X-Men: The Last Stand Explained

Director:Brett Ratner
Cinematography:Dante Spinotti
Music:John Powell
Distributor:20th Century Fox
Runtime:104 minutes[1]
Language:English
Budget:$210million
Gross:$460.4million[2]

X-Men: The Last Stand[3] (also marketed as X3: The Last Stand, or X-Men 3) is a 2006 superhero film based on the X-Men comic books published by Marvel Entertainment Group.[4] It is the sequel to X2 (2003), as well as the third installment (and the final film of the original X-Men trilogy) in the X-Men film series. It was directed by Brett Ratner and features an ensemble cast including Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen, Anna Paquin, Kelsey Grammer, James Marsden, Rebecca Romijn, Shawn Ashmore, Aaron Stanford, Vinnie Jones, and Patrick Stewart. Written by Simon Kinberg and Zak Penn, the film is loosely based on two X-Men comic book story arcs, "Gifted" and "The Dark Phoenix Saga", with a plot that revolves around a "mutant cure" that causes serious repercussions among mutants and humans, and on the resurrection of Jean Grey who unleashes a dark force.

Bryan Singer, who had directed the two previous films, X-Men and X2, decided to leave the sequel to work on Superman Returns (2006). X2 composer and editor John Ottman and X2 writers Dan Harris and Michael Dougherty also left to work on Superman Returns, as did James Marsden, who had very limited screen time in The Last Stand before his character was killed off due to his departure from the film. Singer had not even defined the storyline for a third film. Matthew Vaughn, who co-wrote the script (though was uncredited) and was initially hired as the new director, left due to personal and professional issues, and was replaced with Ratner. Filming took place from August 2005 to January 2006 with a budget of $210million, and was consequently the most expensive film made at the time of its release. It had extensive visual effects created by 11 different companies.

X-Men: The Last Stand premiered in the Out of Competition section at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival,[5] and was released theatrically in the United States on May 26 by 20th Century Fox. It grossed approximately $459million worldwide, becoming the seventh-highest-grossing film of 2006; it was at the time the highest-grossing film in the series and after 2018 stood as the fourth-highest-grossing film of the franchise. It received mixed reviews from critics and was deemed inferior to its predecessors.

A standalone sequel, The Wolverine, was released in 2013; it was followed by a year later in 2014, which retconned the events of The Last Stand. Jackman and Stanford reprised their roles as Wolverine and Pyro, respectively, in the 2024 film Deadpool & Wolverine.

Plot

In 1986, Charles Xavier and Magneto meet young Jean Grey at her parents' house to invite her to join their school, the X-Mansion. Ten years later in 1996, industrialist Warren Worthington II discovers his son is a mutant, as the latter tries to cut off his wings.

In the present, Worthington Labs announces an inoculation, to suppress the X-gene that gives mutants their abilities and offers the "cure" to any mutant who wants it. The cure interests some mutants such as Rogue, who cannot touch anyone without harming them, while others are wary of it. Magneto re-establishes his Brotherhood of Mutants with those who oppose the cure, warning it will be weaponized to exterminate the mutant race. With help from Pyro, Callisto, and several other mutants, Magneto attacks a mobile prison and frees Mystique, Multiple Man, and Juggernaut. Mystique shields Magneto from a cure dart and loses her mutant abilities, so he abandons her.

Cyclops, still distraught over the loss of Grey, drives to her resting location at Alkali Lake. Grey suddenly appears to Cyclops, but kills him as they kiss. Sensing trouble, Xavier sends Logan and Storm to investigate. When they arrive, they find only telekinetically floating rocks, Cyclops' glasses, and an unconscious Grey.

At the X-Mansion, Xavier explains that when Grey sacrificed herself to save them, she also freed the "Phoenix", a dark alternate personality with godlike destructive potential which Xavier had telepathically repressed. Logan is disgusted to learn of this psychic tampering with Grey's mind but, once she awakens, he discovers that she killed Cyclops and is not the woman he once knew. The Phoenix emerges, knocks out Logan, and escapes to her childhood home. Learning of Grey's return, Magneto and the Brotherhood arrive at the house at the same time as the X-Men, with Magneto and Xavier both vying for Grey's loyalty until the Phoenix resurfaces. She destroys the house and disintegrates Xavier, then leaves with Magneto.

A depowered Mystique gives up Magneto's base in the woods to the FBI who raid it. However, the detected human heat signatures in the camp are Multiple Man and his copies. Magneto and the Brotherhood attack Alcatraz with the intention to kill a young mutant named Jimmy, whose genome is used to create the cure. They overwhelm the military troops until the remaining X-Men arrive to confront them. During the fight, Kitty Pryde saves Jimmy from Juggernaut, Iceman subdues Pyro, and Logan distracts Magneto for Hank McCoy to inject him with the cure, nullifying his powers. The Phoenix awakens and begins destroying anyone within range of her powers. Logan realizes that only he can stop the Phoenix due to his healing factor and adamantium skeleton. When Logan approaches her, Grey momentarily gains control and begs him to kill her. Logan is forced to fatally stab Grey, killing her.

Sometime later, mutant rights are finally obtained and Xavier's school is still operating with Storm as headmistress. The President of the United States appoints McCoy as ambassador to the United Nations. Rogue, having taken the cure, rekindles her relationship with Iceman. Meanwhile, Magneto sits at a chessboard in San Francisco, seemingly human and weak, and as he gestures toward a metal chess piece, it wobbles slightly.

Elsewhere, Moira MacTaggert, while checking on a comatose patient, is startled when he greets her with Xavier's voice.

Cast

Additionally, Elliot Page appears as Kitty Pryde: A mutant with the ability to phase through matter and walk through solid objects, her clear affection for Iceman further adds to the tension already present between Iceman and Rogue. Maggie Grace was considered for the role, before Ratner invited Page, who impressed the director with his performance in Hard Candy (2005). Page initially declined, not wanting to yet jump to Hollywood filmmaking, but accepted after reading the script.[21] Page said part of his motivation was having a new experience: "I thought, well, when else am I going to have a chance to wear a leather suit and run through exploding things? Why not be a superhero for a change?"[22] Daniel Cudmore appears as Peter Rasputin / Colossus: A mutant with the ability to transform his body into an organic steel, while also granting him superhuman strength and a resistance to physical damage while in that form. Cudmore wore a foam latex muscle suit covered with a chrome-plated plastic plus a hard plastic head to have the metal skin on the set, with some digital augmentation being used to enhance the facial expressions. A digital double was used only for stunts that could not be achieved practically, such as the Fastball Special where Colossus throws Wolverine at Magneto. Ben Foster appears as Warren Worthington III / Angel: The mutant son of an industrialist, who has feathered wings which allow him to fly. The static wings were models with a 15feet wingspan and 5feet height glued to Foster's back, replaced with computer-generated ones when movement was required.

Cayden Boyd appears as young Angel, Michael Murphy appears as Warren Worthington II: The head of Worthington Labs, the corporation developing the "cure", Worthington expects to rid his son of his mutant abilities. The addition of the character allowed Angel to integrate into the cure plot,[23] which also added a parallel between Warren's discovery of his son's mutation with a father finding out about his son's homosexuality. Dania Ramirez appears as Callisto: The leader of the Omegas, Callisto is a mutant with enhanced superhumanly acute senses, who senses mutants and their powers, and possesses superhuman speed and is an expert hand-to-hand combatant. The character combined the powers of the comics' Callisto with another of the Morlocks, Caliban, and was written as someone who could be "beautiful, but with a tough persona". Ramirez had originally auditioned to play the mutant prostitute Stacy X, and impressed Brett Ratner so much that he decided to bring her in to play Callisto.[24] Shohreh Aghdashloo appears as Dr. Kavita Rao: A scientist who works at Worthington Labs on the mutant cure; she is killed by Kid Omega. Aghdashloo signed without a completed script, and erroneously said her character would be mutant doctor Cecilia Reyes.[25]

Josef Sommer appears as the President: The President of the United States is tolerant of mutants, but fearful of the Brotherhood's threats. While creating the role, the producers felt that a "different" president, like an African American or a woman, had become a cliché in itself and went for a traditional route with an elder Caucasian man. Sommer was invited by Ratner following their collaboration in The Family Man (2000). Bill Duke appears as Trask: The head of the Department of Homeland Security, Trask aids the president of the United States during the war against the mutants. The character is probably related to the comic books' Bolivar Trask; however, his first name is never mentioned in the film and he is portrayed as African American. In the comics, Bolivar Trask is the head of Trask Industries and creator of the mutant-hunting Sentinels. Eric Dane appears as Multiple Man: A mutant and thief recruited by the Brotherhood in a prison truck, Madrox has the ability to create a very large number of copies of himself. The writers considered Dane's performance memorable despite being featured in only two scenes. Madrox's wardrobe invoked the symbols worn in his comics costume.[26]

