Filmonic » X-Men: First Class

Updates on the X-Men franchise: Wolverine 2, First Class and Deadpool. Magneto is dead

Liam — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:31:05 +0000

X-Men Origins: Wolverine will be released on DVD and Blu-ray in the UK next week, and UK magazine Empire flew out to the US to have a one-one-one with producer Lauren Shuler Donner. As expected, they asked her for updates on Wolverine 2, X-Men: First Class, Deadpool and X-Men Origins: Magneto and she had a lot to say.

Wolverine 2

Donner says that Wolverine 2 is the furthest along out of all the projects and will focus on the relationship between Wolverine and Mariko, the daughter of a Japanese crime lord, and what happens to him in Japan. She says they wanted an “A+ writer” so they got Chris McQuarrie (Valkyrie, The Usual Suspects) who has tightened up the story and has “got really immersed in the whole thing”. 20th Century Fox will also be working with the Japanese Fox executives as they “don’t want to portray the way [Japanese people] speak, dress and act in an inaccurate way.” Although it is “likely the characters will speak English rather than Japanese with subtitles”.

Donner finishes by saying “there’ll be samurai, ninja, katana blades, different forms of martial arts – mano-a-mano, extreme fighting. We’re going to come up with a new style of fighting. It’s going to be awesome.”

X-Men: First Class

According to Donner the script is not finished and they aren’t where they want to be yet. They are trying hard not to make it too similar to the previous trilogy and want to make it different. Donner also admits that the Harry Potter movies are “role models” for them but they “want it to be like the recent, darker Potters. It should not be a kiddie movie – we’re in the X-Men world so you can’t suddenly change the tone.”

She says that there’s still friction between mutants and the outside world, but First Class will be set before anyone knows mutants exist so it will probably have a more secretive edge. Regarding the characters Donner says they will be in Xavier’s School but they will also be off on adventures and some will be “naughty children”. She gives Cyclops as an example who is “a tough kid that bobbed from foster home to foster home, until he ends up at the school and becomes the leader.” None of the characters have been cast yet, but they plan on turning First Class into a whole new franchise so “the casting of the child actors will be all-important.” I’m not sure how young the actors will be but they’ll probably be young enough so we see them grow up on-screen.

Deadpool

Deadpool will be a complete reboot as they want to “ignore the version of Deadpool that we saw in Wolverine and just start over again”. Donner says it will be a “dark, snarky, very funny movie” and they are just working out which villain(s) to incorporate. They hope to have a writer on-board by next month and are currently talking to a few. “We need someone really imaginative because we want to do some really innovative, ambitious stuff. Ryan’s mentioned this in an interview already but there are parts where he’s going to break the fourth wall and talk directly to the audience in the cinema. We have to work out how to do that. I don’t know that Fox will agree with all our decisions, but we’ll see!”

X-Men Origins: Magneto

…won’t be seen for a while, if ever. Donner says the film is “at the back of the queue” out of all the films and she isn’t sure if the script David Goyer wrote is ever going to be made. “Maybe it’ll get made in five years – who knows? I can tell you that Ian McKellen won’t be playing the character the whole way through. We used Lola technology in X-Men 3 to de-age Ian and Patrick for one scene, but it’s very expensive. To do that for a two-hour movie would be prohibitive financially. And to find a younger actor to fill Ian’s shoes, that’s pretty daunting. It’s not easy.”

Summary

The X-Men franchise peaked in 2003. 20th Century Fox have since been too involved with the creative process and we have ended up with disappointments. Although, they have hired Chris McQuarrie to write Wolverine 2 and there is a chance Bryan Singer could return to direct. If that happens Wolverine 2 may actually be a good movie.

If Fox don’t screw things up they could have a new franchise with X-Men: First Class. The films won’t be as good as the Potter ones, but that franchise ends in 2011 and there will be a gap in the market. They need to get an “A+ director” involved.

I’m not that much of a Deadpool fan but from what we’ve heard they want to stay close to the source material. When we find out who they hire to write and direct it will give us an indication whether it’s a potential new superhero franchise or just doomed.

I’ve been wanting to see a Magneto movie ever since it was announced they were making one. Over the years I’ve questioned whether David Goyer is actually the right man for the job, but I don’t think he is. I’d rather get a great Magneto movie in 5+ years than have a sub-par movie start filming next year.

Which movie are you looking forward too (if any)? Can 20th Century Fox bring the X-Men franchise back up to the level it once was?

