X3 update via MSN

[retro_eidas]

From MSN Movies...

Ashmore is one of the few actors in the X-Men franchise that is contractually obligated to two sequels (one already being in the books). The other actors locked in include Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler), Aaron Stanford (Pyro), Anna Paquin (Rogue) and Rebecca Romijn (Mystique). Cumming confirmed the June 20th start date while speaking to the press for "Son of the Mask" over the weekend. My sources also say that Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), who did not have a third sequel option, has agreed to a new contract for the movie and has approval on the new director for the series.

With HJ already signed on as one of the producers of "X3" and "Wolverine", it was pretty hopeful he probably was going to reprise teh hot. I am intrigued though Alan Cumming, Aaron Stanford and Anna are all seemingly contracted to return. Three of my favorite characters from the x-movies right there.

However, the article also seems wary of the possibility of James Marsden's return with him tied to "Superman Returns". I suppose that wouldn't be a total loss, but I don't know who they'd find to replace him. Jim Caviezel had been up for the part at one point if I'm not mistaken, maybe he may try again? Considering the story "X3" is bound to be telling, more Cyclops is probably a very distinct possibility. Thus, the actor would have to be able to hold his own with the rest of the cast but also hold up the story to some extent to, of course, this is all speculation. Famke, Ian and Patrick still haven't signed on, nor have their contracts been re-negotiated as yet it seems.

It also looks like the script is being rewritten... that topped off with no director? Yeah. June 20 start date? Not going to happen. I'm not even sure who Fox could or would target to direct (in Singer's calibre) at this point who's not doing other stuff. A small part of me was hoping for David Fincher, but I think he's tied to another project right now.

Comments

[eido.livejournal.com]

Why can't Brian (sp?) Singer direct the third X-Men movie?

Basically, Fox wasn't too happy Singer decided to take the director job for Warner Brothers' "Superman Returns" instead of immediately continuing on with X3. Singer also incidentally took most of X-MEN's production crew with him when he left. No way Fox is going to wait around for Singer to finish directing another superhero film for the competition when they already had a release date scheduled for X3 (May 2006. Which I believe is also "Superman Returns" release date or near it). Hence, Singer was cut out of the X-MEN franchise.

Although Fox probably should have worked with Singer and somehow negotiated a return (even if they had to push back X3's release date) since the X-MEN movies are what they are today thanks to him. I fear the replacements Fox are going to force upon the franchise now considering they seem adamant to squeeze X3 out by summer '06, there's still no news on a director or prod. crew and the time is rapidly dwindling away.

[penshoppe.livejournal.com]

Fox can't wait for Singer? That looks like a shortsighted decision, all right. X-Men appealed to both adults and kids because of Singer's intelligent handling of the franchise. :)