X-Men: The Last Stand 2029825 225217650 2008-07-12T14:50:06Z 86.27.98.64 /* Other characters */ {{Infobox Film | name = X-Men: The Last Stand | image = X3P_003.jpg | caption = ''X-Men: The Last Stand'' theatrical poster | director = [[Brett Ratner]] | writer = '''Screenplay:'''<br>[[Simon Kinberg]]<br />[[Zak Penn]]<br />'''Comic Book:'''<br />[[Stan Lee]]<br />[[Jack Kirby]] | starring = [[Hugh Jackman]]<br>[[Halle Berry]]<br>[[Ian McKellen]]<br>[[Famke Janssen]]<br>[[Anna Paquin]]<br>[[Kelsey Grammer]]<br>[[James Marsden]]<br>[[Rebecca Romijn]]<br>[[Shawn Ashmore]]<br>[[Aaron Stanford]]<br>[[Vinnie Jones]]<br>[[Patrick Stewart]]<br>[[Ellen Page]] | producer = [[Lauren Shuler Donner]]<br>[[Ralph Winter (producer)|Ralph Winter]]<br>[[Avi Arad]] | distributor = [[20th Century Fox]] | released = [[May 26]], [[2006]] | runtime = 104 min. | country = [[United States]] | music = [[John Powell]] | cinematography = [[Dante Spinotti]] | editing = [[Mark Helfrich]]<br>[[Mark Goldblatt]]<br>[[Julia Wong]] | language = English | preceded_by = ''[[X2 (film)|X2]]'' | followed_by = ''[[X-Men Origins: Wolverine]]'' | amg_id = 1:291112 | imdb_id = 0376994 | budget = | gross = $459,256,008 }} '''''X-Men: The Last Stand''''' is a [[2006 in film|2006]] [[superhero film]] and the third in the ''[[X-Men (film series)|X-Men]]'' series. It is directed by [[Brett Ratner]], who took over when [[Bryan Singer]] dropped out to direct ''[[Superman Returns]]''. The movie revolves around a "mutant cure" that causes serious repercussions among [[Mutant (Marvel comics)|mutants]] and humans, and on the mysterious resurrection of [[Jean Grey]], who appeared to have died in ''X2''. The film is loosely based on two ''X-Men'' comic book story arcs: writer [[Chris Claremont]]'s and artist [[John Byrne|John Byrne's]] "[[Dark Phoenix Saga]]" in ''[[Uncanny X-Men|The Uncanny X-Men]]'' and writer [[Joss Whedon]]'s and artist [[John Cassaday]]'s six-issue "Gifted" arc in ''[[Astonishing X-Men]]''. The film was released [[May 26]], [[2006]] in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]]. Despite mixed reviews from critics and fans, the film did well at the [[box office]]. Its opening-day gross of $45.5 million is the fourth-highest on record while its opening weekend gross of $103 million is the fifth highest ever.<!--Can't say "currently," per [[WP:DATED]]. "Currently" when it is was put in is not currently later. Please add dates and confirmation: Currently it holds the record for highest grossing movie during [[Memorial Day]] weekend totaling nearly $122.9 million in its first four days.--> ==Plot== <!--note: Please do not add more detail. This is supposed to be a plot summary, not a play-by-play. The removal of certain characters or scenes is necessary to keeping this section brief and done only when those elements are not essential to the plot. This section has a tendency to expand greatly, becoming overly detailed and full of unnecessarily specific details, but the removal of these details has been asked for and commended on the talk page.--> A pharmaceutical company called Worthington Labs announces that it has developed an inoculation to permanently suppress the X-gene that gives mutants their powers, offering the so-called "cure" to any mutant who wants it. While some mutants are interested in the cure, including the X-Men's [[Rogue (comics)|Rogue]], many others are horrified by the announcement. In response to the news, the X-Men's adversary [[Magneto (comics)|Magneto]] raises an army, warning his followers that the cure will be forcefully used to exterminate the mutant race. [[Cyclops (comics)|Cyclops]], still heartbroken about the loss of [[Jean Grey]], returns to Alkali Lake, where Jean sacrificed herself to save the X-Men. Jean appears to Cyclops, and as the two kiss, Jean changes and appears to kill Cyclops. Sensing trouble, [[Professor X|Professor Charles Xavier]] sends [[Wolverine (comics)|Wolverine]] and [[Storm (Marvel Comics)|Storm]] to investigate. When they arrive, the two X-Men encounter telekinetically floating rocks, Cyclops' glasses, and an unconscious Jean. Xavier explains that the majority of Jean's power is seated in her unconscious mind and that, as a result, her powers are largely fueled by instinct, and not under her complete control. In fact, when Jean was a little girl she was so [[Omega-level mutant|powerful]] that he had to put telepathic blocks on her mind to help keep her powers under control. Her bottled up powers manifested themselves as an [[Id, ego, and super-ego|id]]-like alternate personality called the "[[Phoenix (comics)|Phoenix]]" — a purely instinctual creature, ruled only by its own violent desires. Wolverine is disgusted to learn that Xavier has kept Jean in check telepathically, but when Jean awakens, he realizes she is not the Jean Grey he knew. Wolverine asks about Cyclops, but she cannot remember and fears she killed him. Jean pleads with Wolverine to kill her before she harms anybody else, but when he refuses, the Phoenix surfaces and telekinetically slams Wolverine into a wall. She then flees to her childhood home. Magneto, also aware that Jean's powers are loose, meets Xavier at Jean's house. The two men plead for Jean's loyalty until the Phoenix resurfaces, unleashing her devastating power. Furious at being caged within Jean's subconscious for twenty years, she destroys her family's house and engages in a psychic battle with Xavier. She eventually overpowers Xavier and he uses his powers to slow down time, enabling him the opportunity to transfer his consciousness into another body, but also giving him more time to talk to Jean. She finally disintegrates Xavier, and leaves with Magneto; temporarily weakened. [[Image:Cap1410bw3hm.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Jean Grey unleashes her power]] Following the losses of Xavier and Cyclops, Rogue decides to take the mutant cure. The X-Men regroup and confront Magneto's army, which is attacking the pharmaceutical company's laboratory on [[Alcatraz Island]]. During the battle, [[Kitty Pryde]] leaves to save [[Leech (comics)|Leech]] and at the end of the battle, [[Beast (comics)|Beast]] injects Magneto with the cure, nullifying his mutant powers. After this, Wolverine nearly coaxes Jean back to sanity. However, soldiers arrive and fire upon Jean. The Phoenix quickly emerges and begins to disintegrate everything and everyone around her, vaporizing the soldiers. While the other X-Men flee to safety, Wolverine fights his way to Jean, relying upon his healing abilities to save him from her destructive power. Momentarily gaining control, Jean begs Wolverine to save her. Telling Jean he loves her, Wolverine reluctantly kills her with his claws. Despite the X-Men's losses, life goes on. The school will continue, even without Xavier. Rogue returns and tells Iceman she had to take the "cure." The two reconcile and continue their relationship now able to touch each other. Magneto, now an ordinary man, sits at a chessboard and reaches out toward a metal chess piece that trembles slightly — indicating that the cure might not be as permanent as originally thought. Following the closing credits, [[Moira MacTaggert|Dr. Moira MacTaggert]] checks on a comatose patient who greets her with Xavier's voice, implying that he has transferred his mind into this new body. {{-}} ==Cast== <!-- Please do not add bit parts to the cast list. This should focus on main or notable characters. --> <!-- Please leave embedded explanatory comments below; they do now show up onscreen and are useful for future editors --> ===X-Men=== The [[X-Men]] are a special ops team from the Xavier Institute, charged with protecting both [[humans]] and [[mutant (Marvel comics)|mutants]] and trying to prevent a war between the two. <!-- These should be written concisely and with the non-comics-reader in mind. --> *'''[[Patrick Stewart]]''' as '''[[Professor X|Professor Charles Xavier]]''': The founder of the Xavier Institute, who has uncharted [[telepathy|telepathic powers]] and is confined to a wheelchair. He is an authority on genetic mutation as well as an advocate of peaceful relations between human and mutant kind. *'''[[Hugh Jackman]]''' as '''[[Wolverine (comics)|Logan / Wolverine]]''': Logan can regenerate spontaneously, a talent which allowed the painful implantation of a [[Adamantium (comics)|metal]] coating on his bones and metal claws that emerge from each hand. *'''[[Halle Berry]]''' as '''[[Storm (Marvel Comics)|Ororo Munroe / Storm]]''': She can [[List of comic book superpowers#Weather manipulation|control the weather]] with her mind. Halle Berry stated during interviews for ''X2'' that she would not return as [[Storm (Marvel Comics)|Storm]] in the third film unless the character had a significant presence comparable to the comic-book version. Brett Ratner also felt Storm required a larger role and there was little difficulty reaching an agreement.