January 21, 2006
The novel "X-MEN: THE LAST STAND", timed to be released with the upcoming Vancouver-shot Marvel feature, is now scheduled for release May 16 from Del Rey Publishers.
"X-MEN: THE LAST STAND" movie opens May 26.
Written by Chris Claremont, based on the screenplay by Zak Penn and Simon Kinberg, the 352-page book is described as:
"The X-Men, mutant heroes sworn to defend a world that hates and fears them, are back! This time, with the help of new recruits The Beast and Angel, they must face evolution itself in the form of their former teammate, Jean Grey!
"Possessed with the cosmic power of the Dark Phoenix, the resurrected Jean Grey has become a danger to herself, her mutant comrades, and the entire planet! To stave off this imminent threat to humanity, a potential cure is discovered and processed to treat -- and ultimately eliminate -- genetic mutations, once and for all!
"Now, as the battle lines are drawn, the X-Men, led by Professor Charles Xavier, must contend with both Jean Grey's world-consuming powers, as well as the malevolent Brotherhood, a band of powerful mutants organized under Xavier's former ally, Magneto!"
'PSYLOCKE' ENTERS "X3"
December 28, 2005
The 'evil mutant assassin Psylocke' has joined director Brett Ratner's Vancouver-shoot of "X-Men 3".
The character is being played by Filipina actress Mei Melancon, who previously worked for Ratner in "Rush Hour 2".
Marvel Comics' 'Psylocke' is noted for fighting/telepathic skills as well as an ability to transport herself and others through shadows.
Psylocke will challenge the 'X-Men' team as a member of 'Magneto's Brotherhood of Mutants'.
"X-Men 3" opens May 26, 2006.
RATNER EXPLAINS "X3" !!!
JUNE 8, 2005
Brett "Rush Hour" Ratner said "It's not going to be easy" directing "X3".
The 36-year-old Ratner proudly declares he has "read comic books my whole life".
"I want to stay true to the franchise and true to the characters, but I think it's elevated ... I don't want to be pompous and say I'm going to take it to the next level. I think the script that Simon Kinberg and Zak Penn wrote gives me a tremendous amount of confidence."
Ratner said you can also expect his 'X-Men' to have an enhanced sense of humor.
"Not jokes for the sake of jokes," he said, "jokes that come from character humor, that come from characters and that come from the situations."
VANCOUVER CASTING CALL FOR THE 'ODD & UNUSUAL' !!!
June 6, 2005
More than 700 would-be film performers answered a 'casting call' for the upcoming Fox feature "X3", reporting for a 'go-see' held at Vancouver Film Studios.
"X3" producers placed an ad looking for "ODD & UNUSUAL multi-racial men, women and children of all ages".
"X3" is the third installment of the Fox movie franchise, based on the Marvel Comics super-hero team of 'mutants', first appearing in the 1960's and continuing to publish under various titles today.
"X3" is currently in pre-production, slated for an August Vancouver start , directed by Brett "Rush Hour" Ratner.
Scoop: "Rush Hour" Ratner Directing X3
Vancouver Production Start Date This August ...
June 6th 2005 02:09am | Posted by: Michael Stevens, HNR Senior Editor
Director Brett "Rush Hour" Ratner, will helm Fox' X3, the third big screen franchise installment of Marvel Comics super-hero team of 'mutants'.
Shooting will begin in August for a 2006 (US) Memorial Day weekend opening.
Ratner previously developed Warners Superman Returns, before it was handed over to director Bryan Singer, who dropped out of X3.
Screenplay for X3 is written by Zak Penn/Simon Kinberg.
The original returning stars of the franchise have been signed, with new additional cast including Kelsey "Frasier" Grammer as 'Beast' and Vinnie Jones as 'Juggernaut'.
Ratner directed the first two Rush Hour films, but actor Chris Tucker's unwillingness to sign a $20 million deal for Rush Hour 3 has given Ratner an open window to helm X3.
Source: Sneak Peek
In: X-Men 3
KELSEY GRAMMER IS THE SEXY 'BEAST' IN "X-MEN 3" !!!
Marvel Entertainment /Twentieth Century Fox have signed actor Kelsey "Frasier" Grammer to play Marvel Comics character , the 'Beast', in the upcoming feature "X-MEN 3", slated to shoot in Vancouver this summer.
Actor Vinnie "Snatch" Jones, a former Brit soccer player, is also confirmed to play 7-foot tall, 900 lb. villain 'Juggernaut', who is half-brother to "X-Men" team leader, 'Professor X'.
"Kelsey was born to play the role (of Beast)", said Marvel topper Avi Arad.
Arad is producing "X-MEN 3" with Lauren Shuler Donner and Ralph Winter.
Screenplay is by Zak Penn and Simon Kinberg, with 20th Century Fox president Hutch Parker overseeing the production with senior VP Alex Young. Marvel's Kevin Feige is executive producer.
Scoop: Director Vaughn Exits X-Men 3
June 1st 2005 01:57am | Posted by: Michael Stevens, HNR Senior Editor
With principal photography starting up in 9 weeks on X-Men 3, director Matthew Vaughn has exited the 20th Century Fox project for what is being reported as 'personal' reasons.
In a statement, Fox said UK-based Vaughn had planned to travel between his home and the film's Vancouver locations, but "as the shooting schedule evolved, he realized he would have to move to Los Angeles and Vancouver for at least a year. Not wishing to uproot his family for an extended period, Vaughn opted to depart the production."
The producer of director Guy Ritchie's Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, Vaughn made his directorial debut with Layer Cake.
X-Men 3, based on the Marvel Comics mutant super-hero team, is scheduled for a May 26, 2006 release.
Source: Sneak Peek
In: X-Men 3
