

The Star Trek Compassions almost certainly means It will jump through time.And doing the film you describ would mean Beast as 20 years older than Cyclops,and Jean.And I seriously doudt Havoc would be In Film and no Cyclops.

[AntiG]

And doing the film you describ would mean Beast as 20 years older than Cyclops,and Jean.
But he IS about 20 years older than Cyclops in X3.

[TNC9852002]

Well, it's never clear how old Beast is "supposed" to be in X3...

[marvelrobbins]

My thoughts exactly.

[Michellemabelle]

Even though it had Kelsey Grammer, a man much older than James Marsden, playing Beast, I'd always assumed Hank had been in the same class as Jean, Scott, and Ororo.

[The Wizard]

Hank was in their class in the comics, but the films, as we know, played with the timeline a bit.

[JustABill]

Ororo was not in the same class or join the school at the same time as Jean, Scott, and Hank in the comics. Ororo came to the X-Men alongside Wolverine, Colossus, Banshee, and Nightcrawler.

Scott, Hank, Warren, and Bobby were the first students Xavier gathered, with Jean completing the original first class.

[JP]

Tom Rothman: "X-Men: First Class was Bryan Singer's idea and Matthew Vaughn has started directing it. Firstly, it's about the foundation of the friendship between Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr and then eventually the evolution of the split between Professor X and Magneto. In many ways it's bigger than we may have been before in the X-films because it's global - it goes all around the world in it's natural story evolution."

From Empire Magazine

[Doctor Jones]

Thanks for the reccomendations guys. I think I'll start with Whedon's Astonishing X-Men. I just gotta get it now which will probably take a while.

[The Batman]

....I dont see why people assume cyke and jean wont be in this movie. They even threw in scott for wolverine, a film he really had no business being in (just like the countless other mutants they threw in). Fox is gonna put some guys with name recognition, specially since this is their big non-wolverine movie

[Michellemabelle]

I know Ororo wasn't part of the original X-Men class in the comics, I'm just saying I thought that Hank was part of the original class, including her, in the films. Claremont's novelization (while not canon), also made mention of him being around as a student when Storm was.

[SuperT]

I always assumed it was implied that in the movie-verse Jean, Scott, Ororo, and Hank were all members of the first class at Xaviers school.

[psyonic]

Who cares what time period this movie is set in or if they're in the same class. It's irrelevant at this point. Storm could have joined after Beast left for all we know and they just know each other through Xavier. X3 was emotionally vague and didn't have any character development at all for the new characters, so hopefully First Class will fill in all the gaps.

[X-Maniac]

Well, it's never clear how old Beast is "supposed" to be in X3...

That's true, although the original opening scene had Beast as the driver of the car that brought Xavier and Magneto to Jean's house and those two wishing Beast well with his political future. Based on that, the intention was that he was older than the others.

[X-Maniac]

I always assumed it was implied that in the movie-verse Jean, Scott, Ororo, and Hank were all members of the first class at Xaviers school.

It was never stated they were all the same age and there at the same time.

Xavier said Storm, Jean and Scott were some of his first students. Beast was clearly there in the early days at some point but nothing has been pinned down to exact dates, ages and years.

Stop being so OCD people!

[The Original Bamfer]

It's pretty well established that Storm and Beast knew each other well and that the latter was a student at one point. Would I assume that Beast is older than the other former-students? Yes. But that's just making a judgment based on the actor who played him, as well as the mature nature of the character - though I picture Beast as someone who's always been more mature for his age. So, it wouldn't make a lick of difference if Beast is the same age as the others.

[The Wizard]

That's true, although the original opening scene had Beast as the driver of the car that brought Xavier and Magneto to Jean's house and those two wishing Beast well with his political future. Based on that, the intention was that he was older than the others.

Where did you read this? Is there a link to it?

[The Original Bamfer]

Where did you read this? Is there a link to it?

I believe it was in the summary of the leaked script that surfaced long before the film.

[JP]

Surprised there's no First Class script review yet. Previous 4 films all had one.

[squeekness]

Surprised there's no First Class script review yet. Previous 4 films all had one.I wouldn't want to know. I didn't read the others and I won't read this one either. I don't like to be that spoiled before I go in. :)

[JP]

I definitely don't want one either.

[The Original Bamfer]

If there is one, I won't want to read it. But I will. :o

[Doc Ock]

I wouldn't want to know. I didn't read the others and I won't read this one either. I don't like to be that spoiled before I go in. :)

I agree, spoilers sometimes ruin things for me. :p

[Randal Graves]

I always try to stay away from spoilers, but I end up caving.

[The Wizard]

I'd read a script review if one was released. Question is, when will it be?

[The Original Bamfer]

I'd read a script review if one was released. Question is, when will it be?

It may never happen - it's not something studios usually want to happen.

[FaT_tONle]

Once again why Is everyone assuming the entire film would be In the 1960's.Bryan Singer
called this the formative years of Xavier and magneto.The synopis suggests the film spawns from Xavier and magneto meeting to their falling out.Magneto Is still with Xavier when Jean Is found.And do you really think they would have beast a teenager In the 1960's?Remember repots of searching for actor to play a teenage Xavier? Uing Star Trek as model you could beguin with Xavier as teenage jumping ahead to when he and magneto meet and become friends and then jumping years later to after the school Is open where the main part of the film takes place.I think Cyclops and Jean will be In this film but It Is up In the air exactly how large their roles are.

Well people are acting like Scott/Jean will be featured roles... and they could be if they have enough makeup to age Mags and Xavs, but I am thinking they are just going to come in the last act of the movie. They may still hire name actors for sequel possibilities, but if those roles are small we obviously know they'd be more than willing to recast for FC2 or X-4 (definitely for X-4 regardless if it happens any time soon).

Well, I assume such possibility. The fact that Beast and Mystique are already cast (when Scott and Jean not) makes me think so. And Havoc is in Ultimate universe quite elder then Scott, so it's not necessary for them to appear together. Alex can join X-Men only after Xavier promised to find his brother.


Well Beast is older and they casted a teen looking actor. Mystique's age is ambiguous, much like Wolverine's. Havok is a problem.


I don't want to see "The First Class" jumping from 60s to 70s or 80s as "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" did. Let it be the Charles and Erik movie... There are a lot stuff to happen in 60s: they need to find each other, decide to search people with special abilities, find money (probably from Emma Frost) to build Cerebro, find Hank McCoy to help engineer it, meet Mystique, Havoc, Banshee, Darwin... and to deal with the villain.Agreed... you can't cover 3 decades in one movie and expect a perfectly edited, coherent story with something like X-Men. Something critical will not be developed sufficiently.

It's pretty well established that Storm and Beast knew each other well and that the latter was a student at one point. Would I assume that Beast is older than the other former-students? Yes. But that's just making a judgment based on the actor who played him, as well as the mature nature of the character - though I picture Beast as someone who's always been more mature for his age. So, it wouldn't make a lick of difference if Beast is the same age as the others.

You think Storm has to be in the same class as Beast to be that close to him? The vibe I got was that it was a big brother little sister thing. He could have even been a young teacher to the class that was really close to the X-Men when they were kids. The guy was way older if I had to guess. He had a political career. I doubt he was in his 30's-40's... anyhow these are mindless details. I got no problems with Hoult because 20 vs 35 old Charles/Eric is right where I expected it.

[danoyse]

I wouldn't want to know. I didn't read the others and I won't read this one either. I don't like to be that spoiled before I go in. :)

Same here. Movies are much more fun that way. :up:

[akfj]

Surprised there's no First Class script review yet. Previous 4 films all had one.

The problem is, which draft would it be? Josh Schwartz's script that was thrown out, Jamie Moss' draft, the Thor writers' draft, or Jane Goldman's final draft?

It wouldn't be good to have a script review released of a previous draft that would cause fans to jump to conclusions about things that may or may not still be in the film.

[The Wizard]

Didn't Vaughn co-write the final draft with Goldman?

[Kane52630]

am I lost? looks like I found the First Class News thread :P

so are they still filming?

[Electrix]

I think being in the UK may help security. Usually script thieves prowl the studio lots in LA, and sites have regular sources who work for studios and agencies etc.

[akfj]

Didn't Vaughn co-write the final draft with Goldman?

He probably had input, but I don't know if he actually did any writing for it. He probably told Jane Goldman what he wanted to add/take out and then she re-wrote the script based on that.

am I lost? looks like I found the First Class News thread :P

so are they still filming?

According to Vaughn's interviews from a few days ago they haven't started yet.