Other actors who portrayed mutants are: Meiling Melançon as Psylocke, a mutant with the ability to teleport herself through areas of shadow, although that depiction differs significantly from the comics; Omahyra Mota as Arclight, a mutant who has the ability to generate shock waves of concussive force; Ken Leung as Kid Omega, a mutant with the ability to eject spikes from his body, most notably his face (though the character resembles the comic books' Quill and was later confirmed as such, though the official cast credits erroneously read "Kid Omega"); and Cameron Bright as Jimmy / Leech, a mutant who has the ability to neutralize the powers of nearby mutants. Various characters were included at the suggestion of editor Mark Helfrich, who brought Marvel's X-Men Encyclopedia to director Brett Ratner, searching for mutants who could make appearance. These include Phat, a mutant that is a very large man who can slim down to fit in a smaller space (played by two actors, Via Saleaumua – "large mode" – and Richard Yee – "small mode"); Spike (played by Lance Gibson), a mutant who battles Wolverine in the forest by extruding bony spikes from his flesh – the character was added because the editing team felt that the original cut of the scene portrayed Logan as a cold-blooded killer, which could be changed if another mutant attacked Wolverine before he struck the Brotherhood[27] and Glob Herman (played by Clayton Dean Watmough), a mutant with transparent skin. Mark Helfrich portrays an unnamed mutant with ash-gray skin.

Various other mutants make cameos at the X-Mansion; Shauna Kain and Kea Wong reprised their cameo roles as Siryn and Jubilee respectively, and three identical girls in the background in one scene are a reference to the Stepford Cuckoos. Olivia Williams portrays Moira MacTaggert. Adrian Hough, who previously voiced Nightcrawler in (1992–1997) appears as John Grey, Jean's father. X-Men co-creator Stan Lee and writer Chris Claremont have cameos in the film's opening scene as the neighbors of young Jean Grey.[28] [29] The sergeant directing defensive preparations before the Brotherhood assaults Alcatraz Island is played by R. Lee Ermey.[30] Lloyd Adams portrays the green-skinned mutant that climbs the guard tower on Alcatraz. Many fans believed this was Toad; however, the credits list him as lizard man and Brett Ratner confirmed it was Anole. Avalanche and Vanisher also appear; however, it is not known who portrayed them.

Production

Development

Bryan Singer, the director of the first two 20th Century Fox X-Men films, left the project in July 2004 in favor of developing Superman Returns (2006) for Warner Bros. Pictures.[31] Singer stated that he "didn't fully have X-Men 3 in my mind" in contrast to a fully formed idea for a Superman film and interest in joining that franchise.[32] By the time of his departure, Singer had only produced a partial story treatment with X2 (2003) screenwriters Dan Harris and Michael Dougherty, who accompanied him to Superman Returns. The treatment focused on Jean Grey's resurrection,[33] which would also introduce the villainess Emma Frost, a role intended for Sigourney Weaver.[34] [35] Frost was an empath manipulating Jean's emotions in the treatment and, like the finished film, Magneto desires to control her. Overwhelmed by her powers, Jean kills herself, but Jean's spirit survives and becomes a god-like creature, which Dougherty compared to the star child in 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968).[36]

New contracts for returning cast members were made, as the actors and actresses had signed for only two films.[37] Hugh Jackman's contract included the approval of director,[38] initially offering the position to Darren Aronofsky, with whom he had just finished filming on The Fountain (2006).[39] Joss Whedon, whose comic book storyline "Gifted" from Astonishing X-Men which he wrote was integrated into the script's plot, turned down the offer because he was working on a Wonder Woman film.[40] Rob Bowman[41] and Alex Proyas[42] were also rumored to be up for consideration, though Proyas personally turned it down, citing feuds with Fox president Thomas Rothman while producing I, Robot (2004).[43] Zack Snyder was also approached, but he was already committed to 300 (2007).[44] Peter Berg was also considered to direct the film but he too turned down the job. Guillermo del Toro was also offered to direct the film but turned down as he was already committed to Pan's Labyrinth (2006).[45] In February 2005, with still no director hired, Fox announced a May 5, 2006, release date, with filming to start in July 2005 in Vancouver.[46] One month later, the studio, signed Matthew Vaughn to direct, and pushed the release date three weeks to May 26, Memorial Day weekend.[47] Vaughn cast Kelsey Grammer as Beast, Dania Ramirez as Callisto, and Vinnie Jones as Juggernaut, but family issues led him to withdraw before filming began.[48] Vaughn was also cautious of the tight deadlines imposed by Fox, stating that he "didn't have the time to make the movie that I wanted to make".[49] In October 2023, Vaughn stated that he left the project after a group of executives had tried to sign Halle Berry on with a fake script, which included scenes of Storm rescuing kids from Africa.[50]

Brett Ratner, who was previously considered to direct X-Men (2000) in 1996, and John Moore were both in the running to replace Vaughn during pre-production.[51] On June 5, 2005, Ratner was confirmed as Vaughn's replacement.[52] Ratner said he was surprised to get an invitation, as he thought he would have no chance to do a comic-book film after the cancelled for Warner Bros.[53] With a limited knowledge of the X-Men mythos, Ratner trusted his writers on doing something faithful to the comics, having the script drawing all of its scenes from the original Marvel publications.

Writing

Simon Kinberg, who had worked on two other Fox-produced Marvel Comics film adaptations, Fantastic Four and Elektra (both 2005),[54] was hired as writer for X-Men 3 in August 2004. X2 co-writer Zak Penn was separately working on his own draft, and the two joined forces for a combined screenplay in January 2005. Kinberg wanted the comic book arc "The Dark Phoenix Saga" from The Uncanny X-Men by writer Chris Claremont and artist John Byrne to be the emotional plot of the film, while "Gifted" by Whedon and artist John Cassaday would serve as the political focus.[55] The duo had seven months to complete The Last Stands script, and during the first week of work completed the first eighty pages, consisting of the first two-thirds of the plot. This incomplete draft was leaked to Ain't It Cool News, who proceeded to write a negative review.[56] Vaughn later revised all of the major sequences in the film, but he did not receive a writer's credit.[57]

The writers had to fight Fox's executives to retain the Phoenix plot, as the studio only wanted the cure story as it provided a reason for Magneto's conflict with the X-Men. Still the disputes made them not add much for Jean Grey to do in most of the film's second half, as the executives considered the tone of the Phoenix story too dark for a mainstream summer movie, and that its appeal would be limited to hardcore fans rather than a general audience. Penn defended the divergences from the original Dark Phoenix stories, stating that the Phoenix was not a firebird-shaped cosmic force "because it doesn't fit into the world," and that Cyclops did not have as much screentime as Wolverine because the latter was more popular and "with Cyclops, you can't see his eyes. It's a harder character to relate to for the audience."[58] Killing Cyclops was Fox's decision, based on the availability of actor James Marsden, who was cast in Singer's Superman Returns. The studio considered killing him off-screen with a dialogue reference, but Kinberg and Penn insisted that Jean kill him, emphasizing their relationship. Xavier's death was intended to match the impact of Spock's demise in (1982), as Fox felt the script called for a dramatic turning point. Kinberg and Penn were originally cautious, but grew to like the idea of killing off Xavier. They decided to write a post-credits scene suggesting the character's return for a sequel.[59]

As the studio was simultaneously developing (2009), limitations were set on which mutants could be used for cameo appearances in X-Men 3 in an attempt to avoid risking character development for Wolverine.[60] Gambit was considered for both the convoy scene being freed by Magneto and the Battle of Alcatraz along with the X-Men, but the writers did not want to introduce a fan favorite character and "not be able to do him justice." Kinberg reasoned, "there just wasn't enough space", and considered Gambit would only work with as much screentime as Beast. Alan Cumming had been uncomfortable with the long hours he had to take with the prosthetic makeup as Nightcrawler in X2, but still planned to return for the sequel. The part of Nightcrawler was so minimal, however, that the studio felt it was not worthwhile to go through the long and costly makeup process, so the character was cut.[61] Kinberg felt that "there wasn't much left to do with the character. It also felt like he might tread a little bit on the terrain of Beast, in terms of similarities in the characters and their political standpoints in terms of dealing with their mutancy". Nightcrawler's absence was later explained in the tie-in video game. The introductory scenes tried to emulate the Auschwitz opener for the first film, going with different scenes that resonated later in the plot instead of an action scene like in most blockbusters. Afterwards came a scene in the Danger Room, which was considered for the previous X-Men films but never included for budget and writing concerns. The writers tried to make the simulation not feel extraneous by showcasing some of the character conflicts and abilities in a "Days of Future Past"-inspired battle with a Sentinel. Another repurposed scene was Magneto attacking the convoy to free Mystique, Madrox and Juggernaut, which Penn had previously envisioned for X2.

