X-Men 3: The Last Stand - Preview
Preview by Jack Foley
IF X-MEN 2 is widely regarded as one of the best superhero sequels of all-time, then X-Men: The Last Stand is facing an uphill struggle to surpass its predecessor.
The film has already endured something of a difficult time, given that franchise director Bryan Singer jumped ship to helm Warner Bros’ Superman Returns, while his initial replacement, Matthew Vaughn, made a shock departure just nine weeks before filming was due to begin, citing family problems.
Stepping into the spotlight, therefore, is Brett Ratner who, to be fair, has enjoyed his fair share of box office success. Ratner has, of course, been responsible for the Rush Hour franchise, is the producer of TV hit Prison Break, and proved more than capable of delivering the goods when taking on the Hannibal Lecter movie, Red Dragon.
And from early trailers alone, the omens look to be good for X-Men 3: The Last Stand.
The plot revolves around the cure for mutations that divides the X-Men into two camps – one led by Professor X (Patrick Stewart) and the other led by Magneto (Sir Ian McKellen).
Playing a key part in the ensuing battle is fallen X member, Jean Grey (Famke Janssen), now resurrected since X-Men 2 as Phoenix and possessing some truly destructive powers which threaten the mutants on both sides and the world in general.
With new Mutants including Angel, Juggernaut and Beast all playing a part, as well as returning franchise favourites Wolverine, Cyclops and Storm, this could well bring the franchise to a close with a bang.
Certainly, fans have every reason to feel excited. Marvel Comics supremo Avi Arad has promised that The Last Stand will be ‘controversial’, while movie website, Aint It Cool News claims to have got hold of a script that includes the death of several beloved characters.
Tom Rothman, President of Fox Film Group, is also quoted as saying that The Last Stand will, indeed, be the final instalment in the current X-Men saga.
“These three movies work as a trilogy,” he said. “It’s the culmination and resolution of those relationships laid out in the first two movies.”
However, he did offer some hope that the franchise could be revived with a focus on different superheros – including proposed Wolverine and Magneto spin-offs.
“I would never say never again but I will say that this brings that saga to an end.”
Vinnie Jones has also reportedly dropped hints that he has signed on for X-Men 4 and 5 as Juggernaut.