Moviefone Editorial

Tag: wolverine

  • ‘X-Men’: 15 Things You (Probably) Didn’t Know About Marvel’s Mutants

    At this point in its run, the X-Men franchise must be imbibing a little of Wolverine’s healing factor.

    These movies have been a fixture since the original “X-Men” exploded onto the scene in 2000. They’ve weathered every misstep and survived the rise of Marvel Studios and the Avengers. And now “X-Men: Apocalypse” is here to introduce a whole new wave of mutant heroes and the biggest, baddest X-Men villain of them all.

    To celebrate this big release, we’re looking back at the five core “X-Men” movies released so far and explore some of the interesting trivia and hidden cameos you might not know about.

    ‘X-Men‘ (2000)
    1. Hugh Jackman wasn’t the first choice to play Wolverine. Actor Dougray Scott was originally cast in the role, but he dropped out because of a conflict with the filming of “Mission: Impossible II.” We imagine he regretted that decision later.

    2. Joss Whedon penned a rewrite of the screenplay. Whedon’s draft was rejected by the studio because of its “quick-witted” approach to the source material. Somehow, Marvel Studios didn’t seem to mind that approach when Whedon directed “The Avengers” 12 years later.

    3. Several major characters (Beast, Nightcrawler and Pyro) and other iconic X-Men elements (including the Danger Room) were cut from the script before filming because of budget concerns.

    ‘X2: X-Men United‘ (2003)
    4. This sequel is one of the major reasons leading to Marvel’s decision to reveal Wolverine’s origin story in the comic book, “Origin.” Many within the publisher feared that the movies would end up revealing this murky period of Wolverine’s past before they got the chance.

    5. Rather than resort to digital trickery, director Bryan Singer relied on a group of trained mimes to play the museum crowd that Xavier freezes in place with his psychic powers.

    6. In the scene where Mystique accesses Yuriko’s computer terminal, viewers are treated to a number of references to other Marvel characters. Among many other things, the computer files reference Gambit, Mister Sinister, Omega Red, Project Wideawake, the Von Strucker twins, and even Franklin Richards from the “Fantastic Four” franchise.

    ‘X3‘ (2006)
    7. Alan Cumming was expected to reprise his role as Nightcrawler in this sequel. However, because the role was so small and Cumming disliked the painstaking process of applying Nightcrawler’s makeup, he opted not to return. The prequel video game “X-Men: The Official Game” offered a story-based explanation for why Nightcrawler was absent.

    8. When Singer dropped out of this sequel to direct “Superman Returns,” Fox approached a number of potential replacements before ultimately choosing Brett Ratner. That list included Peter Berg, Joss Whedon, Alex Proyas, and ‘X-Men: First Class” director Matthew Vaughn.

    9. Gambit was originally intended to appear in this sequel as one of the X-Men and a rival for Rogue’s affections. Though the role was written out of the script, Gambit does have a small cameo in the novelization.

    ‘X-Men: First Class‘ (2011)
    10. This prequel started life as a Magneto-centric story in the vein of “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.” But in light of the lukewarm reception to that movie, the Magneto project evolved into an ensemble X-Men movie.

    11. While there was once a Marvel comic called “X-Men: First Class,” it featured an almost completely different cast of mutant heroes, including Cyclops, Jean Grey, Iceman, Angel, and Beast.

    12. The film’s original ending featured a “psychic” battle between Emma Frost and Charles Xavier, involving a city of the mind that the two would battle each other within — think punching each other into buildings or with buildings. The filmmakers were very excited to film, but never got the chance. Why? Fox cut it when “Inception” came out because of similar sequences in that film. Womp womp.

    ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past‘ (2014)
    13. Wolverine’s apartment in 1973 is decorated with many references and homages to his Japanese travels, including samurai swords and a photo of Mt. Fuji. Even the red and yellow color scheme pays tribute to his 1980’s-era costume from the comics (a costume that he has yet to actually wear in the films).

    14. When Mystique infiltrates the army base in Vietnam, her cover identity is “Col. Sanders.” Apparently she loves those 11 herbs and spices.

    15. Quicksilver’s appearance in both this film and “Avengers: Age of Ultron” created some tension between Fox and Marvel Studios. The two studios hammered out an agreement that stated that the X-Men movies can’t reference Quicksilver’s status as an Avenger, while the Avengers movies can’t acknowledge his mutant heritage or the fact that Magneto is his father.

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  • ‘Wolverine 3’ May Be the Next R-Rated Comic Book Movie

    After the jaw-dropping, record-breaking success of “Deadpool,” studios are clamoring for their own R-rated takes on the superhero genre. But it looks like Fox will beat everyone else to the punch once again with the next “Wolverine” film, which is also reportedly circling an R rating.

    The news comes from the annual Toy Fair, which took place in New York City last weekend. An Imgur user spotted a brochure touting the upcoming release — which looks like it’s working with the title “The Wolverine III” for now — and noticed that under “Anticipated Rating,” Fox gave the flick an R.