[squeekness]

Same here. Movies are much more fun that way. :up:I remember not enjoying X3 as much when I went because I knew too much about what was going to happen. :(

[TNC9852002]

I definitely spoiled myself rotten with X3 media and news before the release..

I still have a bunch of pics, scans, and clips on my hard drive from it..

[Kane52630]

I definitely spoiled myself rotten with X3 media and news before the release..

I still have a bunch of pics, scans, and clips on my hard drive from it..

I did the same with Spider-man 3. I looked at everything I could find from the film before it came out.

[TNC9852002]

I did the same with Spider-man 3. I looked at everything I could find from the film before it came out.

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/3087/juggernautvswolverine.gif

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/2853/finalbattleentrance.gif

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/880/18rg1.gif

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/1420/29yy.gif

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1020/beastpounce01.gif

[danoyse]

I remember not enjoying X3 as much when I went because I knew too much about what was going to happen. :(

So did I, which is why from that point forward I stayed away from major spoilers. I don't even watch the clips they release online until after I see the movie.

[squeekness]

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/3087/juggernautvswolverine.gif

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/2853/finalbattleentrance.gif

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/880/18rg1.gif

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/1420/29yy.gif

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1020/beastpounce01.gifOooh! Presents! :D *clicks and saves*

[squeekness]

So did I, which is why from that point forward I stayed away from major spoilers. I don't even watch the clips they release online until after I see the movie.I am guilty of watching vids and commercials, I find that kind of temptation too much to resist. I do however steer clear of script leaks and bootleg workprints. :argh:

[Sawyer]

Kelsey Grammar was, for my money, the best comic book movie casting ever.

[TNC9852002]

Yeah, I couldn't believe that they were able to get him for the role...

[Project862006]

looking at gifs as bad as x3 was i did love the scale and cinematic appeal it had that the previous 2 did not

[squeekness]

Kelsey Grammar was, for my money, the best comic book movie casting ever.Yeah, he was perfect. About as perfect as Patrick Stweart was as Xavier. :)

[Kane52630]

Yeah, he was perfect. About as perfect as Patrick Stweart was as Xavier. :)

eh I dont know, Stweart was great (im not saying he was bad) but I always wondered if Pete Postlethwaite could've been a great Xavier

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Postlethwaite

[squeekness]

eh I dont know, Stweart was great (im not saying he was bad) but I always wondered if Pete Postlethwaite could've been a great Xavier

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_PostlethwaitePete's one of my faves, but in this role, I think Stewart would still have been better. :)

[Crockett]

One of the casting role which I think is great that they manage to get a talented actor as Sir Ian Mckellen for the role as Magneto.
He and Patrick was great as Erik and Charles respectively.

[TNC9852002]

looking at gifs as bad as x3 was i did love the scale and cinematic appeal it had that the previous 2 did not
Well, I think the intention was to lead into X3 with something on a larger scale naturally...

[Ipodman]

Well, I think the intention was to lead into X3 with something on a larger scale naturally...

I've heard people say Wolverine feels like a very good TV Show

[TNC9852002]

Yeah, Wolverine had a straight-to-DVD kind of feel to it.. :p

[sabetoonth]

ya, but the point is Cyclops was still the last character to be cast....wolverine was already cast at the time, but, it fell throw last minute and they needed to find a replacement.. (i.e. Jackman)
so, though, Jackman was the last to join the cast, the character of wolverine was still orginally cast first before cyclops got cast...
alrighty then
One of the casting role which I think is great that they manage to get a talented actor as Sir Ian Mckellen for the role as Magneto.
He and Patrick was great as Erik and Charles respectively.
I think the best casting in the trilogy was Magneto, Beast, Xavier, and Wolverine, imo

[Ipodman]

I think the best casting in the trilogy was Magneto, Beast, Xavier, and Wolverine, imo

Yea Magneto and Xavier were spot on

[sabetoonth]

indefinatly, every time i read comics with them in it, its their voices i hear reading the dialouge, with Wolverine and Beast its the voices from the 90s TV show

[TNC9852002]

I dunno about Magneto...

At the time, I remember everyone loving Stewart as Xavier, but people questioned McKellen's age and physique...

[Project862006]

yeah but how many old guys are that shredded

[TNC9852002]

We've been totally spoiled by the voice actors from the 90's animated series...I mean, almost every single voice was special and brought the right kind of depth and at times, campiness to the characters...

I love the newer shows and everything (X-Men Evolution, Wolverine and the X-Men), but some of the voices in the show sounded so much like forced impersonations or the actors tended to over dramatize too much...

[The Original Bamfer]

We've been totally spoiled by the voice actors from the 90's animated series...I mean, almost every single voice was special and brought the right kind of depth and at times, campiness to the characters...

I love the newer shows and everything (X-Men Evolution, Wolverine and the X-Men), but some of the voices in the show sounded so much like forced impersonations or the actors tended to over dramatize too much...

I'm not sure the voice acting in the 90's animated series was that special. :o

[TNC9852002]

yeah but how many old guys are that shredded
Well, I don't think they were expecting anyone to be shredded (other than Wolverine), but it was obvious even to the filmmakers that they needed to "thicken up" McKellen for the role..

[TNC9852002]

I'm not sure the voice acting in the 90's animated series was that special. :o
In general, I believe that show set many benchmarks for the conditioned voices and attitudes that would be displayed upon their characters for future references...Like, in the video games for example...

...and hey, it got enough recognition to create a George Buza cameo.. :p

It's similar to the kind of praise the old Batman TAS voice actors are still getting today for their work on the show..

[Ipodman]

The voice acting in the animated series was top-notch... especially Gambit and Rogue.

[Project862006]

gambit's voice always stuck with me

[The Original Bamfer]

In general, I believe that show set many benchmarks for the conditioned voice and attitudes that would be displayed upon their characters in future references...Like, in the video games for example...

...and hey, it got enough recognition to create a George Buza cameo.. :p

True, I don't deny how it may have shaped the franchise (and aided in it's popularity,) but Storm? Shameful. :csad:

[akfj]

In general, I believe that show set many benchmarks for the conditioned voices and attitudes that would be displayed upon their characters for future references...Like, in the video games for example...

...and hey, it got enough recognition to create a George Buza cameo.. :p

It's similar to the kind of praise the old Batman TAS voice actors are still getting today for their work on the show..

It was leagues above what had come before with X-Men voice actors. Wolverine was finally without an Australian accent.

[TNC9852002]

True, I don't deny how it may have shaped the franchise (and aided in it's popularity,) but Storm? Shameful. :csad:
I have no idea what kind of accent they had the voice actress use for the show....but I think a lot of people liked what they did with it nonetheless. :p I'm glad that the later incarnations scrapped that corny weather-praying religious dialogue that they tended to give her.. :p

[sabetoonth]

i loved how i could hardly understand i damned thing Gambit said, i taped some of the old series when it was on jetx or whatever

[Ipodman]

i loved how i could hardly understand i damned thing Gambit said, i taped some of the old series when it was on jetx or whatever

Orly? I didnt particularly find any character whos voice i could understand...

[danoyse]

It was leagues above what had come before with X-Men voice actors. Wolverine was finally without an Australian accent.

I never saw the original animated series until after I saw the second movie, but for some reason I thought the guy who did Wolverine's voice sounded like Popeye every time he got mad. Seriously. :oldrazz:

[Gold Samurai]

I thought Cyclops, Jean and the others from the previous film (except Beast, Prof X and Magento) aren't in this.


They'll probably have small roles yeah.

-Xavier might talk to one of them in the hall
-Brief segments of everyone before joining the school.

But I think it's going to mainly focus on Xavier and Erik. Here's how I think the movies will be structured

1- Xavier and Erik

2- X-men are formed

3- Young X-men tested

[Ipodman]

Cyclops and Jean is not in this? WHHAAAAAT!!!

[JP]

We don't know, calm down.

Oh, and the TAS voice cast.. oof. That is all.

[Ipodman]

oof?

[JP]

Yes. :huh:

[psyonic]

How can you not know oof!:oldrazz:

[Ipodman]

I don't. Whats oof?

[JP]

What does it sound like?

[Kane52630]

We don't know, calm down.

Oh, and the TAS voice cast.. oof. That is all.

oof?

Yes. :huh:

How can you not know oof!:oldrazz:

I don't. Whats oof?

What does it sound like?

q-BVwwKTjlI

[huzzah]

Kelsey Grammar was, for my money, the best comic book movie casting ever.