Bryan Singer has been talking with Fox about X-Men return

Liam — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:56:19 +0000

There have been hints over the past few months that Bryan Singer could return to direct an X-Men film. Producer Lauren Shuler Donner said it was “a possibility” and now the director himself was asked whether he would return to the franchise at South Korea’s Pusan International Film Festival:

From THR:

“I’m still looking to possibly return to the ‘X-Men’ franchise. I’ve been talking to Fox about it,” Singer said.
“I love Hugh Jackman. I love the cast,” he said, referring to the Australian actor who plays Wolverine.
Singer said he enjoyed making science fiction and fantasy movies because they allowed him to discuss serious issues through entertainment. He said the “X-Men” series, which follows a group of mutants with superpowers who struggle to fit in with humans, is about tolerance and social structures.
He said he likes to “trick audiences into thinking they’re seeing fireworks, but they’re learning about themselves and listening to what I have to say.”
“The excitement about working in science fiction and fantasy is — the stories, if they are good, are about the human condition,” Singer said.

The franchise peaked in 2003 with Singer’s X-Men 2, and it hasn’t reached the same level of greatness since. Sure, it’s still making $300 – 400 million every three years, but X3 and Wolverine could have been so much better.

Out of all the X-films lined up Singer will most likely return for either Wolverine 2 or X-Men: First Class. The second Wolverine film already has a writer, Christopher McQuarrie, who wrote the script for Singer’s The Usual Suspects. Hiring McQuarrie could have been Fox’s way of luring Singer back. First Class would give Singer the chance to go back to the origins of the X-Men, however that would mean he’d have to cast the characters he already cast nearly 10 years ago, and there will be no Hugh Jackman.

There is also a small chance he could direct X-Men Origins: Magneto, although Singer said back June that he’s already “lived in that universe” before having directed Apt Pupil and Valkyrie so he “might need to take a little break before I do something like that.”

X-Men: First Class to start filming next year?

Liam — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:15:44 +0000

Last week IESB spoke to X-Men producer Lauren Shuler Donner on the eve of the X-Men Origins: Wolverine DVD release, but she wasn’t giving much away regarding the future slate of films. They did have this exchange, however:

IESB: How soon before you go into production on any of the new X-Men films? Whether it be Wolverine or X-Men First Class or Deadpool?
LSD: Next year.
IESB: For which one?
LSD: (laughter) I can’t say, I’m sorry. But, some of these we just aren’t ready to talk about yet.

So which one is Donner hinting at? Deadpool doesn’t have a script, and they have only just started developing the story for Wolverine 2. David Goyer said last month that X-Men Origins: Magneto “will move forward in the next year or so”, however 20th Century Fox don’t seem to be in a rush to make it. That leaves X-Men: First Class, and thanks to Twitter we may have some sort of confirmation. Tim Pocock, who played Cyclops in Wolverine, updated his Twitter page with this:

currently shooting Australian TV series till February 2010…then X-men first class ;)

So Shuler Donner may not be ready to tell us what’s happening, but she’s let the relevant cast members know! Out of all the upcoming films mentioned above First Class is the one I am looking forward to seeing the most, mainly because there is a 99% chance Wolverine won’t be involved. The X-trilogy was Wolverine focused and it took the spotlight off other far more interesting characters.

First Class takes place during the first year at Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters and along with Cyclops we will most likely see Emma Frost (blonde lady above) and other young versions of Beast, Jean and Storm. They will probably add a few new characters into the mix too. First Class has the potential to become the first ‘true’ X-Men film. Whether it will turns out good or not depends on who they get to direct, and we should hear who that is over the upcoming months if they plan on filming next year.

Patrick Stewart talks X-Men future and Star Trek

Liam — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:01:36 +0000

Having appeared in both Star Trek and the X-Men films Patrick Stewart has become a regular at conventions over the years, and he recently attended DragonCon 09 and answered questions about both franchises.

From CNN:

When the discussion turned to “X-Men,” Stewart, who had a cameo as a younger Professor Charles Xavier in “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” said that from what he had heard, audiences have probably not seen the last of the professor. He mentioned he recently co-starred in a production of “Waiting for Godot” with Ian McKellen and the two agreed that they would like continue exploring the relationship between Xavier and McKellen’s “X-Men” character Magneto.

Producer Lauren Shulder Donner said a few months ago that they couldn’t make X-Men: First Class without Patrick Stewart, so that is probably what he has heard. First Class is currently being written by Josh Schwartz and takes place during the first year at Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. Patrick Stewart will most likely be made to appear younger, like we saw in X3 and Wolverine.