    View post on imgur.com


    As Screen Crush points out, it’s not an entirely surprising decision, given that Wolverine — played by Hugh Jackman in the ongoing series of films — is prone to darkness, particularly with his past history of dropping F-bombs and killing mercenaries. The site also points to an interview with MTV that Jackman did way back in 2011, when he was shooting 2013’s “The Wolverine” with director James Mangold, talking about the possibility of taking the character in an edgier direction.

    “There’s such great temptation to make an R-rated ‘Wolverine.’ I’ve always felt that, and I know a lot of fans would like that,” Jackman told MTV at the time. “If there’s ever going to be a superhero that is going to be R-rated, it’s going to be Wolverine.”

    Of course, we all know now that “Deadpool” beat Jackman and co. to the punch, though it’s interesting that the former character first popped up in the latter’s “X-Men: Origins” flick, and they’re both now gunning for R-rated greatness. We’ll have to wait and see if this tentative rating pans out for the “Wolverine” franchise, but it’s certainly an intriguing prospect.

    “The Wolverine III” is currently slated for release in March 2017.

    [via: Imgur, Screen Crush, MTV]

    Photo credit: 20th Century Fox

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  • 5 Things You Need to Know Before You See ‘Deadpool’

    %Slideshow-363095% This year’s crop of superhero movies kicks off early with “Deadpool.”

    This latest addition to Fox’s X-Men franchise puts the spotlight on the weirdest and most irreverent hero in the Marvel Universe. Plenty of Marvel movies have delivered laughs, but none have done it Deadpool-style.

    To help you prepare for this highly-anticipated, completely inappropriate superhero film, here are five things you need to know before you see the Merc With the Mouth in action.

  • Hugh Jackman’s ’80s Throwback Photo Proves He Never Had an Awkward Phase

    Montblanc at Watches & Wonders in Hong Kong - PhotocallSomehow, despite the best efforts of Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman was not named the 2015-2016 Sexiest Man Alive. However, the Australian hunk just proved he has always been ridiculously, “Zoolander”-level good-looking, sharing a throwback photo from the 1980s that illustrates his flawlessness. ‘Cause, don’t forget, NO ONE looked good in the ’80s. The ’80s were specifically designed to make everyone look awful, especially in hindsight.

    But look:


    Hugh was born in 1968 and he’s now 47, so he was probably in his mid-to-late teens here. He doesn’t even have bad ’80s hair, or a cheesy ’80s swimsuit. It’s almost cheating.

    Hugh has been traveling the world to promote “Pan,” but next on the docket are “Broadway 4D,” “Eddie the Eagle,” “The Greatest Showman on Earth,” and — of course — the final “Wolverine” movie. He’s not quite Wolverine buff yet in this throwback pic, but the potential is there. Can you imagine if he were as famous at this age as he is now? He’d be stealing the hearts of all the One Direction and Justin Bieber fans.

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  • Watch Deadpool Impersonate Hugh Jackman in Campaign for Sexiest Man Alive

    Screening of 20th Century Fox's "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" - ArrivalsThis is almost too meta for non-superpowered brains to comprehend. Hugh Jackman, aka Wolverine in Marvel’s “X-Men,” tweeted a video of Ryan Reynolds, in full burned “Deadpool” makeup, doing an impression of Hugh Jackman and pitching the Australian actor for People’s next Sexiest Man Alive.

    Here’s the tweet and video:


    How wonderfully random! Hugh Jackman is a great choice for Sexiest Man Alive, and tweeting a video of Ryan Reynolds pitching him is a more humble way to campaign than doing his own video. But Hugh should now dress as Wolverine and (somehow?) do a Ryan Reynolds impression to pitch the “Deadpool” star for the same honor. Ryan was already the 2010 cover boy, but Hugh had the title back in 2008, so either one could be a repeat.

    Who would you rather see as the next Sexiest Man Alive — Hugh Jackman or Ryan Reynolds? Or would you pick someone else? Or would you rather People just stopped this nonsense altogether?

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  • Hugh Jackman Wants Tom Hardy to Take Over as Wolverine

    BRITAIN-ENTERTAINMENT-CINEMA-PANHugh Jackman‘s tenure as Wolverine is winding down, with only one more movie left on his contract. So who does Jackman think would make a good replacement for him? None other than his fellow James Bond hopeful, Tom Hardy.

    In an interview with MTV International promoting his role in “Pan,” Jackman was asked about his choice for who should strap on his iconic claws once his reign as Wolverine is over. Jackman admitted that he’s still processing the fact that he’s not going to be playing the character for much longer, and joked that he didn’t “want to make it too easy on the studio to replace me.” But when he thought about it, Jackman said, there was one candidate who stood out.

    “I think Tom Hardy could be great,” Jackman told MTV.

    It’s weird to imagine anyone else filling Wolverine’s shoes, since Jackman has played the “X-Men” mutant for 15 years. But with Fox’s penchant for bringing in younger versions of its original “X-Men” stars in flicks like “First Class” and the most recent “Days of Future Past,” it makes sense that they’d be looking to reboot Wolverine, too.