I know my response is one page late but Kelsey was bang on the money with portrayal as Beast.

[scatterax]

i've watched x3 just for the beast scenes b4.

[JP]

Well, if Vaughn got it so right the first time. . .

[JP]

One thing I love about Vaughn is how blunt, honest, and opinionated he can be.

'Mined to death'? 'X-Men' director says Hollywood is killing the superhero movie (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2010/08/mined-to-death-xmen-director-says-hollywood-is-killing-the-superhero-movie.html)
August 6, 2010 | 9:18 am
The clock is ticking on the superhero craze in Hollywood, according to Matthew Vaughn, the director now filming "X-Men: First Class" for Fox in London.

"It's been mined to death and in some cases the quality control is not what it's supposed to be," Vaughn said. "People are just going to get bored of it."

Vaughn, who produced, directed and co-wrote "Kick-Ass," says he pounced on the chance to make a film about the uncanny mutants from Marvel Comics (http://marvel.com/) because he expects the current boom in superhero cinema to fizzle out in the near future.
"I've always wanted to do a big-budget superhero film and I think we've kind of crossed the Rubicon with superhero films," Vaughn said. "I think [the opportunity to do one], it's only going to be there two or three more times."
"Then," he added, "the genre is going to be dead for a while because the audience has just been pummeled too much."

Next summer, "X-Men: First Class" will join "Captain America: The First Avenger," "Thor" and "Green Lantern" in a parade of costumed heroes in big-budget films at the cineplex.
Vaughn said audience fatigue is already starting to set in. The subject material can't sustain the Hollywood trample, he said, and the inevitable box-office duds and derivative projects will mark the end of the gold rush by studios.

"It is a crowded room," Vaughn said "It's too crowded."
The 39-year-old filmmaker (who is married to German model Claudia Schiffer (http://claudiaschiffer.com/)) is known for a candor that is rare in Hollywood circles.

He had been in talks to direct the third "X-Men" film but that didn't work out (he instead went off to make the underrated "Stardust") and the superhero project went to Brett Ratner (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0711840/) ("Rush Hour"), who delivered "X-Men: The Last Stand," the 2006 film that became the biggest money-maker (http://boxofficemojo.com/franchises/chart/?id=xmen.htm) in the franchise despite far more sour reviews (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/x_men_3_the_last_stand/) than the two previous films.

Vaughn didn't shy away from slagging on Ratner's film: "As it happens, I could have made something a hundred times better than the film that was eventually made," Vaughn told the Daily Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/starsandstories/3668336/Matthew-Vaughn-The-Brit-whos-making-the-stars-shine.html). "It sounds arrogant, but I could have done something with far more emotion and heart."

Vaughn made his mark in movies as the producer of three Guy Ritchie films -- "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels," "Snatch" and "Swept Away." He made his directorial debut with "Layer Cake" in 2004. "X-Men: First Class (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1270798/)," starring James McAvoy as Charles Xavier (aka Professor X) and Michael Fassbender as Erik Lehnsherr (aka, Magneto) is due in theaters in June 2011.
-- Geoff Boucher
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2010/08/mined-to-death-xmen-director-says-hollywood-is-killing-the-superhero-movie.html

[DarkSovereignty]

i don't want it to die out, but i do think that after next summer it sould simmer down a little, give it a few years before the next big superhero movie.

[Squidboy]

I'm not sure the voice acting in the 90's animated series was that special. :o

The episode "The Fifth Horseman" proves that not every character was given the star treatment.. poor Fabian Cortez got a Shatner-esque actor in that show.

i don't want it to die out, but i do think that after next summer it sould simmer down a little, give it a few years before the next big superhero movie.

The following year or two we're getting the Avengers and probably a Batman or Superman movie, so I don't know if these types of blockbuster movies are going to beat a dead horse, or just bring the horse back to life. Hopefully it's the latter, since Dark Knight brought a whole new level of quality for the Superhero genre.

[Squidboy]

Thanks for the reccomendations guys. I think I'll start with Whedon's Astonishing X-Men. I just gotta get it now which will probably take a while.

I'd suggest reading Morrison's New X-Men run, since Whedon's run is seen as a semi-sequel to that book, in regards to its cast and some of the plot elements used in Joss' run.

[TNC9852002]

Ratner's arrogance felt kinda disrespectful and jocky, while Vaugh's arrogance feels more like confidence and determination.. :p

[FaT_tONle]

One thing I love about Vaughn is how blunt, honest, and opinionated he can be.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2010/08/mined-to-death-xmen-director-says-hollywood-is-killing-the-superhero-movie.html

Vaughn needs to get over himself. It's laughable... you can't say the genre is being milked to death and then turn around and do a Kick Ass and X-Men movie, and bash Ratner when YOU walked away from that, only to turn around and work for the same studio on the same franchise again. If I don't pay for this movie, it will probably be to spite Vaughn more so than Fox if this hypocrisy persists.

[TNC9852002]

C'mon, I know you really don't like Vaughn, but you're kinda twisting his words a little..

He said that it's always been his dream to do a superhero movie like X-Men or Kick-Ass. He's saying that it's just unfortunate that the superhero genre is getting a little crowded now and he fears the hype is wearing off...He shouldn't have to give up on making the films that he wants to make.

[FaT_tONle]

No one is disagreeing with the superhero movie sentiment. Just stop bashing Ratner and dragging yourself down to fanboy level. It's petty and unprofessional. And I'm sorry, if you consider yourself a visionary film maker, and then go on to direct another run of the mill genre movie, and agree to deliver it on an insanely short time frame, that's not exactly alleviating the problem is it? Maybe this film will be unlike any other X-Men movie, or SH movie, but you are adding to the over saturation. If you didn't want to do it then, why now?

[JP]

Uh, his Ratner comment is the same comment from a year or two ago. LA Times quoted that article.

And to answer your question, well he just ANSWERED that exact question in the article. He wants to direct a big budget super hero movie (which is something he's never done) and he wants to do it before the genre dies.

He's explained why he walked away from X3 countless of times. He knew he wouldn't be able to make the film he wanted to make in the time (and Budget) Fox provided. He said in another interview that when he was attached, the budget for X3 was small. It wasn't until Ratner came on board where the budget got insane.

I get when us fanboys bash people like Ratner or McG.. but when people start bashing Nolan, or Favreau, or Raimi, or Vaughn it honestly plagues me. Is it because they're so well liked? Is it because their films are beloved by the rest of the fandom? It is just a backlash by those who want to be different?

Sure, Vaughn is cocky, but as long as he continues to produce great films, he can say whatever he wants, IMO.

[Electrix]

And I'm sorry, if you consider yourself a visionary film maker, and then go on to direct another run of the mill genre movie, and agree to deliver it on an insanely short time frame, that's not exactly alleviating the problem is it?

Vaughn doesn't consider himself a 'visionary director'. He just said he could have made a better movie than Ratner, and if you compare both of their past movies Vaughn probably could have.

(btw, you're sprouting off about something Vaughn said 3 years ago)

[JP]

(btw, you're sprouting off about something Vaughn said 3 years ago)
Yeah, some people have trouble reading, I guess.

[Lightning Strykez!]

Vaughn didn't shy away from slagging on Ratner's film: "As it happens, I could have made something a hundred times better than the film that was eventually made," Vaughn told the Daily Telegraph. "It sounds arrogant, but I could have done something with far more emotion and heart."

This was a stupid (and unneccessary) comment--even then. :down

Anyone that looks at the battle between Jean Grey and Xavier in that house can see the heart and emotion at work. Ratner clearly had to deal with different circumstances than what Vaughn has to work with now. EVERY hero film that came from FOX during that period of time (pre-Marvel Studios) was crap and micromanaged. Now FOX has to raise their quality standards to Marvel Studios' and suddenly guys like Matthew have a bit more leverage than the Tim Storys, Brett Ratners--and even the Bryan Singers--had with that regime.

[JP]

Lighting, that comment is years old.

But, IMO its not far from the truth. There is no heart or soul in X3. The scene in X2 with Storm and Nightcrawler in the jet had 100x times more emotion than anything in X3. Ratner focused on mindless action, and cheesy one liners, and anytime there was a deep emotional scene, he just glossed over it. Mystique's cure.. lifeless. Jeans death... a snooze. Xavier's eulogy.. forced and ill executed.

[Electrix]

Hit-Girl looking at her hot chocolate moved me more than anything I saw in X3. Things that should have packed an emotional punch didn't. It was all rushed from action scene to action scene from a director who said himself that he has a short attention span and wanted to make the movies more 'sexy'.