<ref name="UGO 2">{{cite web | title=Halle Berry of X-Men: The Last Stand | publisher=UGO | work=ugo.com | url=http://www.ugo.com/summermovies/Content/ProductViewer.aspx?BlogsPageNumber=3&ProductID=172 | accessdate=2006-06-06 | date=2006-05-24 | author=Daniel Robert Epstein}}</ref> *'''[[James Marsden]]''' as '''[[Cyclops (comics)|Scott Summers / Cyclops]]''': The X-Men's field leader, who is killed by his fiancée Jean Grey. He emits powerful energy blasts from his eyes. *'''[[Anna Paquin]]''' as '''[[Rogue (comics)|Marie / Rogue]]''': A teenage [[runaway youth|runaway]] mutant who has found a home at Xavier's school and love with Bobby Drake. When she touches someone she absorbs their life force, their powers if they are a mutant, and, if she holds on too long, their life. *'''[[Kelsey Grammer]]''' as '''[[Beast (comics)|Dr. Henry "Hank" McCoy / Beast]]''': A former student of Xavier's School who is now the Secretary of Mutant Affairs in the U.S. government. The Beast is covered in blue fur and has a genius level I.Q., and heightened strength and agility. He is a brilliant scientist and researcher with vast intelligence and insight into mutant genetics. *'''[[Shawn Ashmore]]''' as '''[[Iceman (comics)|Bobby Drake / Iceman]]''': He can control the temperature of the moisture in the air around him to create constructs of ice or blasts of cold. Under extreme conditions, his body may take on many of the characteristics of ice in addition to those of a human. *'''[[Ellen Page]]''' as '''[[Kitty Pryde]]<!--Do not change; this is the name of the character in the film, not Shadowcat-->''': She can "phase" through matter, which allows her to walk through solid objects. *'''[[Daniel Cudmore]]''' as '''[[Colossus (comics)|Piotr "Peter" Rasputin / Colossus]]''': He can transform his skin into an organic metal, granting superhuman strength and a resistance to damage. ===Brotherhood of Mutants=== The [[The Brotherhood of Evil Mutants|Brotherhood]] is Magneto's personal strike force, whose goal is to ensure mutant supremacy. *'''[[Ian McKellen]]''' as '''[[Magneto (comics)|Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto]]''': Leader and founder of The Brotherhood, this incredibly powerful mutant can manipulate any form of metal. He is a [[Holocaust]] survivor who wages war against humanity in the name of mutant superiority, a goal that often pits him against his old friend Charles Xavier. Has very little interest in or regard for non-mutant human life. He has sophisticated knowledge in matters of genetic manipulation and engineering and has used radiation to mutate humans. *'''[[Famke Janssen]]''' as '''[[Jean Grey|Jean Grey / Phoenix]]''': A former member of the X-Men who sacrificed herself to save her comrades. She is a [[Omega-Level Mutant|Class 5 mutant]] and possesses limitless telepathic powers as well as limitless telekinetic powers that can be used at a sub-atomic level. It is revealed that her immense powers created two personalities within her, and that after the incident at the end of ''X2'', the dark side of Jean's persona known as the Phoenix is unleashed, and combined with her lack of control over her powers means she can disintegrate people at will. *'''[[Rebecca Romijn]]''' as '''[[Mystique (comics)|Raven Darkholme / Mystique]]''': Magneto's blue-skinned right-hand woman can shapeshift to match anyone's appearance and can fight with incredible agility and strength. *'''[[Aaron Stanford]]''' as '''[[Pyro (comics)|John Allerdyce / Pyro]]''': Former Xavier Institute student Pyro can manipulate fire, although he cannot start it (he carries a lighter - attached to a cuff on his wrist - with him at all times). He holds a grudge against his former friend [[Bobby Drake]]. *'''[[Vinnie Jones]]''' as '''[[Juggernaut (comics)|Cain Marko / Juggernaut]]''': The Juggernaut is a new recruit to the Brotherhood. He is incredibly strong, fast, and once he gains momentum, no force can stop him. *'''[[Eric Dane]]''' as '''[[Jamie Madrox|Jamie Madrox / Multiple Man]]''': Multiple Man can split himself into multiple copies. He is a criminal who joins the Brotherhood upon their releasing him. ===The Omegas===<!-- Do not delete. The movie's official site recognizes The Omegas as a SEPERATE group. These four characters are NOT members of The Brotherhood. --> A group of mutant outcasts which exists as part of an underground network that stretches across the nation. *'''[[Dania Ramirez]]''' as '''[[Callisto (comics)|Callisto]]''': Callisto is the leader of The Omegas, a group of mutant outcasts. In the comics, she led a similar group called '''[[Morlocks (comics)|The Morlocks]]'''. She possesses superhuman speed, reflexes, and agility. She can also sense the presence and powers of other mutants. Throughout the film she is constantly battling Storm. In the comic book storyline Storm and Callisto had to battle to see who the true leader of the Morlocks were. *'''[[Omahyra Mota]]''' as '''[[Arclight (comics)|Arclight]]''': Arclight can generate shockwaves of concussive force by slapping her hands together. *'''[[Ken Leung]]''' as '''[[Quill (comics)|Kid Omega]]''':<!--PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE THIS. We are aware of the opinions on the DVD commentary and of Zak Penn interview in which he says he thinks the character was incorrectly named in the credits. However, the interview appears on a forum, and forums are disallowed Wikipedia sources, while the movie credits are a primary source and must be given primacy. The description as it stands ("This character resembles the comic books' character Quill; however, the official cast credits read "Kid Omega".") is neutral. Please do not change it without citing a valid, official source.--> Has [[porcupine]]-like spines he can extend or retract at will. This character resembles the comic books' character [[Quill (comics)|Quill]]; however, the official cast credits read "[[Kid Omega]]". *'''[[Mei Melançon]]''' as '''[[Psylocke]]''': Psylocke has the ability to teleport herself through shadows. ===Other characters=== *'''[[Ben Foster (actor)|Ben Foster]]''' as '''[[Archangel (comics)|Warren Worthington III / Angel]]''': He has feathered wings which allow him to fly. '''[[Cayden Boyd]]''' plays Warren as a child. *'''[[Michael Murphy (actor)|Michael Murphy]]''' as '''Warren Worthington II''': The head of Worthington Labs, the corporation developing the "cure". He is Angel's father, and wants to rid his son of his mutant abilities. *'''[[Cameron Bright]]''' as '''[[Leech (comics)|Jimmy / Leech]]''': A mutant boy whose power neutralizes the powers of nearby mutants. His DNA is the basis for the "cure". After being rescued, he is admitted to the Xavier Institute. *'''[[Shohreh Aghdashloo]]''' as '''[[Dr. Kavita Rao]]''': Rao is a scientist working at Worthington Labs on the mutant cure, which was created with the [[DNA]] of [[Leech (comics)|Leech]]. The sergeant directing defensive preparations before the Brotherhood assaults [[Alcatraz Island]] is played by [[R. Lee Ermey|Gunnery Sergeant R. Lee Ermey]], a former [[United States Marine Corps|U.S. Marine Corps]] [[non-commissioned officer]] who became a military adviser for films and frequent military [[character actor]], best known for his appearance as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in the [[Stanley Kubrick]] film ''[[Full Metal Jacket]]''. ''X-Men'' co-creator [[Stan Lee]] and writer [[Chris Claremont]] have cameos in the film's opening scene as neighbors in Jean Grey's old neighborhood. Respectively, they are credited as "Waterhose man" and "Lawnmower man". Despite playing a key role in the secret ending and portrayed as having close personal ties to Professor Xavier, [[Moira MacTaggert]], portrayed by [[Olivia Williams]], was not listed in the official press notes' cast list and goes uncredited in the finished film. [[Alan Cumming]] was reportedly uncomfortable with the long hours he had to take with the [[Nightcrawler (comics)|Nightcrawler]] makeup, but still planned to return for ''X-Men: The Last Stand''. The part for Nightcrawler was so minimal, however, that the studio felt it was not worthwhile to go through the long and costly makeup process, and the character was cut.<ref>Tramountanas, Ibid.: Associate producer Dave Gorder said, "We would have liked to have Nightcrawler back, but there are certain trade-offs you take with the story. Nightcrawler is an expensive character prosthetic makeup-wise and also visual effects-wise, and so you want to have a story-arc that justifies that expense. And you also want to make the actor happy that he has a significant role to don the makeup and the effects and do the stunt work."</ref> Nightcrawler's absence was explained in [[X-Men: The Official Game|the tie-in game]]. In the scene where Magneto first meets the Omegas, there is a very large man who slims down in order to sit down between two people. The character, [[Phat (comics)|Phat]], is played by two actors, Via Saleaumua and Richard Yee, as Phat in "large mode" and "small mode", respectively. The DVD release features a deleted scene in which Phat is frozen solid by Iceman and then shattered by Colossus. The character [[Spike (comics)|Spike]], portrayed by Lance Gibson, battles Wolverine in the forest, where he was depicted with the ability to extrude and hurl bony spikes from his flesh. A rhino-like mutant is seen being depowered on Alcatraz in a deleted scene. An [[animatic]] on the DVD shows the character who breathes hot embers is named Ash, and the novel lists a raven-haired, leaping female as [[Komodo (comics)|Komodo]]. In the [[X-Mansion|Xavier Institute]] when [[Storm (Marvel Comics)|Storm]] and [[Professor X]] are walking down the corridor talking about “why they are still hiding”, there are three identical girls (the [[Stepford Cuckoos]]).