Fans of the X-Men universe were very saddened when Bryan Singer left to do Superman, leaving Brett Ratner to take the wheel for X-Men: The Last Stand (which was hated but still made the most money of the trio). Then came X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which also wasn’t very well-received, but still made a massive amount of money at the box office. Funny how all that works, eh?
Singer and producer Lauren Shuler Donner recently spoke to Hero Complex while there to talk about the 10-year anniversary of X-Men in 2000. The discussion, however, resulted in many interesting hints at the future of the franchise, including X-Men 4 and Wolverine 2!
This past December, we were informed that Singer was in fact returning to the world that he had made so popular to direct X-Men: First Class, which is based on the comics about the X-Men when they were first brought to Professor Xavier’s special school. The problem with this is that people didn’t seem to care so much about this project as they did getting another great X-Men flick.
Now, first of all, this is all just playful banter between Donner and Singer as they celebrated the first movie, so do not take any of it as a done deal. Nevertheless, you can’t help but wonder if there is any hope to these dream talks evolving into a realistic existence.
As for X-Men 4, it’s clear that Donner and Fox want to make it, especially with how much money was just dumped in their laps from Avatar. The problem is that Singer is currently set to direct Jack the Giant Killer for Warner Brothers. And that brought on the little *wink* *wink* about X-4:
Singer turned to Shuler Donner and said of X-Men 4: “Hold that one off for just a little, I’m fixated on the other one right now.” She nodded and answered, “I will, I will “¦ I’m holding it open with high hopes. It’s totally different [from First Class] and it will be so interesting for you.”
As for Wolverine — basically, Singer mentioned was that he had lunch with a one Mr. Hugh Jackman to discuss…things. That has people wondering what exactly they might have been discussing. Could he be interested in jumping in to direct Wolverine 2, which has been announced and will tell the Samurai storyline in Japan? Could he be brainstorming ideas for the hoped for fourth film in the main franchise? Or maybe he just wants to see if Wolverine — who of course doesn’t age like everyone else — could have a part in First Class.
Clearly the most popular of these would be for X-Men 4, but I think fans would also be thrilled to know that Singer was doing Wolverine 2; especially after the first one. I know I certainly would like to see what he did. As for First Class, I for one — as someone who does not read comics — don’t really have a desire to see it. I’m sure it could be fun, but I’m much more interested in what the other two can become.
Again, this is all just fun shatter between Singer and Donner, but who knows! Which of these scenarios would you more like to see play out?
Hearing this makes me almost sick to my stomach. Bryan Singer single handedly destroyed two of the most endearing comic franchises of all time. His telling and direction of the Xmen was horrible. He took the characters to places that they should never have been. And please dont get me started on Superman Returns. That movie was the biggest piece of crap ever made. Yes, all the movies made money, but that doesnt mean they were good. Anyone can gold plate a turd and it would draw attention. But to actually make something that holds any similarities to the original stories is something different. The latest Batman movies proves that a great story with good direction can lead to big dollars. Hopefully someone will get a clue this time too.
Comment by Thomas — March 19, 2010 @ 4:47 pm
G’day Thomas
Unfortunately that is how it works. Ever heard the saying money is the root of all evil? Well here is a nice example. The studios really don’t care what the story is, they just want $$$. And without a studios backing a movie practicaly never gets made. They even purposely change the story not only to amuse a bigger audience but also so that they can put on the credits the words ” Based on the story by ” Therefore they don’t have to pay the full amount of royalties to the original writers of the stories. Sucks right?
We all know that ONLY cyclops, Jean Grey, Iceman, beast and angel were the first students of charles xavier. I would like that to remain for the movies as any fan of the comics would but I think we both doubt that will happen.
And don’t forget that marvel even rebooted the x-men comics with the ultimate x-men which changed everything again. So who knows what they will do in the movie.
Comment by Ttandc — March 19, 2010 @ 7:56 pm