We've gone from this type of director:

IESB: If you could go back and do X-Men 3 differently, would you?

Brett: "No. I loved it! I'm right, and they're wrong."

jebutlin: A lot of people say that X3 became a bit overloaded with characters. What are your thoughts on those criticisms?
"The more the merrier."

Chip Denver: I've heard all kinds of wild rumours about the reason why Jean Grey doesn't speak in the second half of X3... what's the real story?
"I have no idea. It wasn't a plan that she was mute."

To this type of director:

“I’m very keen that it has a lot of heart, this movie,” he added. “You understand where these characters have come from, and you obviously know where they’re going, but to see that very important point of their lives where they’re discovering their power and working out their ethical take on what to do with their power — it’s a very interesting story to tell. I want it to be a very good film, and I’m working very hard to create one for you.”

[The Original Bamfer]

Yeah, Vaughn could definitely make something a hundred times better.

[JP]

Those Ratner quotes. :doh::doh:

Jeez.

[Lightning Strykez!]

Lighting, that comment is years old.

But, IMO its not far from the truth. There is no heart or soul in X3.

I disagree with that.


\Ratner focused on mindless action

I disagree with this also. X3 was the first film that actually packed the amount of action that a normal X-Men comic would possess. It may have been more raw and less artsy, but it was a true COMIC BOOK film.


and cheesy one liners, and anytime there was a deep emotional scene, he just glossed over it. Mystique's cure.. lifeless. Jeans death... a snooze. Xavier's eulogy.. forced and ill executed.

And Ratner's responsible for this, how? By the time he came on board everything was set, locked down and non-negotiable as far as Rothman was concerned. All of those politics involving Bryan, James Marsden, etc. were completely BEYOND Brett Ratner's control, and we all know that.

The "cheesy one-liners" were a result of the hack writers which FOX had continuously regurgitated from Elektra and the Fantastic Four films...all of which suffered from the same handicaps. Not exactly sure why you'd expect the director to bring blood from those kinds of turnips--especially in the short time frame (we're talking weeks during the whole Bryan Singer> Matthew Vaugn> Brett Ratner musical chair process) Brett had to pull things together in order to shoot a film that met FOX's uber-ridiculous timeframe to beat Bryan's Superman Returns at the box office.

Brett was set up for failure from the very beginning. Vaughn just avoided the disaster and then perched from a rooftop looked at the wreckage and made that quote. It was a stupid comment. I don't care how many years ago it was. :down

[Project862006]

i agree on the action X3 actually delivered on x men style action

[JP]

And Ratner's responsible for this, how? By the time he came on board everything was set, locked down and non-negotiable as far as Rothman was concerned. All of those politics involving Bryan, James Marsden, etc. were completely BEYOND Brett Ratner's control, and we all know that.

The "cheesy one-liners" were a result of the hack writers which FOX had continuously regurgitated from Elektra and the Fantastic Four films...all of which suffered from the same handicaps. Not exactly sure why you'd expect the director to bring blood from those kinds of turnips--especially in the short time frame (we're talking weeks during the whole Bryan Singer> Matthew Vaugn> Brett Ratner musical chair process) Brett had to pull things together.

Of course he's responsible. Watch any of his films. They're FILLED with cheesy one liners. It's like his stamp. A director works with writers all throughout production. If he didn't like a line, he asks the writers to change it.

[Lightning Strykez!]

Of course he's responsible. Watch any of his films. They're FILLED with cheesy one liners. It's like his stamp. A director works with writers all throughout production. If he didn't like a line, he asks the writers to change it.

Read my edited post. There were many factors involved that must be taken into consideration. Responsibility for X3's failure should be shared--I would never place all of it at Brett's feet.

Not even most of it.

[Electrix]

It was a stupid comment. I don't care how many years ago it was. :down

Stupid maybe, but true.

[JP]

Read my edited post. There were many factors involved that must be taken into consideration. Responsibility for X3's failure should be shared--I would never place all of it at Brett's feet.

Not even most of it.

I don't give him full blame. I blame him for the poor direction. Just as I blame the writers for the poor writing.

[Lightning Strykez!]

Stupid maybe, but true.

That, my friend, remains to be seen.

If memory recalls, Brett's prior films faired well with critics, as have Matthew's.

We'll see if The Vaughn can deliver.

[BMM]

i agree on the action X3 actually delivered on x men style action

No, it didn't. None of them have. First Class may be the first.

[Project862006]

No, it didn't. None of them have. First Class may be the first.
w/o being cheesy is what i meant

[BMM]

I actually think The Last Stand is the cheesiest. I think each film has delivered terrific individual action pieces such as Nightcrawler in the White House or Kitty Pryde outrunning Juggernaut on Alcatraz Island, minus the dialogue... but I don't think any film has delivered a truly X-Men team styled action sequence.

[JP]

That, my friend, remains to be seen.

If memory recalls, Brett's prior films faired well with critics, as have Matthew's.

No, all his films on RT are rotten, sans Red Dragon.

[Electrix]

That, my friend, remains to be seen.

If memory recalls, Brett's prior films faired well with critics, as have Matthew's.

We'll see if The Vaughn can deliver.

The first Rush Hour and Red Dragon were above average (60% and 68% and Rotten Tomatoes). Everything else has been mediocre - poor (53% - 17%).

None of Vaughn's movies have dropped below 75%.

[Lightning Strykez!]

JP and Electrix: I hope your faith in Vaughn is well-rewarded.

Is this his first FOX film production?

[Electrix]

JP and Electrix: I hope your faith in Vaughn is well-rewarded.

Is this his first FOX film production?

Yep. If Bryan Singer can make a great X-Men film with them i'm sure Vaughn can.

[Lightning Strykez!]

Yep. If Bryan Singer can make a great X-Men film with them i'm sure Vaughn can.

Bryan made great X-Men films with FOX? :whatever:

Okay, I digress. I'm done. :p I love you guys...Let's hope for the best.

[danoyse]

And Ratner's responsible for this, how? By the time he came on board everything was set, locked down and non-negotiable as far as Rothman was concerned. All of those politics involving Bryan, James Marsden, etc. were completely BEYOND Brett Ratner's control, and we all know that.


I agree with this. I can't stand Ratner, the guy just makes me cringe. I still remember being excited to see X3 on the cover of Entertainment Weekly and then reading the interview to find out it was mostly about how much time he spends with Linsday Lohan. :doh:

But he came on board, what...about 30 seconds before X3 started shooting? X3 had tons of problems, but you just can't pin them all on him.

[TNC9852002]

Side note: I liked how Storm, Beast, Colossus, and Wolverine worked as a team to take down Magneto in X3...

Hey, and at least we got an Iceman!..

[Doctor Jones]

They should have just stayed with Vaughn. Ah, man. Think before if Singer stayed on. We would have never gotten SR and a potentially great third X-Men film. Kick Ass's "So bring it on!" scene was more effective than anything in X3. That movie just ****ed itself up to continue into an X4. Jean, Xavior and Scott are gone. That's a huge chunk gone from the X-Men. Three very important characters, one of them killed off needlessly, as if he had much dignity to begin with. I sure as hell don't want to see Logan continued into being a leader, just one of the mistakes of X3.

[Lightning Strykez!]

I agree with this. I can't stand Ratner, the guy just makes me cringe. I still remember being excited to see X3 on the cover of Entertainment Weekly and then reading the interview to find out it was mostly about how much time he spends with Linsday Lohan. :doh:

But he came on board, what...about 30 seconds before X3 started shooting? X3 had tons of problems, but you just can't pin them all on him.

Yeah. There is a common denominator with the failure of FOX's CBMs and I don't think it's director-related. It's the studio. They select directors that they can control and will produce cheese. They love selling comedic, campy cheese. When a director won't bow to that will, they are axed.

Like I said, I am looking forward to Matthew's turn. But in the end it will STILL be a FOX film.

[Crook]

He's explained why he walked away from X3 countless of times. He knew he wouldn't be able to make the film he wanted to make in the time (and Budget) Fox provided. He said in another interview that when he was attached, the budget for X3 was small. It wasn't until Ratner came on board where the budget got insane.

This is the most perplexing element of the production for me. Take out any knowledge that Vaughn is directing, and I wouldn't in a million years imagine him helming this project purely because of the limited schedule. If it was a more character-piece drama, I can understand not relying on long filming and high budgets. But he's looking to make his "TDK" and...I just can't see him doing that with these restraints. I don't know, I really like him as a director, but apart from the script I don't see how this situations is much better than what he had with X3.

