Born into a world filled with prejudice are children who possess extraordinary powers - the result of unique genetic mutations. Cyclops unleashes bolts of energy from his eyes. Storm can manipulate the weather at will. Rogue absorbs the life force of anyone she touches. But under the tutelage of Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewert), these and other outcasts learn to harness their powers for the good of mankind. Now they must protect those who fear them as the nefarious Magneto (Ian McKellen), who believes humans and mutants can never co-exist, unveils his sinister plot for the future!

STARRING:

Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, Famke Janssen, James Marsden, Bruce Davison, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, Ray Park, Anna Paquin

SCREENWRITER: David Hayter

DIRECTOR: Bryan Singer

RUNNING TIME: 104 minutes

STUDIO: 20th Century Fox

Average Hollywood Guys Rating: B

• Before Hugh Jackman landed the role of Wolverine it was given to Dougray Scott, but he was forced to give the role up due to his shoot for Mission: Impossible 3 running long. Jackman beat out Viggo Mortensen and Aaron Eckhart to finally get his chance to wear the claws.
• As a joke director Bryan Singer had a man surprise the cast by having a man dressed in a full Spider-Man suit jump in the scene only to explain he must be in the wrong movie and run off. The gag can be seen on the DVD as an Easter egg.
• In order to match up with comic book details, actor James Marsden had to wear platform shoes so it appeared he was taller than Wolverine since in real life Jackman is taller.
• In the comic the character Toad was a hunchback, but that idea had to be dropped so that Ray Park could still do all of his martial arts stunts.
• Kevin Nash of the WWE was offered the role of Sabretooth, but turned it down.
• The mansion seen in this movie was the same one that Billy Madison resided in the film Billy Madison.
• In the early nineties James Cameron attempted to make a low budget X-Men movie with Carolco pictures who was able to purchase the rights to the franchise, but Cameron never followed through and eventually tried to make a Spider-Man movie instead. As a result Carolco Pictures went bankrupt and the rights to the franchise were bought by 20th Century Fox.
• Maria Bello was considered for the role of Jean Grey. While Jeri Ryan was also considered for the role of Mystique.
• Before James Marsden got the part of Cyclops, Jim Cavizel was set to play the role, but he backed out at the last minute.
• Angela Bassett turned down the role of Storm leaving the door open for Halle Berry. While Natalie Portman was offered the role of Rogue, but also passed on the opportunity allowing Anna Paquin to land the role.