Ratner collaborated with Penn and Kinberg in rearranging the plot structure of the film. Originally, the Golden Gate Bridge sequence was in the middle of the film, where the moved bridge was used by Magneto to free mutants being held prisoners on Alcatraz, and the climax was set in Washington, D.C.[62] Ratner felt too many recent action films, such as Planet of the Apes (2001) and X2 itself, had their ending in Washington, and the Golden Gate sequence "would be the biggest sequence in my entire career", and suggested to instead put the Worthington laboratory in Alcatraz, along with "creating a face for the cure", which became the character of Jimmy/Leech. Kinberg agreed, as he previously argued with Penn about "blowing so many things early in the movie".[63] [64]

Filming

X-Men: The Last Stand began shooting in August 2005 and wrapped in January 2006. Much of the film was shot at Vancouver Film Studios, the same location of X2. Locations included the Hatley Park National Historic Site and Royal Roads University, which doubled for the X-Mansion.[65] An old lumber mill next to the Fraser River doubled as Alcatraz Island.[66] The tight schedule made Ratner "begin post-production the day I started shooting," sending the scenes he had just filmed to his editors. The editing team was led by Mark Helfrich, who had edited all of Ratner's films, assisted by Mark Goldblatt in the action scenes and Julia Wong with effects-heavy footage.[67]

According to associate producer Dave Gordon, "This is the biggest production ever filmed in Canada. It used to be X2, now it's X3." The $210million budget also made The Last Stand the most expensive film to be made at the time.[68] The film's record would be first broken by (2006)'s $225million budget.[69] The original cinematographer was Philippe Rousselot, who eventually opted to depart the production. Dante Spinotti, a frequent collaborator of Ratner, replaced him, with assistance of J. Michael Muro.[70] [71] Fox Filmed Entertainment co-chairmen Thomas Rothman and Jim Gianopulos debated whether Rogue should give Iceman a passionate kiss at the film's end or simply hold his hand. The two executives screened The Last Stand for their daughters, as well as the studio's female marketing executives, and the hand holding prevailed. Gianopulos stated that the kissing "was all about sex, and we didn't want that."[72] A strong campaign of secrecy about the script was enforced by Ratner and the writers. Even the actors had problems with getting full screenplays, the call sheets did not reveal all the characters, and many scenes were shot in varied ways.[73] Both of the ending scenes were not included on the shooting script, with Ratner taking a small crew during one day's lunch time to film the post-credits scene with Xavier, and later going to London to film Magneto in the park.[74]

In 2014, Kinberg said of the wobbling chess piece at the end of the film, "There is a scene before the credits where Magneto's playing chess, and you see that he can just make the chess piece move, so there's a hint that he's starting to regain his powers. The leap from there was that cure from The Last Stand didn't work exactly the way they thought it would, and so we just leaped forward however many years, and he's got his powers back."[75]

In 2017, according to co-star Elliot Page in a 2017 interview during the MeToo and Time's Up movement, he accused Ratner of homophobia, saying he outed Page as a lesbian at a cast and crew meet and greet during production, which made him feel violated.[76] [77] Fellow co-star and bisexual actress Anna Paquin expressed support of Page, stating that she was present when Ratner made the comment.[78]

Visual effects

To make sure the visual effects were made in just one year and without exceeding the budget, special effects supervisor John Bruno shipped the 900 visual effects shots to eleven companies in four countries – United States, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Canada – and did extensive previsualization.[79] Their work begun in April 2005, before the director Brett Ratner had even been announced, and Bruno made sure to emphasize practical effects, "shoot as many practical elements as possible, and only use CGI when we had to." For instance, complex wirework rigs were employed which enabled the actors to do some stunts without resorting to digital doubles,[80] including a computer controlled flying rig from Cirque Du Soleil for Angel's flight, and one for Halle Berry's flying spins.

Bruno estimates one-sixth of the effects budget was spent on the Golden Gate Bridge scene, which employed both a miniature of the bridge and computer graphics.[81] The miniature was filmed over a period of two months in Santa Clarita, California, just outside of Los Angeles. The effects team would shoot one minute of footage outdoors each day at "golden hour," complete with explosives in order to have enough plates to composite the scene.The effects team had to work without reference footage due to the city of San Francisco vetting any filming in the actual bridge, including aerial shooting as the area has restrictions on flying helicopters. Framestore had further challenges in matching the varied weather conditions across the film's plates. As compositing supervisor Matt Twyford detailed, "the elements consisted of cold, rainy night live-action footage from Vancouver, sunny day miniature elements, traditional misty day background plates of San Francisco, and of course the CGI bridge and CGI elements."[82] Another miniature was for the Grey home, which had a destructable equivalent matching the Canadian location and also had a digital equivalent. A notable effect was the "digital skin-grafting", which rejuvenated the faces of senior actors Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen, made by the Brothers Strause's Lola Visual Effects.[83] Bruno made sure to ask the atomization made by Phoenix was not too vivid and gruesome, instead resembling oatmeal.

Music

Ratner, a fan of John Powell's work in The Bourne Identity (2002), invited Powell to write the music for The Last Stand. Powell was unsure if the Bourne work was "the kind of score that would fit the film" and Fox became reluctant on the composer's availability, given he was already scoring (2006) at the time of Ratner's contact. However, Powell finished the Ice Age score early to accept the job even if it resulted in a tighter schedule. Powell included references to the score from the previous two films as "it all had to be in the same family, and the same language". The Phoenix theme used lyrics from Benjamin Britten's Requiem Mass for the choir parts.[84] A soundtrack album was released on May 23, 2006.[85]

Marketing

The marketing for The Last Stand was darker and more ambiguous compared to the two predecessors. Rothman declared that the decision was made so the film would "be different from all of the other movies in the summer," with a campaign that "wanted people to stop and not have it be so immediately apparent that we're selling a movie. We're interested in selling an emotion and an idea."[86] The film's official website was launched in October 2005.[87] The teaser trailer release with King Kong the following December[88] was done in conjunction with the studio releasing the film's first official screen shots of the film to USA Today.[89] Diamond Select Toys created a toy line, scanning the actors from the film with likenesses for the first time in the trilogy.[90] Additional product tie-ins came with Harley-Davidson[91] and 7-Eleven.[92] A seven-minute sneak peek aired on Fox Broadcasting two weeks before the film's theatrical release.[93]

Del Rey Books published a novelization of the film, written by comic book writer Chris Claremont,[94] while Newmarket Press published The Art of X-Men: The Last Stand: From Concept to Feature Film.[95] Claremont also worked on Activision's tie-in video game, , doing the script along with screenwriter Zak Penn. The game's story bridges the events between X2 and The Last Stand,[96] [97] featuring Wolverine, Iceman and Nightcrawler as playable characters, voiced by their film portrayers Hugh Jackman, Shawn Ashmore, and Alan Cumming. Patrick Stewart also appears as Professor X.[98] The game was released to negative reviews and eventually underperformed commercially.[99]

Release

Theatrical

X-Men: The Last Stand premiered at an out-of-competition event of the 2006 Cannes Film Festival on May 22, 2006.[100] Two days later, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry and Kelsey Grammer attended an advance screening at USS Kearsarge (LHD-3), as the ship was en route to New York City for Fleet Week.[101] The film was released in the United States on May 26, 2006, in 3,690 theaters, while also opening in 95 international markets that same weekend.

Home media

X-Men: The Last Stand was released on October 3, 2006, on DVD and UMD by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.[102] It was available in three editions: single-disc, two-disc, and a trilogy box set with the previous two films. Extras included three alternative endings, each with optional commentary by director Ratner; 10 deleted scenes; audio commentaries from Ratner, the writers and the producers; and two hidden Easter eggs. The two-disc edition came with a 100-page commemorative comic book with a new story written by X-Men co-creator Stan Lee, his first original Marvel comic book in five years.[103] The DVD sold 2.6million units in its first day, exceeding Fox's expectations,[104] and sold a total of 5million in its first week.[105] A Blu-ray edition was issued in November 2006.[106]

X-Men: The Last Stand is included in the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray set X-Men: 3-Film Collection, which was released on September 25, 2018.