[danoyse]

Yeah. There is a common denominator with the failure of FOX's CBMs and I don't think it's director-related. It's the studio. They select directors that they can control and will produce cheese. They love selling comedic, campy cheese. When a director won't bow to that will, they are axed.

Every interview I've read with Gavin Hood is like that. He didn't know anything about Wolverine and unfortunately didn't have experience with action films, but had some really interesting takes on the character and sounded like what he wanted to do with it (for instance, to have the whole movie look like that montage during the opening credits) had the potential to be a really good Wolverine film. But the studio apparently had other plans and did their usual meddling. :whatever:

[Lightning Strykez!]

This is the most perplexing element of the production for me. Take out any knowledge that Vaughn is directing, and I wouldn't in a million years imagine him helming this project purely because of the limited schedule. If it was a more character-piece drama, I can understand not relying on long filming and high budgets. But he's looking to make his "TDK" and...I just can't see him doing that with these restraints. I don't know, I really like him as a director, but apart from the script I don't see how this situations is much better than what he had with X3.

That's because it is not. But alas, many seem to believe things will be different.

I am resolved to wait and see.

[Electrix]

I don't know, I really like him as a director, but apart from the script I don't see how this situations is much better than what he had with X3.

Well he's stuck around this time so the situation is obviously better than X3 :D

Shooting in the UK so he is near his family, having his regular crew, and having creative control are probably some of the major reasons First Class is better for him.

[The Wizard]

Will First Class be shot entirely in the UK, or will some of it be shot in America?

[Electrix]

Will First Class be shot entirely in the UK, or will some of it be shot in America?

We've heard possible locations in Argentina, Paris, and around the UK. I imagine Pinewood Studios will be used for most of the indoor scenes such as Xavier mansion etc. Lauren Shuler Donner said that sometimes they have to build stuff in order to control it, so some of the more complex sets may be built there too.

They may find UK alternatives for American locations. Captain America is currently filming in the UK and they are using cities in Northern England for 1940s New York.

[Sawyer]

They should have just stayed with Vaughn. Ah, man. Think before if Singer stayed on. We would have never gotten SR and a potentially great third X-Men film. Kick Ass's "So bring it on!" scene was more effective than anything in X3. That movie just ****ed itself up to continue into an X4. Jean, Xavior and Scott are gone. That's a huge chunk gone from the X-Men. Three very important characters, one of them killed off needlessly, as if he had much dignity to begin with. I sure as hell don't want to see Logan continued into being a leader, just one of the mistakes of X3.

Win-win. If I had a time machine, one of the first things I would do would be to tell Bryan not to do SR and stay with X-Men. But then, if the "Whatever happened, happened" principle of time travel is indeed in effect, whatever I say may have no effect and he'll end up doing SR anyway. :csad:

Dammit Bryan...

[BMM]

That's because it is not. But alas, many seem to believe things will be different.

I am resolved to wait and see.

:huh:

This was a stupid (and unneccessary) comment--even then. :down

Anyone that looks at the battle between Jean Grey and Xavier in that house can see the heart and emotion at work. Ratner clearly had to deal with different circumstances than what Vaughn has to work with now. EVERY hero film that came from FOX during that period of time (pre-Marvel Studios) was crap and micromanaged. Now FOX has to raise their quality standards to Marvel Studios' and suddenly guys like Matthew have a bit more leverage than the Tim Storys, Brett Ratners--and even the Bryan Singers--had with that regime.

I disagree in that you can't argue Brett Ratner had it worse because he had his hands tied behind his back, while Matthew Vaughn doesn't, and then say Matthew Vaughn's situation isn't any better. Save for the schedule, which is still more time than Ratner ever had, the situation is better. Brett Ratner was directing a cluster**** from start to finish. Granted, he didn't help with his directorial choices, but the situations are different. Vaughn is starting from scratch. He has a say in everything and, in my opinion, he seems like a more competent director, who has more experience in the genre, than "next scene, next scene, next scene" Ratner.

[FaT_tONle]

I get when us fanboys bash people like Ratner or McG.. but when people start bashing Nolan, or Favreau, or Raimi, or Vaughn it honestly plagues me. Is it because they're so well liked? Is it because their films are beloved by the rest of the fandom? It is just a backlash by those who want to be different?

Sure, Vaughn is cocky, but as long as he continues to produce great films, he can say whatever he wants, IMO.

Great films? If Kick-Ass and Stardust are great films I guess...

[BMM]

They're certainly not bad ones.

[JP]

You guess? Ok, I suppose it is a matter of opinion. And in my opinion, Mathew Vaughn is the best director ever associated with this franchise. I think Stardust is fantastic, and Kick-Ass is one of the best films this year. It's in my top three, right above Inception, and right below Toy Story.

:)

[Blackman]

Kick Ass was good entertainment
I didnt see Stardust

Vaughn is fine, but Singer had The Usual Suspects which was>>>>>>>>

[FaT_tONle]

Yeah I wasn't impressed... give him credit for trying to be different and spicing it up though. I have to agree with Crook though, where are the differences between now and then? It's different now because he actually signed on? That's our evidence? Give me a break... same time frame... same studio, but let's give him the benefit of the doubt and assume Fox got on their knees and deep throated Vaughn to get him back. Look I'm not saying Vaughn isn't a desired or talented director, but what if he just had a change of heart and decided he may be able to make this work. I am sure the restrictions won't be as much as they would have been for X-3, but I don't see a whole lot of differences then and now outside of the expectations and the scale of the productions.

[JP]

The differences?

This is a story conceived by Bryan Singer. Not by the studio, like X3 and Wolverine were.
Bryan Singer is producing.
Vaughn has all of his frequent collaborators on board, including Jane Goldman writing the script, and Tarquin Pack as a producer.


For this to be compared to X3, it would have to be Josh Schwartz's original studio hired script, being directed by the complete opposite of Vaughn.

[huzzah]

The differences?

This is a story conceived by Bryan Singer. Not by the studio, like X3 and Wolverine were.
Bryan Singer is producing.
Vaughn has all of his frequent collaborators on board, including Jane Goldman writing the script, and Tarquin Pack as a producer.


For this to be compared to X3, it would have to be Josh Schwartz's original studio hired script, being directed by the complete opposite of Vaughn.

This is why I feel totally indifferent about this film.

[Project862006]

^ why singer is the only director thus far to give us damn good x men films especially X2

[sabetoonth]

Win-win. If I had a time machine, one of the first things I would do would be to tell Bryan not to do SR and stay with X-Men. But then, if the "Whatever happened, happened" principle of time travel is indeed in effect, whatever I say may have no effect and he'll end up doing SR anyway. :csad:

Dammit Bryan...
its the grandfather paradox, based on the theory if u go back in time to kll your grandfather before your parent is born, becuase then you wont be born, which means uou cant go back in time and kill him which means you WILL be born which means you will, either that, or it wouldcreate an alternative reality even though in theory that reality already exsists since there is again in theory a reality created for every choice someone makes

The differences?

This is a story conceived by Bryan Singer. Not by the studio, like X3 and Wolverine were.
Bryan Singer is producing.
Vaughn has all of his frequent collaborators on board, including Jane Goldman writing the script, and Tarquin Pack as a producer.


For this to be compared to X3, it would have to be Josh Schwartz's original studio hired script, being directed by the complete opposite of Vaughn.
I did not know about this part
Great films? If Kick-Ass and Stardust are great films I guess...
I am goin to agree with this on Kick Ass, i kinda liked Stardust

[Lightning Strykez!]

:huh:



I disagree in that you can't argue Brett Ratner had it worse because he had his hands tied behind his back, while Matthew Vaughn doesn't, and then say Matthew Vaughn's situation isn't any better. Save for the schedule, which is still more time than Ratner ever had, the situation is better. Brett Ratner was directing a cluster**** from start to finish. Granted, he didn't help with his directorial choices, but the situations are different. Vaughn is starting from scratch. He has a say in everything and, in my opinion, he seems like a more competent director, who has more experience in the genre, than "next scene, next scene, next scene" Ratner.

I believe my post may have been misunderstood/miscommunicated. The common denominator here in both Ratner's and Vaughn's situation is FOX STUDIOS. I am consistently dumbfounded by my friends here that sincerely believe that a leopard can change its spots. We simply have NO REASON at this point in time to believe or expect that this installment will be good or better than the previous projects. Right up to 2009, ergo 14 months ago (with X-Men Origins: Wolverine) Fox was following the same paint-by-numbers formula. I honestly do not see how you guys expect things to do a complete about face?? :huh:

History does not lie. It repeats itself.