    And as for his pick, Hardy has never been hotter. His “Mad Mad: Fury Road” starring role put him on the map earlier this year, and his name has been tossed about a whole lot recently in connection with potential James Bond casting. So why not Wolverine, too?

    For more of Jackman’s thoughts on his Wolverine replacement, check out his interview below.

    [via: MTV International]

    Photo credit: AFP/Getty Images

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  • See Hugh Jackman and Jim Carrey’s Hilarious Impersonations of Each Other’s Characters

    jim carrey, wolverine, jim carrey impersonates hugh jackmanSometimes, celebrities can share too much on social media. Sometimes, they share just the right amount. Hugh Jackman and Jim Carrey fell into the latter camp this week with a random, yet completely hilarious, attempt at impersonating two of each other’s most beloved characters.

    The shenanigans started a few days ago when Jackman uploaded a Dubsmash video of himself uttering Carrey’s famous “Smokin’!” line from “The Mask,” nailing the comedian’s rubbery facial expression with wide eyes, raised eyebrows, and a devilish grin. Jackman’s post got plenty of love from fans, but it was Carrey’s response the following day that made things truly amazing.

    #JimCarrey mate trying my best to do justice! Clearly, I should stay in my own lane.

    A video posted by Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman) on


    Though he didn’t share a video, Carrey may have one-upped Jackman in the details department, opting to take on Jackman’s Wolverine role from the “X-Men” series in a silly, surprisingly accurate photo. What the comedian lacked in sound, he more than made up for in visuals, styling his coif in the perfect Wolverine ‘do and brandishing some silverware and a corkscrew to mimic the character’s claws. Carrey finished off the look with a menacing growl.

    We’re not quite sure why this happened, but we love it. Thanks for being weird, internet; never change.

    [via: Hugh Jackman, Jim Carrey]

    Photo credit: Jim Carrey

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  • Did Patrick Stewart Just Confirm That Professor X Is in ‘Wolverine 3’?

    Professor X himself says that he will join Wolverine on the big screen, one last time.

    While promoting his new TV series, “Blunt Talk,” on Thursday, Patrick Stewart revealed to Collider that Professor X will have more than a cameo in Hugh Jackman‘s last film as the most popular member of the X-Men.

    “There is a project in development. I understand that Professor Xavier will be making more than an appearance, however, and that intrigues me,” Stewart said.

    He also hinted that the storyline for the film will be that of the rumored “Old Man Logan” comic, which is basically “Unforgiven” starring an older Wolverine in a post-apocalyptic world. (Um, yes, please.)

    “The idea of an old Wolverine — I’m really looking forward to Hugh Jackman getting old,” Stewart teased. “So I’m hoping to see him covered in prosthetics, you know? And then he’ll make me look better if that’s the case.”

    This is less of a confirmation of the storyline, and more of proof that the actor seems to be aware of the idea of a movie centering on an older Logan — whose healing factor helps him age slower than normal folk.

    So while the jury is still out (ish) on whether or not “Old Man Logan” will inspire Wolverine’s third solo film, you can count on the elder Charles Xavier appearing opposite his most famous pupil when the untitled film hits theaters March 3, 2017.
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  • Hugh Jackman Wants Your (Brief) Suggestions for Final ‘Wolverine’ Movie

    Sadly, Hugh Jackman is hanging up his adamantium claws in the final “Wolverine” movie, which is scheduled for 2017. Director James Mangold tweeted that the the third standalone film would start shooting in early 2016. But before they begin filming, the star wants to hear from Wolverine’s loyal fans on what they’d like to see.

    Here’s what Hugh Jackman tweeted on Monday evening, to thousands of retweets and responses:


    Because he’s a stand-up guy, Hugh quickly returned to social media with a short (too short!) video thanking fans for their responses and promising to read more.


    Has it really been 16 years? The first “X-Men” movie came out in 2000, so yeah that qualifies as 16 years of Wolverine on screen. Check out that first tweet to read the fans’ plot suggestions. Some of the ideas are pretty good (and very funny). We’re down for anything, especially if it includes more muscle shots. The man works hard to look that ripped, let him show it off!

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  • 15 Marvel Origin Story Movies, Ranked From Worst to Best

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    With great power, comes great responsibility. And a big-budget origin story.

    It’s practically Hollywood Law that, if you’re a comic book hero or team of heroes, your first movie is all about how you came to put on your mask, pick up your hammer, or first pop your claws. Especially if you fight for Marvel.

    Their latest hero to get the “Year One” treatment is Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) in “Ant-Man,” which centers on the thief-turned-future Avenger as he dons the Ant-Man suit, shrinks in size, and commands insects. Because reasons.

    With “Ant-Man” hitting theaters this weekend, we decided to rank the best and worst origin stories based on Marvel characters.marvel's best origin stories ranked