Reception

Box office

X-Men: The Last Stand earned $45.1million on its opening day and went on to generate $102.7million during its three-day opening weekend, making it the fourth-highest opening weekend of all time, behind Shrek 2, and Spider-Man.[107] The film then grossed $122.8million during the four-day Memorial Day weekend, which was the highest at that time, surpassing and Shrek 2.[108] It would hold this record until it was surpassed by the next year.[109] The film's release was also a new single-day record for Friday openings.[110] The opening weekend gross was surpassed six weeks later by , making The Last Stand's opening the second-highest of 2006. Internationally, The Last Stand topped the box office in 26 countries with a total gross of $76.1million overall, but suffered competition from The Da Vinci Code, which retained the top spot in most markets, and beat The Last Stand in international gross that weekend with $91million.[111] [112] The film's second weekend dropped 67 percent to $34million, which was the steepest post-Memorial Day opening drop on record.[113] X-Men: The Last Stand eventually grossed $234.4million in the domestic box office and $225million internationally, for a worldwide total of $459.4million,[114] the fourth-highest in domestic grosses[115] and seventh-highest worldwide for 2006.[116] X-Men: The Last Stand was also the highest-grossing film in the franchise, until it was surpassed by eight years later.[117]

Critical response

Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A−" on an A+ to F scale.[118]

Ebert and Roeper gave the film a "two thumbs up" rating,[119] with Roger Ebert saying, "I liked the action, I liked the absurdity, I liked the incongruous use and misuse of mutant powers, and I especially liked the way it introduces all of those political issues and lets them fight it out with the special effects."[120] Stephanie Zacharek of Salon.com gave it a mixed review, noting that it was "only half a mess", and that Ratner "could have stuck a bit more closely to the 'Dark Phoenix' narrative than he did." However, Zacharek did note that that third act captured some of the original story's "majesty", praising the performances of Jackman, McKellen, Romijn and Janssen.[121] Famke Janssen's performance was praised by critics. Matt Mueller of Total Film was impressed with Janssen's performance and said, "Playing the super-freaky mind-control goddess like GoldenEyes Xenia Onatopp's all-powerful psycho sister, her scenes – particularly that one with the house – crackle with energy and tragedy. If only the rest of X3 had followed suit."[122]

Justin Chang of Variety said the film was "a wham-bam sequel noticeably lacking in the pop gravitas, moody atmospherics, and emotional weight that made the first two Marvel comicbook adaptations so rousingly successful."[123] Lisa Schwarzbaum of Entertainment Weekly called it a "diminished sequel, a brute-force enterprise" and said it was an example of "what happens when movies are confused with sandwich shops as franchise opportunities".[124] The Minneapolis Star Tribune characterized Ratner's approach as "Forget subtlety! Let's blow things up!"[125] David Edelstein of New York magazine called it "just another big-budget B-movie. It's a fast and enjoyable B-movie, though."[126] Peter Travers of Rolling Stone said, "Last stand? My ass. Billed as the climax of a trilogy, the third and weakest chapter in the X-Men series is a blatant attempt to prove there is still life in the franchise. And there is: just enough to pull a Star Trek and spawn a Next Generation saga."[127]

X-Men: The Last Stand has been criticized by fans for killing off major characters such as Charles Xavier, Cyclops, and Jean Grey. The 2014 film has subsequently been viewed by some critics as a revision of those controversial plot elements in X-Men: The Last Stand.[128]

Other responses

Writer Kinberg stated, "There are a lot of things about 'X3' that I love and there are a lot of things that I regret," detailing that he would have preferred the Dark Phoenix as the main plotline and "I would have fought harder" for that considering that at the time, "the darkness of her story was a little bit daunting on a huge $200million studio movie", leading Fox to ask for rewrites.[129] Having admitted to being unhappy with the way some elements of the film turned out, Kinberg then went on to direct and write the reboot film Dark Phoenix, which retold the events of X-Men: The Last Stand.[130]

Previous X-Men director Bryan Singer declared that The Last Stand "isn't what I would have done" and he was dissatisfied with the busy plot and excessive character deaths, but Singer still liked some parts of the movie, such as Elliot Page's casting – leading Singer to bring Page back as Kitty Pryde in – and the scenes with Leech, which he described as "really sweet moments".[131]

Matthew Vaughn, who was attached as director before dropping out, said that given the limited time they had to make it, the film was "pretty good"[132] but criticized Ratner's direction: "I could have done something with far more emotion and heart. I'm probably going to be told off for saying that, but I genuinely believe it." While promoting his own installment of the franchise, 2011's , Vaughn would say regarding The Last Stand that "I storyboarded the whole bloody film, did the script. My X3 would have been 40 minutes longer. They didn't let the emotions and the drama play in that film. It became wall-to-wall noise and drama. I would have let it breathe and given far more dramatic elements to it."[133]

Accolades

Awards and nominations for X-Men: The Last Stand
AwardCategoryNominee(s)Result
Costume Designers Guild Awards[134] Excellence in Costume Design for Film – Fantasydata-sort-value="Makovsky, Judianna" Judianna Makovsky
Empire Awards[135] [136] Best Sci-Fi / FantasyX-Men: The Last Stand
Scene of the Yeardata-sort-value="Phoenix and Professor X showdown, The" The Phoenix and Professor X showdown
Irish Film & Television Award[137] Best International Actordata-sort-value="McKellen, Ian" Ian McKellen
People's Choice Award[138] Favorite Female Action Stardata-sort-value="Berry, Halle" Halle Berry
Favorite Movie DramaX-Men: The Last Stand
Favorite Movie
Satellite Award[139] Best Editingdata-sort-value="Helfrich, Mark, Mark Goldblatt, Julia Wong" Mark Helfrich, Mark Goldblatt, Julia Wong
Saturn Award[140] Best Costumedata-sort-value="Makovsky, Judianna" Judianna Makovsky
Best Musicdata-sort-value="Powell, John" John Powell
Best Science Fiction FilmX-Men: The Last Stand
Best Special Effectsdata-sort-value="Bruno, John, Eric Saindon, Craig Lyn" John Bruno, Eric Saindon, Craig Lyn
Best Supporting Actordata-sort-value="Grammer, Kelsey" Kelsey Grammer
Best Supporting Actressdata-sort-value="Janssen, Famke" Famke Janssen
Teen Choice Award[141] Choice Action MovieX-Men: The Last Stand
Choice Action Movie Actordata-sort-value="Jackman, Hugh" Hugh Jackman
Choice Action Movie Actressdata-sort-value="Berry, Halle" Halle Berry
Choice Movie LiplockHugh Jackman & Famke Janssen
Choice Movie RumbleX-Men: The Last Stand
Choice Movie Villaindata-sort-value="McKellen, Ian" Ian McKellen
Young Artist Awards[142] Best Supporting Young Actor in a Feature Filmdata-sort-value="Bright, Cameron" Cameron Bright

Future

In February 2006, Ratner said that The Last Stand could be the final X-Men film: "We wanted to make sure the audiences knew that this was a trilogy. Even though they weren't made together like Lord of the Rings (2001-2003), this is really closure for the X-Men series. ... This is the last stand for sure."[143]

The next two X-Men films, (2009) and (2011) were prequels that took place before the events of the first X-Men movie. The first film set chronologically after The Last Stand was The Wolverine (2013), a standalone sequel,[144] that shows Logan heading for Japan to escape the memories of what occurred during The Last Stand. Jackman and Janssen reprised their roles, while McKellen and Stewart appear in a mid-credits scene.[145]