Don't get me wrong: I want it to be a complete about-face. But I also know that will truly only happen if/when the rights are reverted to Marvel. Until then, in my opinion, this studio will be incapable of producing a strong X-Men film faithful to its roots.

[Lightning Strykez!]

This is a story conceived by Bryan Singer. Not by the studio, like X3 and Wolverine were.
Bryan Singer is producing.


Which...does very little for my confidence in this project. All that means is that X-Men: First Class will have strong character development with a fixation on one or two characters (at the expense of others) and the obvious love triangle. That is Bryan's formula for the past and I doubt it has evolved. It will be a fairly faux ensemble film. :dry:

Bryan's X-Men films were great pieces of cinema. He is a fine director. But those films lacked the heart of what we know the X-Men to be as a family. It wasn't balanced. Those films were essentially Wolverine & The X-Men. X3 was the only film that somewhat departed from that focus, albeit poorly executed in some areas (i.e. over-focus on Storm and Wolverine while killing off Jean, Scott and Charles is still unbalanced). At any rate, I don't even have to go into all of the things that Bryan screwed up--you know me well enough to know where I store that soap-box. :woot:

I don't just want a good film watered down enough and rooted in "realism" to make it palatable for the mainstream. I want a GREAT X-Men film in the flavor of what Marvel Studios is putting out nowadays. Bryan's involvement does not reassure me at all that that will be accomplished.

Vaughn has all of his frequent collaborators on board, including Jane Goldman writing the script, and Tarquin Pack as a producer.


Now this on the other hand does give me encouragement. It is the only reason I am even giving this production a chance.

But it's like 1 positive (Vaughn & Co.) versus 2 HUGELY consistent negatives (Bryan Singer & Fox). The question is: Which will win out in the end?

[Project862006]

^ WHAT singer's films had no heart now :dry:

[Electrix]

^ WHAT singer's films had no heart now :dry:

Personally I think they did have heart. The scene with Jean sacrificing herself is just one example of many.

[The Original Bamfer]

Singer's films had a lot of heart, though I do agree with the lack of family feel to the team.

[huzzah]

^ why singer is the only director thus far to give us damn good x men films especially X2

Out of the first three x-men films, X3 is the only one that I can watch repeatedly, apart from a couple of characters that were 'screwed up' or shafted. With X1 and X2 I couldn't bring myself to care about the characters - the same feeling I got from Superman Returns.

With this film I hoping they give me a reason to care when or if Charles and Eric fall out with each other. Will I be rooting for Charles, or Eric. I will just not care?

[Lightning Strykez!]

^ WHAT singer's films had no heart now :dry:

I did not say they lacked heart overall. I specifically said they lacked the heart of what we know the X-Men possess as a family. There is a difference.

There was little comradiere to me with the X-Men in Bryan's vision. They felt like...co-workers to me. With the exception of Jean and Scott's relationship (which wasn't fully developed because Bryan was so focused on making Logan "the other man" :whatever::whatever::whatever: ), it just didn't feel very cohesive. And the most endearing moments (i.e. the convo between Storm and Jean on the Blackbird) ended up on the cutting floor.

The X-Men we know LOVE eachother. There is heart and soul in that team, even laughter and humor. A sense of team work...ergo, "we're in this together, come what may." Bryan failed to capture those elements because he was consumed with Logan's identity crisis.

Say what you will, but for all the things that X3 f***ed up, Brett's installment DID capture that familial element 150% more effectively than either X1 or X2. :up:

[JP]

A family that turns their back on a family member? A family that *****es to someone who is unhappy with her powers?

Some family.

[Lightning Strykez!]

A family that turns their back on a family member? A family that *****es to someone who is unhappy with her powers?

Some family.

Uh, have you ever had one of your sisters murder both your father figure and one of your brothers...in the same day???? Somehow I highly doubt that any of us would embrace such an individual with hugs and kisses. Driven on pure emotion and adrenaline, I think we'd all want justice.

However that family did unite together against that common threat in memory of their fallen loved ones and to avenge their deaths. Which is what most families would do, JP.

Keep in mind too, that again, based on Bryan's films, there wasn't much of a familial dynamic in the first place. Like I said, they always felt like co-workers to me in X1 and X2. People that liked eachother but after 5 PM each went their separate ways with their own lives.

It's a lot easier to "turn" as you say, on someone who has gone psycho if you don't have a deep bond with them to begin with. Bryan's failure to inculcate those familial ties in X1/X2 made it easier for the X-Men to react more callously to Jean's actions in X3.

There was never a foundation for anything else.

[JP]

So, because they fought as a team, that makes them more of a family?

Jeans death at the end of X2 was a great family scene. Nothing like that existed in X3.

[Project862006]

i think the fact that Vaughn is taking tips from Abrams star trek shows he is gonna treat them as a family

[The Original Bamfer]

Jeans death at the end of X2 was a great family scene. Nothing like that existed in X3.

Bi-hi-hi-hi-ingo!

[Lightning Strykez!]

So, because they fought as a team, that makes them more of a family?

Let's just say I felt they were more united than anything we saw in uh...X-Men: United. ;)

For the first time in X3, the X-Men felt more like a whole, than separate components each doing their own thing without the other. The list of examples of teamwork and familial elements would >>>>> anything found in both X1 and X2 combined.


Jeans death at the end of X2 was a great family scene. Nothing like that existed in X3.

Yes there was.

You mean Logan's fight to the top of Jean's mountain (as he stripped down gratutitously for all), topped off with his utterly Darth Vaderish "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" scream as he held her creepily smiling, limp body wasn't poignant and touching enough for you?

It brought a tear to my eyes. ;)

[The Original Bamfer]

Yes there was.

You mean Logan's fight to the top of Jean's mountain (as he stripped down gratutitously for all), topped off with his utterly Darth Vaderish "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" scream as he held her creepily smiling, limp body wasn't poignant and touching enough for you?

It brought a tear to my eyes. ;)

Oh yes, Wolverine - just Wolverine - standing up to Jean - just Jean - talking about how he loves her - just her - and how she wants him - just him - to save her. What a family moment!

[Kane52630]

eh I think all the X-men films was lackluster / trollin like no one else

[JP]

You mean Logan's fight to the top of Jean's mountain (as he stripped down gratutitously for all), topped off with his utterly Darth Vaderish "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" scream as he held her creepily smiling, limp body wasn't poignant and touching enough for you?

It brought a tear to my eyes. ;)
Er, no. I was vomiting in my seat. You'd really ask me, a Jean fan, a question like? :huh:

The fact that Jean obviously needed help, and Wolverine was the only person who gave a **** was ridiculous. He's know Jean for what? 4 months? Storm and Jean basically grew up together! And she's just "Nah, *****. She don made hur choice!" :whatever:

[Lightning Strykez!]

Er, no. I was vomiting in my seat. You'd really ask me, a Jean fan, a question like? :huh:

The fact that Jean obviously needed help, and Wolverine was the only person who gave a **** was ridiculous. He's know Jean for what? 4 months? Storm and Jean basically grew up together! And she's just "Nah, *****. She don made hur choice!" :whatever:


Oh yes, Wolverine - just Wolverine - standing up to Jean - just Jean - talking about how he loves her - just her - and how she wants him - just him - to save her. What a family moment!

*sigh*

I sometimes wonder why my hints of sarcasm are lost on my peers.

You mean Logan's fight to the top of Jean's mountain (as he stripped down gratutitously for all), topped off with his utterly Darth Vaderish "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" scream as he held her creepily smiling, limp body wasn't poignant and touching enough for you?

It brought a tear to my eyes. ;)

I was being facetious gentlemen. :cool:

[Doctor Jones]

Logan was all types of wrong to be getting through to Jean like that. It should have been Scott. X3 could have been Scott's time to shine. Put Logan in the back seat, his arc was pretty much over from the other two films. They could have done so much with both those guys but Scott should have been front and center.

[JP]

Logan was all types of wrong to be getting through to Jean like that. It should have been Scott. X3 could have been Scott's time to shine. Put Logan in the back seat, his arc was pretty much over from the other two films. They could have done so much with both those guys but Scott should have been front and center.
Scott. Storm. Xavier. Basically, anyone but Wolverine.