As for that other franchise, Stewart thought that this summer’s reboot of “Star Trek” was “terrific,” but didn’t see a future for Jean-Luc Picard in the franchise, leaving open only the possibility that he would agree to do a cameo in a sequel. Stewart mentioned a proposed final “Next Generation” film, but after the disappointing box office for “Star Trek: Nemesis,” it never materialized.
“I feel that I have left behind a legacy as Picard,” he said. “In my head and heart, I’ve moved on.”

X-Men: First Class vs. X-Men Origins: Magneto

Liam — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 03:53:20 +0000

X-Men Origins: Wolverine proved that people haven’t tired of X-Men franchise just yet as it has made $350 million worldwide, and we already know that a Wolverine 2 is in the early stages of development, as is a Deadpool spin-off. But what about X-Men: First Class and X-Men Origins: Magneto? At one point back in 2007 director David Goyer was scouting for locations to film Magneto, but then the writers went on strike and work on the film stopped. 20th Century Fox focused all of their attention on Wolverine while David Goyer worked on other stuff such as The Dark Knight and The Unborn. Then we got word in October last year that Josh Schwartz had been hired to write the script for X-Men: First Class, which would revolve around Xavier’s first students at his School for Gifted Youngsters.

As it currently stands 20th Century Fox have three X-Men films in development and a spin-off, so which will come first? And in what order? SHH got the chance to speak to David Goyer and he explained what the current thinking at Fox was:

“There have been some preliminary discussions,” he told us about Magneto, adding, “I think, at Fox, they’re trying to decide if making a young X-Men film makes the most sense next, does making a ‘Magneto’ make the most sense next. They’re just trying to decide internally who’s next up.”

Wolverine 2 and Deadpool will come whenever they are ready, but Fox are deciding whether X-Men: First Class or X-Men Origins: Magneto should come first. Early drafts of the Magneto script include a young Charles Xavier who meets up with Magneto on his travels, so would it make sense to show Xavier and Magneto’s origins, then show Xavier setting up his school in First Class? Or do they set up First Class and then show how it all began? If they want do to things in order Magneto would come first. But X-Men Origins: Wolverine has shown that you can go back in time and still have a hit without confusing the audience.

Whatever they decide I just hope they get them right. I think it’s fair to say that the X-Men franchise peaked back in 2003 with X2, but with the money still rolling in will Fox continue to pump out so-so X-Men films or will they hire an X-Men version of Christopher Nolan to give the franchise a kick?

Josh Schwartz ‘having a blast’ with X-Men: First Class

Liam — Sun, 17 May 2009 22:24:46 +0000

When Josh Schwartz, writer and creator of Gossip Girl, Chuck and The O.C., was announced as writer of X-Men: First Class people were a bit unsure whether they liked the idea or not. When someone is hired in a creative role you tend to look at their past work to see what to expect, and there was a general assumption that it would be X-Men meets The O.C. However, the more we’ve been hearing about it the more it appears we will be getting an actual X-Men movie and not some teenage high school drama. Schwartz said back in February that the Dark Phoenix storyline had already been used (in X3) so he’ll “find more fertile soil somewhere else”. He is obviously thinking big in terms of the storyline, and now he has revealed how he got involved to THRfeed:

You’re a bit of an unconventional pick to write an “X-Men” movie. Did they approach you?
Schwartz: It’s something I’d always fantasized about doing. I knew (producer) Simon Kinberg and he approached me about it. I’ve started it and I’m having a blast, but I’m not allowed to say anything more.

From what we have heard so far the characters involved will be young versions of Cyclops, Beast, Jean and Storm, so Halle Berry, Famke Janssen and co. won’t be returning, however Patrick Stewart will likely return as Charles Xavier as the film takes place during the first year of his ‘School for Gifted Youngsters’.

IMDB says X-Men: First Class will be released in 2010, however 2011 is looking more likely seeing asthough the script isn’t finished (although Fox have a Magneto script they could be making use of *cough*)

Will Wolverine appear in X-Men: First Class?

Liam — Tue, 05 May 2009 20:02:35 +0000

One of the main reasons I am looking forward to X-Men: First Class is due to the prospect of having an X-Men film revolve around the X-Men and not Wolverine. Sure, he’s a cool character and Hugh Jackman is great in the role, but the bastard hogged all the screen time in the trilogy and other characters had to suffer in order for him to shine (Cyclops and Storm mainly). So with Wolverine on course to getting his own trilogy, it may finally be time for an actual X-Men film with X-Men: First Class, which will focus on young versions of Cyclops, Jean, Beast and Storm (among other’s yet to be confirmed) as they undertake their first year at Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters.

However, with X-Men Origins: Wolverine making big money this past weekend, mainly due to Hugh Jackman and people’s interest in Wolverine, would Fox ever consider making an X-Men film without an appearance from the clawed one?