, the direct sequel to The Last Stand, was released on May 23, 2014, with Jackman, Berry, Stewart, McKellen, Paquin, Page, Ashmore, Cudmore, Grammer, Janssen, and Marsden reprising their respective roles.[146] The plot, inspired by the comic book "Days of Future Past" story arc, begins with a dystopian future set years after The Last Stand. Wolverine's consciousness is sent back in time, to his 1973 body in order to guide the younger Xavier and Magneto into preventing the events that lead to the desolate future. The events of the film end up retroactively changing the continuity of the series, changing some events in films set after First Class, resulting in an altered timeline where Jean and Cyclops are still alive.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: X-Men – The Last Stand (12A) . . May 11, 2006 . May 2, 2016 . October 18, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161018220301/http://bbfc.co.uk/releases/x-men-last-stand-film . live.
  2. Web site: X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) . . January 8, 2017 . December 10, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161210162926/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=x3.htm. live.
  3. Web site: X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) . https://web.archive.org/web/20150214183615/http://www.nytimes.com/movies/movie/291112/X-Men-The-Last-Stand/overview . dead . February 14, 2015 . April 9, 2014 . Dargis . Movies & TV Dept. . . 2015 . Manohla.
  4. Web site: X-men The Last Stand . . 17 July 2022 . 25 January 2006 . April 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230430081210/https://directories.wga.org/project/920122/x-men-the-last-stand/ . live .
  5. Web site: 2006 Official Selection - Out of Competition . . 16 August 2022.
  6. Web site: Halle Berry of X-Men: The Last Stand . . July 18, 2006 . May 24, 2006 . Daniel Robert . Epstein . https://web.archive.org/web/20060718103731/http://www.ugo.com/summermovies/Content/ProductViewer.aspx?BlogsPageNumber=3&ProductID=172 . July 18, 2006.
  7. "Clothing vs. Costume". X-Men: The Last Stand DVD, 2006, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
  8. Web site: X3: Patrick Stewart Tells All . Chris . Brown . Mania.com . May 17, 2006 . March 25, 2014 . January 26, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110126061911/http://www.mania.com/x3-patrick-stewart-tells-all_article_90147.html . live.
  9. Web site: January 21, 2016 . JOSHUA . YEHL . IGN News . X-MEN'S DARK PHOENIX SAGA COULD GET A REDO IN THE MOVIES . April 20, 2020 . October 2, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191002051819/https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/01/21/x-mens-dark-phoenix-saga-could-get-a-redo-in-the-movies . live.
  10. Web site: Mandatory | Laugh. Learn. Do Some Good. February 11, 2016. November 5, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151105063333/http://www.craveonline.com/art/678155-wondercon-2014-simon-kinberg-on-x-men-fantastic-four. live.
  11. Web site: The Phoenix Rises as Famke Janssen and James Marsden Talk 'X-Men: The Last Stand'. May 23, 2006. February 11, 2016. May 30, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160530140034/http://movieweb.com/the-phoenix-rises-as-famke-janssen-and-james-marsden-talk-x-men-the-last-stand/. live.
  12. Web site: Phoenix's Unresolved Daddy Thing, and Other X-Men Issues . Christian . Moerk . May 21, 2006 . The New York Times . October 9, 2014 . November 19, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181119054854/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/21/movies/21moer.html?_r=0 . live.
  13. Web site: Aaron Stanford Interview . The Cinema Source . January 28, 2008 . Aysha . Hussain . March 25, 2014 . May 26, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130526171706/http://www.thecinemasource.com/blog/interviews/anna-paquin-interview-for-x-men-3-the-last-stand/ . live.
  14. Web site: Hop's James Marsden on X-Men Sequels, Three Stooges, Nailed and Typecasting . Yamato . Jen . Movieline . 2011-03-31 . 2014-10-03 . July 7, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190707173022/http://movieline.com/2011/03/31/hops-james-marsden-on-x-men-sequels-three-stooges-and-hollywood-typecasting/ . live.
  15. Web site: X-Men: The Last Stand Turns 15 - Where the X-Franchise First Went Wrong . May 29, 2021 .
  16. Web site: How 'X-Men: The Last Stand' Nearly Destroyed the Comic Book Film Franchise, PopMatters . April 16, 2018 . February 6, 2024 . February 6, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240206130736/https://www.popmatters.com/x-men-last-stand-destroyed . live .
  17. Web site: X-Men: The Last Stand – Rebecca Romijn interview . Indie London . March 25, 2014 . February 23, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140223200051/http://www.indielondon.co.uk/Film-Review/x-men-the-last-stand-rebecca-romijn-interview . live.
  18. News: The National Post . The Iceman Returneth . May 20, 2006 . Bob . Thompson.
  19. Web site: X-Man Pyro's Fired Up for 'Last Stand' . https://web.archive.org/web/20171107022840/http://www.latimes.com/zap-aaronstanfordxmenpreview-story.html . dead . November 7, 2017 . Los Angeles Times . Daniel . Fienberg . March 10, 2006 . March 25, 2014.
  20. "Make-Up Chair Confessions". X-Men: The Last Stand DVD, 2006, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
  21. News: Scott . Bowles . Page becomes her characters . . April 11, 2006 . December 11, 2010 . April 14, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150414033413/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2006-04-11-page_x.htm . live.
  22. News: Mary . McNamara . A strange new world . https://web.archive.org/web/20160305221613/http://articles.latimes.com/2006/may/05/entertainment/et-page5/2 . dead . March 5, 2016 . . May 5, 2006 . December 11, 2010.
  23. Web site: https://web.archive.org/web/20080617005244/http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=1525 . Exclusive Interview: SCREENWRITER SIMON KINBERG TALKS X-MEN: THE LAST STAND – PART 1 . June 8, 2006 . iF Magazine . Sean . Elliot . June 17, 2008 . October 9, 2014.
  24. Web site: XMEN 3 The Last Stand: An Interview with Aaron Stanford and Dania Ramirez . Wilson . Morales . CineSnob . May 15, 2006 . March 18, 2014 . December 17, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121217180208/http://www.blackfilm.com/20060512/features/xmen3p2.shtml . live.
  25. The freakishly talented cast of 'X-Men 3' . Amy . Ryan . August 26, 2005 . Entertainment Weekly . May 31, 2014 . June 2, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140602195119/http://popwatch.ew.com/2005/08/26/pop_quiz_what_d/ . live.
  26. Lauren Shuler Donner, Avi Arad, Ralph Winter . Audio Commentary . DVD . 20th Century Fox . 2006.
  27. "Editing Magic". X-Men: The Last Stand DVD, 2006, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
  28. Brett Ratner, Simon Kinberg, Zak Penn . Audio Commentary . DVD . 20th Century Fox . 2006.
  29. Web site: X-Men: The Last Stand – Mutants You May Have Missed . UGO . Bryan . Enk . July 14, 2009 . May 31, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120728023008/http://www.ugo.com/therush/x-men-the-last-stand-mutants-you-may-have-m . July 28, 2012.
  30. R. Lee Ermey Credits . TV Guide . October 9, 2014 . March 4, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042057/http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/r-lee-ermey/credits/170603 . live.
  31. News: Dunkley . Cathy . Michael . Fleming . amp . Supe's on with 'X' man . . July 18, 2004 . December 11, 2010 . June 11, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190611222632/https://variety.com/2004/film/news/supe-s-on-with-x-man-1117907948/ . live.
  32. Web site: Bryan Singer Will Be "Fixing S**t" From X-Men: The Last Stand with Days of Future Past . https://web.archive.org/web/20130225123242/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/22/x-men-days-of-future-past-director-bryan-singer-says-he-will-be-repairing-things-that-went-wrong-in-the-brett-ratner-directed-x-men-last-stand . dead . February 25, 2013 . IGN . February 21, 2013 . March 18, 2014.
  33. Web site: Vespe, Eric (Quint) . Quint on Superman Returns gag reel & sequel talk with Singer . . July 22, 2006 . October 6, 2006 . February 10, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090210142416/http://www.aintitcool.com/node/23943 . live.
  34. News: Sigourney Weaver was nearly X-Men's Emma Frost, instead in Imaginary Heroes . Angela . Pacienza . . September 15, 2004.
  35. Web site: Sigourney Weaver Was Going to be Emma Frost . September 15, 2004 . September 23, 2023 . December 4, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231204072431/https://www.superherohype.com/features/86735-sigourney-weaver-was-going-to-be-emma-frost . live .
  36. News: David . Bentley . Screenwriter reveals ideas for Singer's planned third X-Men film . . November 26, 2008 . November 26, 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20081222094401/http://blogs.coventrytelegraph.net/thegeekfiles/2008/11/x3lit.html . December 22, 2008.
  37. News: Michael . Fleming . Main 'X' Man at Fox . . December 4, 2003 . December 11, 2010 . March 4, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304080807/http://variety.com/2003/film/news/main-x-man-locks-at-fox-1117896652/ . live.
  38. News: John . Hiscock . How I got my claws into Hollywood . https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/3652442/How-I-got-my-claws-into-Hollywood.html . January 11, 2022 . subscription . live . . May 19, 2006 . December 11, 2010.