[Doctor Jones]

Yup, but more importantly Scott. He is her love, but show that he can function without her. He is not defined by her.

There could have been a great thing with Scott and Logan overcoming Jean's death. Logan would walk off by himself again in a log cabin or something while Scott leads the team. They both loved her, but Scott should come back and convince Logan to fight with them, without Jean. He can do more and fight for more than Jean. Both those guys should have been on some journey. They could have come together. They may have not agreed, but it would have been great.

[Project862006]

well scott would'nt of made it up that mountain like logan

he would be dead lol

[Lightning Strykez!]

well scott would'nt of made it up that mountain like logan


Plot device!

That was only done to show how "indestructable" Logan's love was for her. :whatever: And Jean really didn't appreciate it much. The expression on her face with those black goo-goo eyes was like, "Is this beeyotch still trying to climb up here??? Didn't I just fillet his ass twice already???" :cmad:

If Scott had stepped foot on that mountain Jean would have 'cleared' up a lot quicker.

[Project862006]

the visuals of that whole scene was good tho with logans skin being teared away

[JP]

There is absolutely no reason why Wolverine was able to make it up to the mountain. He should have been dust like evryone else.

Stupid.

[The Original Bamfer]

well scott would'nt of made it up that mountain like logan

he would be dead lol

They could have easily had an internal struggle with the Jean mentality and the Phoenix mentality... Jean could have fought the Phoenix to not kill Scott. He should have been the only one that could stop her.

[Spider-Fan83]

I thought, that point was that she (the real Jean struggling to get out) was preventing the phoenix (side of her personality) from targeting him directly... because of her feeling for him or some blah blah blah like that

[The Original Bamfer]

Well, yeah, that, though some say her power maxed out his or something not-make-sense-y like that. Either way, it shouldn't have been Wolverine.

[Squidboy]

Don't get me wrong: I want it to be a complete about-face. But I also know that will truly only happen if/when the rights are reverted to Marvel. Until then, in my opinion, this studio will be incapable of producing a strong X-Men film faithful to its roots.

Unfortunately, Marvel also pushed their weight around a great deal with Iron Man 2, making it harder on Favreau to come out with the movie he intended. So while we'd get an awesome movie out of Marvel acquiring the rights to the X-Men again, it wouldn't necessarily be a better work environment than X3 or Wolverine were for the directors.

Logan was all types of wrong to be getting through to Jean like that. It should have been Scott. X3 could have been Scott's time to shine. Put Logan in the back seat, his arc was pretty much over from the other two films. They could have done so much with both those guys but Scott should have been front and center.

That's probably what we would've gotten had Marsden not committed to being a no-name character in Superman Returns, who was literally in the movie for five minutes. It's a shame that his loyalty to Bryan Singer meant that we got a mediocre X-Men movie, and that he was almost non-existent in both that and SR

[JP]

That's probably what we would've gotten had Marsden not committed to being a no-name character in Superman Returns, who was literally in the movie for five minutes. It's a shame that his loyalty to Bryan Singer meant that we got a mediocre X-Men movie, and that he was almost non-existent in both that and SR

What is this I don't even. . :doh:

[Squidboy]

What is this I don't even. . :doh:

See also: X-Men The Last Stand.

[Project862006]

if singer never did superman returns ratner would of done it since he was in the running for that

[Construct]

Plot device!

In addition, Scott's "death" and Xavier's death were plot devices to show how far gone Jean was. Logan dying before either of them probably wouldn't have meant much since he and Jean's history isn't as storied as her's with Scott or Xavier.

Storm could've stopped Jean from a distance, but that's a bit more risky than allowing a guy, that has regenerative capabilities and a nearly indestructible endoskeleton, who wants to get through to her more than anyone else to do so. After witnessing what Jean did to people who were probably closer to her than Storm herself was, as current (co-)leader of the X-Men, I'm pretty sure Storm was more worried about the team's well-being after the Blackbird was destroyed, which opened the door for Logan to stop Jean (by which he stabs her almost the same as he stabs Mystique in X1).

[JP]

In addition, Scott's "death" and Xavier's death were plot devices to show how far gone Jean was. Logan dying before either of them probably wouldn't have meant much since he and Jean's history isn't as storied as her's with Scott or Xavier.

Storm could've stopped Jean from a distance, but that's a bit more risky than allowing a guy, that has regenerative capabilities and a nearly indestructible endoskeleton, who wants to get through to her more than anyone else to do so. After witnessing what Jean did to people who were probably closer to her than Storm herself was, as current (co-)leader of the X-Men, I'm pretty sure Storm was more worried about the team's well-being after the Blackbird was destroyed, which opened the door for Logan to stop Jean (by which he stabs her almost the same as he stabs Mystique in X1).

I'm sorry, but saying that Logan survived because of his ability to heal and his adamanteum is pretty ridiculous. Since when does he heal that fast? And why would he be able to. He should have been made into dust, like everyone else. I'm supposed to believe that she can rip apart everything except for the metal on his bones? If that's the case, then Magneto shouldn't be able to either.

[DarkSovereignty]

if singer never did superman returns ratner would of done it since he was in the running for that

i have to say that would have been interesting, not necessarily good, but interesting. probably would have been better than ratners X3. Im not saying hes Orson Welles or anything, but besides x3, i've enjoyed his other movies for the most part, at least the first two rush hour movies. i think it's safe to assume that the bulk of what was wrong with x3 was fox's micromanaging.

[Crook]

if singer never did superman returns ratner would of done it since he was in the running for that
Ratner's project was already scrapped by the time Singer came on.

[Construct]

I'm sorry, but saying that Logan survived because of his ability to heal and his adamanteum is pretty ridiculous. Since when does he heal that fast? And why would he be able to. He should have been made into dust, like everyone else. I'm supposed to believe that she can rip apart everything except for the metal on his bones? If that's the case, then Magneto shouldn't be able to either.

There are a number of ways to rationalize Logan's momentary surge of rapid regeneration and Jean's lack of ability to deatomize adamantium, but those aren't as important as the comparisons to other characters who could've stopped her just the same. Out of those options (Scott, Storm, or Xavier), Logan doing so is the least ridiculous based on his powers and adamantium skeleton, the assumed regression of power surges on Jean's behalf due to her recognition of Logan's incessant desire to get through to the Jean he knows (I'm not entirely partial to this posit, but it is possible), and overall lesson learned by Logan and hopefully, the audience (who didn't fully understand "caging" Jean, but does so in the end, and with Rogue's taking of the cure, realizes that mutancy isn't as beneficial to some as it is to others).

Now, whether or not the scene was written/shot at its best is the subjective point of contention. Should Logan have been in direct sight of Jean during her barrages? Should he have been as far away as he was (though Ratner does say that Jackman was originally nude at the end of the scene, which would make more sense since not only was Jean not able to kill Logan, but she couldn't deatomize the rest of his clothes?)? I suppose that it was done to show how genuine Logan was at the moment, which apparently brought the Jean he knew back from the brink by the end of the scene.

[Figs]

I'm not going to bother getting into the 'what was better, X3 or the first two?' argument but i'm not sure where I stand with First Class.

I really need to see a trailer before I come up with any kind of opinion on this film. So far the cast announcements haven't gotten me all that excited for this film I don't really know any of the people getting cast, except for Bacon and McAvoy.

I'm crossing my fingers that Fox will let Vaughn do his thing and he can pump out a quality comic film. I was severly let down by X3 and Wolverine, hopefully this makes up for both of those.

[Construct]

I'm not going to bother getting into the 'what was better, X3 or the first two?' argument but i'm not sure where I stand with First Class.

To be more on-topic myself, I feel a similar way. With building the foundation for Xavier and Magneto's relationship, and developing the characters of the original students and other characters, it seems that this film has quite a bit on its plate, especially with its release occurring in less than a year. However, building sets may not be as big of an undertaking as the previous ones probably still exist and may be used, and CGI development may be happening increasingly quicker as time passes, so there may not be huge technical issues as there are substantive ones:

How to put what seems to be a large amount of story, character history, and presumably action scenes into a film without the feeling of crowdiness, overlooking details, and matching or exceeding the best quality of the current series? I actually think that G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra did this decently, but it also had a very fast pace and a more lighthearted tone; I expect much more breathing room for the story and its characters and a more serious tone based on the team assembled and the return of Singer to produce it.

We'll see what happens.

[Doctor Jones]

I'm not going to bother getting into the 'what was better, X3 or the first two?' argument but i'm not sure where I stand with First Class.