From MTV:

“Do you think Wolverine will be in the ‘X-Men: First Class’ movie?” I asked Jackman, expecting to hear a simple “no” or “no comment.”
“I don’t know,” he responded with a grin, leaving the door open. “You’re asking good questions. You’ve done your research.”
“I’ve got nothing to do with that movie, they don’t need me,” Jackman cautioned, then cryptically added, “…as a producer.”
Which brings up a good point: Although the “producer” in Jackman is already working hard to make a Wolverine spin-off sequel, it seems likely that the “actor” in him wants to leave the door open to guest appearances in the movies of other mutants.
“I haven’t even read the script,” he tried to explain of “First Class,” but once again added honestly: “But, we’ll see.”
Finally, I thought I’d give Hugh one more shot at a stronger confirmation or denial, so I asked if he’d be willing to do a small cameo in “First Class,” along the same lines of what Patrick Stewart did in his film. “Yeah,” Jackman grinned, escaping while he could. “You have done your research.”

A cameo would actually be quite cool, considering there would be little or no interaction between Wolverine and the characters he meet for the first time in X-Men 1. From X-Men Origins: Wolverine it is hinted that First Class would takes place after those events, so it could work. However, if Wolverine end’s up on-screen for more than 20 seconds I’ll showcase some berserk rage of my own.

X-Men: First Class, Gambit and Deadpool talk

Liam — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:51:40 +0000

Over the past few weeks X-Men Origins: Wolverine producer Lauren Shuler Donner has been giving us small chucks of info about the future of the X-Men franchise, and she recently gave a big chunk of info to IESB during an interview (click here to watch it). She talks about a wide range of X-topics, including the possibility of a Gambit spin-off and getting X-Men and X2 director Bryan Singer back to direct a future film.

X-Men: First Class

According to Shuler Donner writer Josh Schwartz made some changes to the script so it matched with the events in Wolverine. Some reviews I have read say scenes towards the end of Wolverine set up X-Men: First Class nicely. Also, remember the young Storm seen in the first trailer? Well Donner revealed back in February that the scene had been cut, and now we know that it was likely because Storm will be in X-Men: First Class, and they may wish to explore the characters origins in that film, which would have meant the Wolverine cameo would have ruined the continuity.

Donner also told IESB that “you can’t do X-Men: First Class without Patrick [Stewart]“, so it is likely Stewart will return as Professor Xavier.

Gambit

As Gambit was not an original member of Xavier’s school he will not be appearing in X-Men: First Class, although Donner said it was possible that he could appear in the sequels, noting Gambit’s relationship with Storm in the comics as an opportunity to weave him in. (Gambit and Storm teamed up as thieves in New Orleans). Donner also said that there were “internal discussions” about whether Gambit would appear in Wolverine 2, and whether he would get a spin-off of his own. (Although in the past Donner has said characters such as Storm may be getting spin-offs, but that never happened and most likely won’t).

Taylor Kitsch, who plays Gambit in Wolverine, spoke to MTV today about what he’d like to see if the spin-off happens:

“I would love to go darker,” Kitsch told MTV News. “[Gambit] in Vegas was fun, but I want to go into the Thieves Guild part of his story.”
Kitsch’s concept would delve into Remy LeBeau’s shady, streetwise past, part of the hero’s alluring mystique dating back before his time as one of the X-Men in the comics. And that side of Gambit is what interests the “Friday Night Lights” actor the most.
“How cool would it be to see him stealing things to survive because the stakes are so high?” Kitsch proposed. “Of course, as an actor, I’m always going to the darker side, but for him that would just be way more intriguing.”

Deadpool

Gavin Hood revealed before a screening last week that there would be a scene after the credits which would vary with each screening. Some early reports say that one involves Wolverine (setting up the sequel), one involved William Stryker (hopefully not setting up his own spin-off) and the third involves Wade Wilson aka Deadpool. Fox have made it clear they intend to make a Deadpool spin-off, so the scene after the credits may give us a tease for that.

Ryan Reynolds also spoke about what he would like to see if his spin-off got the green light, but this time to IGN

And finally, Lauren Shuler Donner said that she would love director Bryan Singer to return to the X-Men franchise. In the IESB interview she suggests he could perhaps direct the Deadpool or Gambit spin-offs if he was interested. Even after all the recent releases X-Men 2 still stands as one of the best superhero movies, so for Singer to return and work more of that magic would be great (Singer apparently declined an offer to direct X-Men Origins: Wolverine as he was busy with other projects).