  39. Sara . Vilkomerson . Hugh Jackman exclusive: How 'The Wolverine' director Darren Aronofsky got the star calling up The Rock . . December 7, 2010 . December 11, 2010 . April 28, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140428173633/http://insidemovies.ew.com/2010/12/07/hugh-jackman-the-wolverine-darren-aronovsky/ . live.
  40. News: Joss Whedon Talks X-Men 4, Wonder Woman Woes and Batman Heartache . . April 24, 2007 . October 5, 2008 . Davis . Erik . https://web.archive.org/web/20070506141153/http://www.cinematical.com/2007/04/24/joss-whedon-talks-x-men-4-wonder-woman-woes-and-batman-heartach/ . May 6, 2007.
  41. Web site: Jim . Vejvoda (Stax) . Three for X3? . IGN . October 12, 2006 . October 11, 2006 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20071226103005/http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/556/556650p1.html . December 26, 2007.
  42. Web site: Vejvoda, Jim (Stax) . X3 Director Update . IGN . October 13, 2006 . October 11, 2006 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20071226103010/http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/556/556859p1.html . December 26, 2007.
  43. Web site: Vejvoda, Jim (Stax) . X3 trailer with FF? . IGN . February 17, 2005 . October 11, 2006 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20071226103015/http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/588/588539p1.html . December 26, 2007.
  44. News: Robert . Sanchez . Exclusive Interview: Zack Snyder Is Kickin' Ass With 300 and Watchmen! . IESB . February 13, 2007 . February 14, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090215050330/http://iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1883&Itemid=99 . February 15, 2009.
  45. Web site: The Untold Truth of Pan's Labyrinth . December 15, 2021 . January 8, 2022 . January 8, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220108180449/https://www.looper.com/708785/the-untold-truth-of-pans-labyrinth/ . live.
  46. News: Don . Townson . Tax credit creation . . February 16, 2005 . December 11, 2010 . November 7, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121107062108/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117918085 . live.
  47. News: Dave . McNary . Next 'X-Men' firms up . . March 21, 2005 . December 11, 2010 . November 7, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121107062233/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117919936 . live.
  48. News: Director quits X-Men 3 for family . . December 11, 2010 . June 1, 2005 . June 10, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200610004001/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4600291.stm . live.
  49. News: John . Hiscock . Matthew Vaughn: The Brit who's making the stars shine . https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/starsandstories/3668336/Matthew-Vaughn-The-Brit-whos-making-the-stars-shine.html . January 11, 2022 . subscription . live . . October 5, 2007 . December 11, 2010.
  50. News: Matthew Vaughn Talks 'Kick-Ass' Reboot, Why 'Argylle's Author Will Become the "J.K. Rowling of Spy Movies" at NYCC . . October 14, 2023 . October 16, 2023 . White, Abbey . October 15, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231015011349/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/matthew-vaughn-kick-ass-reboot-argylle-author-x-men-nycc-1235618721/ . live .
  51. Web site: B . Brian . John Moore or Brett Ratner Up For Directing X-Men 3? . June 2, 2005 . MovieWeb . April 2, 2019 . April 3, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190403005437/https://movieweb.com/john-moore-or-brett-ratner-up-for-directing-x-men-3/ . live.
  52. News: Fleming . Michael . Clause . Brodesser . amp . New master for mutants . . June 5, 2005 . December 11, 2010 . November 7, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121107062300/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117923934 . live.
  53. News: Casey . Seijas . EXCLUSIVE: 'X-Men 3' Director Brett Ratner Says 'There's Nothing Left' In Comics For Him To Adapt . https://web.archive.org/web/20090322025939/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/03/19/exclusive-x-men-3-director-brett-ratner-says-theres-nothing-left-in-comics-for-him-to-adapt/ . dead . March 22, 2009 . MTV News . March 19, 2009 . December 11, 2010.
  54. News: Fox, Marvel Tap Kinberg to Draw 'X3' . https://web.archive.org/web/20041019074119/https://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=filmNews&storyID=6384986 . 2004-10-19 . Reuters . dead . March 18, 2014.
  55. News: Sean . Elliot . Exclusive Interview: Screenwriter Simon Kinberg Talks X-Men: The Last Stand – Part 1 . . June 8, 2006 . December 12, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080617005244/http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=1525 . June 17, 2008.
  56. Web site: AICN EXCLUSIVE! X3 Script Review! Plus An Open Letter To Tom Rothman And Fox Stockholders!! . . McWeeny . Drew . June 13, 2005 . June 5, 2006 . April 21, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070421065637/http://www.aintitcool.com/node/20443 . live.
  57. Web site: Exclusive Interview with X-Men: First Class Director Matthew Vaughn . May 27, 2011 . July 31, 2022 . July 31, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220731223744/https://www.superherohype.com/features/167401-exclusive-interview-with-x-men-first-class-director-matthew-vaughn . live .
  58. Web site: INTERVIEW: ZAK PENN ON THE GRAND, X-MEN FANS AND CO-WRITING HULK . April 15, 2008 . March 18, 2014 . February 2, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140202122730/http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/04/15/interview-zak-penn-on-the-grand-x-men-fans-and-co-writing-hulk/ . live.
  59. Jeff . Goldsmith . X-Men 3 Q & A with Zak Penn and Simon Kinberg . Creative Screenwriting Magazine . MP3 . June 12, 2006 . December 11, 2010 . https://archive.today/20141008042517/http://www.fluctu8.com/podcast-episode/x-men-3-qanda-10321-8193.html . October 8, 2014.
  60. News: Sean . Elliot . Exclusive Interview: Screenwriter Simon Kinberg Talks X-Men: The Last Stand – Part 3 . . June 20, 2006 . December 12, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080614061546/http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=1527 . June 14, 2008.
  61. Web site: "X-Men: The Last Stand" – Dave Gorder – The Super-Associate Producer . . June 5, 2006 . February 23, 2006 . George A. . Tramountanas . March 22, 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20060322212644/http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=6747 . live.
  62. Web site: Cover Story: X-Men: The Last Stand (Page 3 of 4) . . December 26, 2007 . May 2006 . Tom . Russo . https://web.archive.org/web/20071226013420/http://www.premiere.com/behindthescenes/2748/cover-story-x-men-the-last-stand-page3.html . December 26, 2007.
  63. News: Hugh . Hart . Industry Buzz . . June 5, 2006 . April 23, 2006 . November 2, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121102204727/http://www.sfgate.com/movies/industrybuzz/article/INDUSTRY-BUZZ-2536575.php . live.
  64. News: Mike . Seymour . X-Men: Extreme Makeover . . June 12, 2006 . December 11, 2010 . January 16, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110116060301/http://www.fxguide.com/featured/x-men_extreme_makeover/ . live.
  65. Web site: Location, location: Royal Roads stars in many films . https://web.archive.org/web/20120305215030/http://www.royalroads.ca/rru-news/location-location-royal-roads-stars-many-films . March 5, 2012 . . December 12, 2010.
  66. Web site: Meeting Wolverine was Bright's idea . The Vancouver Province . Greg . Schafer . May 26, 2006 . May 31, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160324100946/http://www.canada.com/story.html?id=146801a6-106e-4ce4-8c50-9f4c4e20837b . March 24, 2016.
  67. Web site: DIRECTOR'S CHAIR: 'XMEN: THE LAST STAND' . Iain . Blair . Post Magazine . 2006-06-01 . 2014-10-04 . March 4, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054645/http://www.postmagazine.com/Publications/Post-Magazine/2006/June-1-2006/DIRECTORS-CHAIR-XMEN-THE-LAST-STAND.aspx . live.
  68. News: Sharon . Waxman . A Big Gorilla Weighs In . . October 27, 2005.
  69. Web site: J . Coyle . December 14, 2009 . From 'Cleopatra' to 'Lord of the Rings,' 'Avatar' joins tradition of the Hollywood colossus . . https://archive.today/20091217205845/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/wire/sns-ap-us-film-risky-movies,0,2643825.story . December 17, 2009 . dead . April 20, 2020.
  70. X-Men: The Last Stand production notes . 20th Century Fox . 2006 . March 25, 2014 . https://archive.today/20140325181448/http://predoc.org/docs/index-232077.html . March 25, 2014.
  71. Web site: James Muro . Variety . January 8, 2006 . March 25, 2014 . Michael . Goldman . February 4, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210204100839/https://variety.com/2006/film/awards/james-muro-2-1117935673/ . live.
  72. News: Laura M. . Holson . Fox's Own Superheroes: A Daring Duo at the Studio . . June 12, 2006.
  73. Web site: Aaron Stanford Interview . January 28, 2008 . Stephen . Snart . March 25, 2014 . May 26, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130526190140/http://www.thecinemasource.com/blog/interviews/aaron-stanford-interview-for-x-men-3-the-last-stand/ . live.
  74. Web site: That X-Men Secret Ending! . Superhero Hype . Edward . Douglas . May 29, 2006 . March 25, 2014 . March 24, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140324195035/http://www.superherohype.com/features/91101-that-x-men-secret-ending . live.