I really need to see a trailer before I come up with any kind of opinion on this film. So far the cast announcements haven't gotten me all that excited for this film I don't really know any of the people getting cast, except for Bacon and McAvoy.

I'm crossing my fingers that Fox will let Vaughn do his thing and he can pump out a quality comic film. I was severly let down by X3 and Wolverine, hopefully this makes up for both of those.

Fassenbender played the second most memorable character in Inglourious Basterds as Archie Hicox. Hell, I think he was just as memorable as Waltz.

[sabetoonth]

I think of him third, after Pitt's character and Waltz. ok 4th, after Hitler

[Figs]

To be more on-topic myself, I feel a similar way. With building the foundation for Xavier and Magneto's relationship, and developing the characters of the original students and other characters, it seems that this film has quite a bit on its plate, especially with its release occurring in less than a year.

That's right! Totally forgot that it comes out next year...all the proof you need that Fox still is in fact being stupid. "Lets put pump another X film out in record time to get as much money as we can". Sorry but if they haven't started filming yet, this also seems a bit rushed like X3 already. Dont' want to jump to conclusions but this is the vibe i'm now getting.

How to put what seems to be a large amount of story, character history, and presumably action scenes into a film without the feeling of crowdiness, overlooking details, and matching or exceeding the best quality of the current series? I actually think that G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra did this decently, but it also had a very fast pace and a more lighthearted tone; I expect much more breathing room for the story and its characters and a more serious tone based on the team assembled and the return of Singer to produce it.

I hope so. I haven't kept up with the film enough to remember how many characters will be in it or how complex or simple the story/plot might be. I just don't want it to be like X3 where they had too much in a 90 minute movie. Speaking of which, does anyone know what the runtime they're aiming for is?

Fassenbender played the second most memorable character in Inglourious Basterds as Archie Hicox. Hell, I think he was just as memorable as Waltz.

Totally forgot about Fassbender. That's another bonus next to Bacon and McAvoy. Also have to agree that he was great in IB, just love the bar scene and how cool and calm he was like a badass.

I'm a huge X-men fan and am crossing my fingers this will turn out good but i'm still a bit nervous about the whole thing.

[BMM]

I believe my post may have been misunderstood/miscommunicated. The common denominator here in both Ratner's and Vaughn's situation is FOX STUDIOS. I am consistently dumbfounded by my friends here that sincerely believe that a leopard can change its spots. We simply have NO REASON at this point in time to believe or expect that this installment will be good or better than the previous projects. Right up to 2009, ergo 14 months ago (with X-Men Origins: Wolverine) Fox was following the same paint-by-numbers formula. I honestly do not see how you guys expect things to do a complete about face?? :huh:

History does not lie. It repeats itself.

Don't get me wrong: I want it to be a complete about-face. But I also know that will truly only happen if/when the rights are reverted to Marvel. Until then, in my opinion, this studio will be incapable of producing a strong X-Men film faithful to its roots.

That’s fair. I don’t think First Class will be a complete about face, but I don’t think it’s going to be The Last Stand either.

[BMM]

I hope so. I haven't kept up with the film enough to remember how many characters will be in it or how complex or simple the story/plot might be. I just don't want it to be like X3 where they had too much in a 90 minute movie. Speaking of which, does anyone know what the runtime they're aiming for is?

Thus far, there are fewer confirmed X-related characters in First Class than there are in 2000’s X-Men, let alone X2 or The Last Stand.

First Class:

Banshee
Beast
Darwin
Emma Frost
Havok
Magneto
Mystique
Professor Xavier

Cyclops (presumably)
Kevin Bacon


X-Men:

Cyclops
Iceman
Jean Grey
Magneto
Mystique
Professor Xavier
Rogue
Sabretooth
Storm
Toad
Wolverine

Jubilee
Kitty Pryde
Pyro

Henry Gyrich
Senator Kelly

[Figs]

Good to hear.

[AntiG]

We haven't heard of Rosamund Pike for quite long. Is she still in?

[I_am_iron_man]

The Mirror's celebrity and entertainment columnist, Dean Piper, is reporting that an insider has told him that the 28 year old Girls Aloud singer and more recently actress (St. Trinians, Bad Day) Sarah Harding is competing for a role in the upcoming X-Men: First Class.

The site reports that Harding has auditioned twice for the mystery role that he describes as ,"...a femme fatale baddie." His source also went on to say that, "The makers of the films like her attitude and think she could be a great addition to the cast."

"They were very impressed with her in the second St Trinians movie and are testing her out to see if she can make the grade for an action flick like X-Men. Everybody's keeping their fingers crossed she gets it."

(From: http://**************.com/fansites/joshw24/news/?a=21253, original source: http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/showbiz-dean-piper/2010/08/sarole-harding-guess-whos-up-f.html)

http://www.hairfinder.com/celebrityhairstyles/sarah-harding.jpg

[Storm22]

Oh please Jesus let this not be true. She is a gigantic fool!

[JP]

Eh, I feel like she probably just auditioned for Mystique.

[Lightning Strykez!]

Hmmm. Emma Frost II?

Just kidding. Who needs her?

[sabetoonth]

thus far, there are fewer confirmed x-related characters in first class than there are in 2000’s x-men, let alone x2 or the last stand.

first class:

Banshee
beast
darwin
emma frost
havok
magneto
mystique
professor xavier

cyclops (presumably)
kevin bacon


x-men:

Cyclops
iceman
jean grey
magneto
mystique
professor xavier
rogue
sabretooth
storm
toad
wolverine

jubilee
kitty pryde
pyro

henry gyrich
senator kelly
kevin bacon is a mutant!?

[JP]

What difference does it make? You have to be a mutant to be considered a main character?

[Blackman]

Do we know what character Bacon is playing? I heard Mr. Sinister (I hope) but then I heard Sebastian Shaw

[JP]

We don't know.

[Sawyer]

He's playing Cassandra Nova. :o

[squeekness]

I'm still hoping it's Sinister myself. :)

[sabetoonth]

What difference does it make? You have to be a mutant to be considered a main character?
I was being a smart ass cuz i thought his character had been confirmed already

[TNC9852002]

There's no more room here for another smart ass.. :p

[DarkSovereignty]

personally i prefer an ass of a more intellectually average persuasion...

[Lightning Strykez!]

Guys, when do they officially start shooting?

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

I believe my post may have been misunderstood/miscommunicated. The common denominator here in both Ratner's and Vaughn's situation is FOX STUDIOS. I am consistently dumbfounded by my friends here that sincerely believe that a leopard can change its spots. We simply have NO REASON at this point in time to believe or expect that this installment will be good or better than the previous projects. Right up to 2009, ergo 14 months ago (with X-Men Origins: Wolverine) Fox was following the same paint-by-numbers formula. I honestly do not see how you guys expect things to do a complete about face?? :huh:

History does not lie. It repeats itself.

Don't get me wrong: I want it to be a complete about-face. But I also know that will truly only happen if/when the rights are reverted to Marvel. Until then, in my opinion, this studio will be incapable of producing a strong X-Men film faithful to its roots.

Believe me I have hated Fox a lot in the past, but Predators and The A-Team, along with the involvement of both Singer and Vaughn, are giving me a lot of confidence with this movie.

On both Predators and The A-Team the directors were left to their devices and both movies are also around 2 hours, were as previously Fox wouldnt release a summer movie and let it be over 90 mins. I actually think they have changed their ways. And believe me, after X3, I was wishing NASTY things on Fox.

[BMM]

Guys, when do they officially start shooting?

I don't know if a specific date has been confirmed, but they were supposed to start shooting sometime this month. There were rumblings on Twitter that shooting was set to begin a week or so ago. There have, however, been reports that the start date may have been moved to early September.

[Lightning Strykez!]

And believe me, after X3, I was wishing NASTY things on Fox.

Ha! I think we all were. Poison-dipped daggers and sh**!

However, I think this film will be around 90 minutes or less. The films you mentioned are in somewhat different sci-fi genres, but this is a comic book film and FOX is gonna want as many butts per showing as possible.

Wasn't Wolverine around 90 minutes?

[JP]

The 90 minute rule was never exclusive to the comic book genre, Lightning. As AVEITWITHJAMON mentioned, lately Fox has shown to be doing things differentl. A-Team, Knight & Day, and Predators have been longer than 90 minutes. Plus, Rodriquez has MACHETE in September, plus is in negotiations for Deadpool.

Just a year ago people like Vaughn and Rodriguez would never be associated with Fox comic book properties.