I suppose all of this suggests that going to see X-Men Origins: Wolverine would be a good idea if you want to keep up with the X-Men franchise (and help it to continue). If Wolverine does well (which is looking likely) then all of this fantasy talk during interviews may eventually turn into green lights and writers being hired.

Lauren Shuler Donner talks Magneto and X-Men: First Class

Liam — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:50:14 +0000

Last week X-Men producer Lauren Shuler Donner revealed that she hopes X-Men: First Class becomes a new franchise, and that it will focus on younger version of characters we have already seen, such as Jean, Cyclops and Beast. Now she has spoken a bit more about it to Scifi Wire, and she also gave us an update on Magneto which may get some attention now X-Men Origins: Wolverine is almost out of the way.

What’s the latest on Magneto?
Shuler Donner: I don’t know. We have a great script. Honestly, we have all been just so focused on getting Wolverine out that we didn’t take the time to sit down and explore “What are the movies we’re going to do next within the genre?” We will do that. We will do that. We all want to. Magneto is a fantastic script, and hopefully we’ll make it. I don’t know.
How much will the reaction to Wolverine affect Magneto?
Shuler Donner: I think this is partly to do with it, yes. And then we have First Class, which is based on the X-Men comics’ first class and is very literal to the title. It’s the first class in Xavier’s school. But that’s just being written. I haven’t even seen a first draft. And I’m producing that with Simon Kinberg.
What interests you about First Class as a potential franchise?

Shuler Donner: I like kids. I did produce Pretty in Pink and St. Elmo’s Fire. I do like those kind of teenage movies; I really do. Part of it takes me to my roots. It’s action. There seems, to me, to be more humor, or more potential for humor. I really like that idea. The relationship … I don’t want to get into what the script is about, but it provides a bit of a lighter touch to the franchise.

I’m not sure I like the idea of the X-Men becoming more light with added humor, but then again Iron Man was ‘light’ compared to other comic book movies and had a few laughs. As long as it light as well as serious i’ll be happy.

However with X-Men Origins: Magneto…I want it dark, and with a script involving Nazi concentration camps and genocide I don’t see how it won’t be. I know 20th Century Fox like to make the most commerical movies possible, but I can’t see that with Magneto. They might aswell just make a dark, faithful movie rather than making it lighter in order to sell toys.

Lauren Shuler Donner wants X-Men: First Class to become a franchise

Liam — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 03:29:11 +0000

In February Josh Schwartz said that he was just getting started on writing X-Men: First Class, so we didn’t expect to hear much at this stage of development, however, promotion for X-Men Origins: Wolverine is gearing up and people behind the X-Men franchise are starting to talk. Lauren Shuler Donner has produced all the X-Men films, including Wolverine, and revealed on Fox Movie Channel’s Life after Film School that she hoped X-Men: First Class becomes a whole new X-Men franchise. She also revealed which characters will be involved.

From Comics Continuum:

“It is the first class of Xavier’s school, way back when, so it’s young Scott, young Jean, young Beast and that’ll be really fun,” Donner said. “I think (the plan) is to follow some of the characters into their own stories, and weave them back into the X-Men world.
“And hopefully First Class will become its own franchise and we can follow them as they grow up.”
She also acknowledged that a Magneto movie remains in development.

I’m glad we finally know which characters the film will revolve around, as there was speculation that it could focus on a whole new bunch of characters. While we will be seeing young versions of Cyclops, Jean and Beast, we have already seen young versions of Iceman and Angel in the trilogy, so the famous original line-up probably won’t happen. There is also the fact that a young Cyclops appears in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, so the chances are X-Men: First Class will take place after Wolverine, and Tim Pocock (who plays young Cyclops) could have a good few years ahead of him, unless they recast for whatever reason.

They will obviously involve other characters, including some we have seen before. We could see a young Storm (we caught a glimpse of a toddler-looking Storm in the first Wolverine trailer, however Lauren Shuler Donner said that the scene won’t make the final cut. This could be so that it doesn’t screw up continuity if they plan on adding a young Storm in X-Men: First Class). As it will be the first class of Xavier’s school Patrick Stewart may end up returning, unless they recast Xavier like they did with William Stryker. I hope they don’t though. I’d like to think that Patrick Stewart will be the man that links the X-Men franchise together on-screen.

I’m happy that Fox have chosen Josh Schwartz (The O.C, Chuck) as writer. If you’re going to make a movie about young adults, you might as well get the guy who knows how to write them well. Fanboys may want people like Christopher Nolan (the current fanboy God after The Dark Knight) to write and direct their favourite superhero’s, but writing for young mutants with young mutant problems might not be one of their strengths. I am eager to find out who ends up directing this. As long as it’s not Brett Ratner i’ll be happy.