  75. Kinberg in Web site: 10 Burning Questions About 'X-Men: Days Of Future Past,' Answered . BuzzFeed.com . May 24, 2014 . June 2, 2016 . Jace . Lacob . Adam B. . Vary . May 27, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160527075512/https://www.buzzfeed.com/jacelacob/x-men-days-of-future-past-questions-simon-kinberg-answers . live.
  76. Guglielmi, Jodi. Ellen Page 'Felt Violated' After Being Allegedly Outed by Brett Ratner at 18 on Set of X-Men, People, November 10, 2017.
  77. https://www.vice.com/en_au/article/kz3k7m/ellen-page-accuses-director-brett-ratner-of-homophobic-harassment Ellen Page Accuses Director Brett Ratner of Homophobic Harassment
  78. News: Ellen Page accuses Brett Ratner of sexual harassment. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. November 20, 2017. April 29, 2023. December 1, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201201231958/https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/ellen-page-facebook-ratner-1.4397539. live.
  79. Web site: X-Men: The Last VFX Stand . AWN.com . Tara . DiLullo . June 1, 2006 . October 26, 2011 . October 14, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121014141905/http://www.awn.com/articles/production/ix-meni-last-vfx-stand . live.
  80. Dark Phoenix Rising . Jody . Duncan . . 106 . July 2006 . 36–65.
  81. Steve . Daly . X Marks the Shots . . June 6, 2006 . September 12, 2009 . April 26, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090426004112/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1201520,00.html . live.
  82. Web site: X-Men The Last Stand: Bridge Troubled Over Water . Framestore . September 12, 2009 . March 3, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160303212429/http://www.framestore.com/work/x-men-last-stand.
  83. Web site: Face Off . Computer Graphics World . June 2006 . 4 February 2014 . Barbara . Robertson . February 4, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140204045657/http://www.cgw.com/Publications/CGW/2006/Volume-29-Issue-6-June-2006-/Face-Off.aspx . live.
  84. Web site: An Interview with John Powell . ScoreNotes.com . November 2006 . January 20, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20101114190348/http://www.scorenotes.com/interviewArchive/john_powell_interview.html . November 14, 2010.
  85. Web site: X-Men: The Last Stand [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] ]. . March 11, 2014 . James Christopher . Monger . February 5, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140205041133/http://www.allmusic.com/album/x-men-the-last-stand-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-mw0000420611 . live.
  86. Tights in a twist . Variety . March 18, 2014 . March 4, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090720/http://variety.com/2006/film/news/tights-in-a-twist-1117940355/ . live.
  87. News: X2 Teaser Site Online . . October 14, 2005 . December 12, 2010 . October 7, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121007081445/http://www.superherohype.com/features/articles/89653-x3-teaser-site-online . live.
  88. Web site: X3 teaser trailer! . JoBlo Media Inc. . . December 5, 2005 . February 6, 2014 . Sampson . Mike . https://web.archive.org/web/20121023075124/http://www.joblo.com/?id=9535 . October 23, 2012.
  89. News: Scott . Bowles . New mutants, director recharge 'X3' . . December 4, 2005 . December 12, 2010 . July 27, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110727152548/http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2005-12-04-x3_x.htm . live.
  90. News: Diamond Select Toys on Board for X3 . January 25, 2006 . Superhero Hype! . December 13, 2010 . October 7, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121007154555/http://www.superherohype.com/features/articles/90115-diamond-select-toys-on-board-for-x3 . live.
  91. Web site: X3 Minisite . Harley-Davidson Motor Company . December 13, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110930052451/http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/2006_Campaigns/x3_minisite.jsp?locale=en_US . September 30, 2011.
  92. News: 'Apocalypic' Slurpee Hits 7-Eleven . . April 30, 2009 . December 13, 2010 . Polikarpov . Yana . https://web.archive.org/web/20090503215616/http://www.brandweek.com/bw/content_display/news-and-features/promotion-incentive/e3id5be315f15f95c42cb928d9fec3ebb3b . May 3, 2009.
  93. News: 7-Minute X-Men Sneak Peek Now Online! . Superhero Hype! . May 11, 2006 . December 12, 2010 . October 7, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121007081842/http://www.superherohype.com/features/articles/90945-7-minute-x-men-sneak-peek-now-online . live.
  94. Book: Claremont, Chris . 0-345-49211-0 . X-Men: The Last Stand . Del Rey . 2006 . Chris Claremont . registration .
  95. Web site: The Art of X-Men: The Last Stand: From Concept to Feature Film . . May 26, 2006 . December 13, 2010 . January 15, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220115122324/https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1557047340 . live.
  96. News: Edward . Douglas . Zak Penn on His Potential X-Men Spin-off . April 11, 2006 . December 12, 2010 . October 7, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121007082035/http://www.superherohype.com/features/articles/90651-zak-penn-on-his-potential-x-men-spin-off . live.
  97. Web site: E3: Zak Penn Talks 'X-Men: The Last Stand' Game & Film . . May 11, 2006 . Jeremy . Goldstone . March 2, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140302183737/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=7048. live. Archive link requires text-blocking to make black text on black background appear.
  98. Marvel and Activision's X-Men: The Official Game Takes a Stand on Retail Shelves Nationwide . May 16, 2006 . Activision . October 8, 2014 . September 19, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150919035822/http://investor.activision.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=196906 . live.
  99. Web site: Activision losses less than expected . GameSpot . Tor . Thorsen . August 3, 2006 . October 7, 2014 . April 11, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210411230724/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-losses-less-than-expected/1100-6155213/ . live.
  100. News: Corliss . Richard . X-Men, Keanu and Other Mutants . https://web.archive.org/web/20071023074903/http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1620697,00.html . dead . October 23, 2007 . . May 26, 2006 . December 11, 2010 . Richard Corliss.
  101. Web site: X-Men Visit Kearsarge . https://archive.today/20140215214314/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=23865 . dead . February 15, 2014 . United States Department of Navy . May 27, 2006 . February 15, 2014 . Robert . Keilman .
  102. Web site: X-Men: The Last Stand DVD Release Date October 3, 2006 . DVDs ReleaseDates . January 28, 2018 . September 10, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170910064254/http://www.dvdsreleasedates.com/movies/3057/X-Men:-The-Last-Stand-(2006).html . live.
  103. Web site: X-Men: The Last Stand X-plodes onto DVD . October 2, 2006 . . December 13, 2010 . August 21, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140821230207/http://marvel.com/news/movies/2006/10/2/671/x-men_the_last_stand_x-plodes_onto_dvd . live.
  104. News: 'X-Men' kick-starts DVD fourth quarter . Thomas K. . Arnold . October 5, 2006 . Associated Press . The Hollywood Reporter. live . https://web.archive.org/web/20061020032653/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/home_video/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003220557 . October 20, 2006.
  105. News: October home vid takes 'Stand' . October 27, 2006 . Thomas K. . Arnold . Associated Press . . March 2, 2014 . March 2, 2014. live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140302183912/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/october-home-vid-takes-stand-141010.
  106. Web site: X-Men: The Last Stand Hitting Blu-ray Disc . Superhero Hype . November 1, 2006 . March 18, 2014 . March 4, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093306/http://www.superherohype.com/features/92141-x-men-the-last-stand-hitting-blu-ray-disc . live.
  107. Web site: 'X-Men: The Last Stand' scores Memorial Day weekend record. Chicago Tribune. May 29, 2006. April 17, 2022. April 17, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220417234842/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2006-05-29-0605290181-story.html. live.
  108. News: Sean . Salisbury . Q. What records were broken in 2006? . IMDB . . February 25, 2007 . December 11, 2010 . September 8, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110908005828/http://boxofficemojo.com/siteinfo/?id=2260&p=.htm . live.
  109. News: Early summer movies underperform at box office. Reuters. May 30, 2007. April 21, 2022. April 21, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220421155938/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-boxoffice/early-summer-movies-underperform-at-box-office-idUSN2826542020070530. live.
  110. Web site: Single Day Records: Highest Grossing Fridays . . December 11, 2010 . August 30, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190830125641/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/days/f-th.htm?page=Fri&p=.htm . live.
  111. Web site: 'Da Vinci' fights off 'X-Men' bow: holds overseas with $90.9 mil to sci-fi film's $76.1 mil start.(boxoffice: WEEKEND ANALYSIS) . https://web.archive.org/web/20121011010419/http://business.highbeam.com/2012/article-1G1-147058439/da-vinci-fights-off-xmen-bow-holds-overseas-909-mil . October 11, 2012 . . May 30, 2006 . January 21, 2011 . Hy Hollinger . Hy . Hollinger.
  112. Web site: Around the World Roundup: 'Da Vinci' Withstands 'X-Men' . Conor . Bresnan . May 30, 2006 . January 21, 2011 . September 16, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100916090514/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=2079&p=.htm . live.
  113. News: Brandon . Gray . Exes Exceed 'X-Men' . . June 5, 2006 . December 11, 2010 . August 30, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100830093236/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=2084&p=.htm . live.
  114. Web site: X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) . . December 11, 2010 . December 10, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161210162926/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=x3.htm . live.
  115. Web site: 2006 Domestic Grosses . . December 11, 2010 . February 1, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090201023501/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?yr=2006&p=.htm . live.
  116. Web site: 2006 Worldwide Grosses . . December 11, 2010 . October 30, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20071030190712/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?view2=worldwide&yr=2006&p=.htm . live.
  117. Web site: Franchises: X-Men . https://web.archive.org/web/20051202182945/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/franchises/chart/?id=xmen.htm . dead . December 2, 2005 . . December 11, 2010.
  118. Web site: Why Nobody Chased 'Alice Through The Looking Glass': Memorial Day Box Office Postmortem . Anthony . D'Alessandro . May 31, 2016 . . May 10, 2022 . May 28, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160528142410/https://deadline.com/2016/05/x-men-apocalypse-alice-through-the-looking-glass-memorial-day-weekend-box-office-1201763668/ . live .
  119. Ebert & Roeper Review X-Men: The Last Stand. At the Movies. At the Movies (1986 TV program). Roger. Ebert. Roger Ebert. Richard. Roeper. Richard Roeper. May 20, 2006. 20. 49. [Ebert:] The movie has intriguing ideas, also works as a sensational special effects extravaganza. Thumbs up. [Roeper:] Thumbs up for me as well, it does work on both levels..
  120. Web site: X-Men: The Last Stand (PG-13) . rogerebert.com . Roger . Ebert . Roger Ebert . December 17, 2018 . December 20, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161220171542/http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/x-men-the-last-stand-2006 . live.
  121. News: X-Men: The Last Stand . Stephanie . Zacharek . Salon.com . January 31, 2012 . November 6, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20111106034641/http://www.salon.com/2006/05/26/xmen_stand/ . live.
  122. X-Men: The Last Stand – Film Review . . https://web.archive.org/web/20070606112510/http://www.totalfilm.com/cinema_reviews/x-men_the_last_stand . June 6, 2007 . December 17, 2018.
  123. News: X-Men: The Last Stand . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20121026110046/http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117930584/ . October 26, 2012 . Reed Business Information . . May 22, 2006 . Justin . Chang.
  124. X-Men: The Last Stand review . Entertainment Weekly . June 2, 2006 . January 31, 2012 . Lisa . Schwarzbaum . April 27, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090427161951/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1200037,00.html . dead.
  125. Web site: 'X-Men' trilogy goes down in flames . . . May 25, 2006 . January 31, 2012 . Colin . Covert . https://web.archive.org/web/20110607075708/http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/movies/11524436.html . June 7, 2011.
  126. Web site: Oh, Jesus . . May 21, 2006 . January 31, 2012 . David . Edelstein . June 2, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110602195449/http://nymag.com/movies/reviews/17071/index1.html . live.
  127. X-Men: The Last Stand Movie Review . Rolling Stone . May 26, 2006 . January 31, 2012 . Peter . Travers . August 25, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110825094120/http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/x-men-the-last-stand-20060526 . live.
  128. Web site: Five Ways "X-Men: Days of Future Past Fixes the Franchise's Previous Mistakes . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180405090310/http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2014/05/five-ways-x-men-days-of-future-past-fixes-the-franchises-mistakes/ . April 5, 2018 . April 4, 2018 . Complex.
  129. Web site: Writer-Producer Simon Kinberg on 'X-Men: Days Of Future Past' and Tearing Down 'The Last Stand' . Mike . Ryan . May 19, 2014 . Screencrush . May 26, 2014 . June 26, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140626180927/http://screencrush.com/simon-kinberg-x-men-days-of-future-past/?trackback=tsmclip . live.
  130. Web site: Romano . Nick . January 21, 2016 . Rebooting The Dark Phoenix Saga? Here's What Simon Kinberg Says . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20170622040043/http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Rebooting-Dark-Phoenix-Saga-Here-What-Simon-Kinberg-Says-106727.html . June 22, 2017 . June 27, 2017 . Cinema Blend.
  131. Web site: Everything Else Bryan Singer Told Me About X-Men: Days Of Future Past . Bleeding Cool . March 17, 2013 . January 31, 2014 . Connelly . Brendon . November 3, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131103041322/http://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/03/17/everything-else-bryan-singer-told-me-about-x-men-days-of-future-past/ . live.
  132. Web site: Interview Matthew Vaughn . January 1, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20071101013633/http://www.metrofrance.com/fr/article/2007/10/23/16/5209-38/index.xml . November 1, 2007. live.
  133. Web site: Matthew Vaughn Talks X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, Possible Sequel, James Bond, and the X3 That Could Have Been . Collider . May 24, 2011 . January 31, 2012 . Adam . Chitwood . January 28, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120128022634/http://collider.com/x-men-first-class-sequel/92795/ . live.
  134. Winter 2007. CDG Awards:Excellence in Film Fantasy. The Costume Designer. Costume Designers Guild. 20. https://web.archive.org/web/20110124235856/http://www.costumedesignersguild.com/cdg-magazine/the-costume-designer-winter-07.pdf. January 24, 2011. June 18, 2011.
  135. Web site: Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy . . . 2007 . September 18, 2011 . September 24, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150924041648/http://www.empireonline.com/awards/scifi.asp . live.
  136. Web site: Scene Of The Year (shortlisted) . Empire . . 2007 . September 18, 2011 . January 19, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120119113657/http://www.empireonline.com/awards/scene_shortlist.asp . live.
  137. Web site: The 4th Annual Irish Film & Television Awards Winners . Irish Film and Television Academy . January 17, 2009 . March 5, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160305005827/http://ifta.ie/winners/iftawinners2007.html . live.
  138. Web site: People's Choice Awards 2007 Nominees . PeoplesChoice.com . March 17, 2014 . April 28, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120428091745/http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/awards/nominees/index.jsp?year=2007 . live.
  139. Web site: 2006 11th Annual Satellite Awards . https://web.archive.org/web/20071202121119/http://www.pressacademy.com/satawards/awards2006.shtml . December 2, 2007 . . June 18, 2011.
  140. 'Superman' tops Saturns . . May 10, 2007 . May 11, 2007 . Cohen . David S. . https://web.archive.org/web/20121013045616/http://www.variety.com/awardcentral_article/VR1117964717.html?nav=news&categoryid=1983&cs=1 . October 13, 2012.
  141. Web site: Teen Choice Awards Spread the Love . Chicago Tribune . June 15, 2006 . June 23, 2011 . June 3, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150603062215/http://www.chicagotribune.com/zap-teenchoicenominees-story.html#page=1 . live.
  142. Web site: Young Artist Awards 28th nominations . . June 18, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140627043416/http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms28.htm . dead . June 27, 2014.
  143. Web site: 'X-Men' Director Says Movie Will Really Be 'The Last Stand' . . February 14, 2006 . June 2, 2014 . Brandee J . Tecson . June 2, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140602142336/http://www.mtv.com/news/1524305/x-men-director-says-movie-will-really-be-the-last-stand/ . dead.
  144. News: October 25, 2012 . Hewitt . Chris . James Mangold Talks The Wolverine . . October 25, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121113134358/http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=35599 . November 13, 2012. live.
  145. Web site: March 28, 2013 . Sullivan . Kevin P. . Exclusive: Hugh Jackman Digs Into 'The Wolverine' Trailer . MTV News . June 10, 2013 . January 9, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140109044217/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1704484/the-wolverine-trailer-hugh-jackman.jhtml . dead.
  146. Web site: Exclusive: Bryan Singer & Nicholas Hoult on X-Men: Days of Future Past . Superhero Hype! . February 13, 2013 . February 14, 2013 . Edward . Douglas . March 17, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130317101917/http://www.superherohype.com/features/articles/175033-exclusive-bryan-singer-a-nicholas-hoult-on-x-men-days-of-future-past . live.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "X-Men: The Last Stand".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2025, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.