<ref name="ratner commentary">{{cite video| people = Brett Ratner, Simon Kinberg, Zak Penn| title = Audio Commentary| medium = DVD| publisher = 20th Century Fox|date=2006}}</ref> ==Production== [[Bryan Singer]], the director of the first two X-Men films, left the project during preproduction in order to direct the film ''[[Superman Returns]]''. He was joined by ''X2'' screenwriters [[Dan Harris]] and [[Michael Dougherty]] and composer / editor [[John Ottman]]. The visions of the two directors were quite different and this caused problems with the visual effects in the film. The Golden Gate Bridge scene was originally shot at night, which meant that it had to be lightened into daytime in the post production which was entirely done by Framestore CFC in London. Though Singer, Harris and Dougherty had yet to complete a script, the director has revealed that at the time of his departure they had partially completed a story treatment for the film which would have focused exclusively on Jean Grey's resurrection<ref>{{cite web| last = "Quint"| title = Quint on Superman Returns gag reel & sequel talk with Singer| publisher = ''Ain't It Cool News''|date=2006-07-22| url = http://www.aintitcool.com/node/23943| accessdate = 2006-10-06}}</ref> with the new villain [[Emma Frost]], a role intended for [[Sigourney Weaver]].<ref>{{cite web| last = Franklin| first = Garth| title = Sigourney was considered for "X3"| publisher = ''DarkHorizons.com''|date=2006-09-14| url = http://www.darkhorizons.com/news04/040916e.php| accessdate = 2006-10-06}}</ref> [[Simon Kinberg]] was hired as writer soon after Singer's departure, and speculation arose to Joss Whedon directing the film.<ref>{{cite web| last = Stax| title = Whedon wants X-Men 3| publisher = IGN|date=2004-08-12| url = http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/538/538233p1.html| accessdate = 2006-10-11}}</ref> [[Rob Bowman]]<ref>{{cite web| last = Stax| title = Three for X3?| publisher = IGN|date=2006-10-12| url = http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/556/556650p1.html| accessdate = 2006-10-11}}</ref> and [[Alex Proyas]]<ref>{{cite web| last = Stax| title = X3 Director Update| publisher = IGN|date=2006-10-13| url = http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/556/556859p1.html| accessdate = 2006-10-11}}</ref> were also rumoured, though the latter personally turned it down.<ref> {{cite web| last = Stax| title = X3 trailer with FF?| publisher = IGN |date=2005-02-17| url = http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/588/588539p1.html | accessdate = 2006-10-11}}</ref> [[Zack Snyder]] was also approached, though he turned it down due to his commitment to ''[[300 (film)|300]]''.<ref>{{cite news | author = Robert Sanchez | title = Exclusive Interview: Zack Snyder Is Kickin' Ass With 300 and Watchmen! | publisher = IESB | date = 2007-02-13 | url = http://iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1883&Itemid=99 | accessdate = 2007-02-14}}</ref> Despite the controversy over Singer's departure, the cast and producers were still clearly keen to return.<ref>{{cite web| last = Stax| title = The Status of X-Men 3| publisher = IGN|date=2004-09-28| url = http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/552/552000p1.html| accessdate = 2006-10-11 }}</ref> [[Matthew Vaughn]] was hired as the new director for the project. He cast [[Kelsey Grammer]] as Beast and [[Vinnie Jones]] as [[Juggernaut (comics)|Juggernaut]], but family issues reportedly led Vaughn to withdraw before shooting began.<ref>{{cite web | title=Director quits X-Men 3 for family | publisher=BBC NEWS | work=bbc.co.uk | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/film/4600291.stm | accessdate=2006-09-18 |date=2005-06-01 | author= }}</ref> Vaughn was replaced by Singer's friend Brett Ratner,<ref name="USATODAY">{{cite web | title=Franchise's fans reverse stand on new director | publisher=USA Today | work=usatoday.com | url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2006-05-24-xmen-ratner_x.htm | accessdate=2006-06-05 | date=2005-05-24 | author=Scott Bowles}}</ref> who was among those originally considered to direct the first film &mdash; and coincidentally was considered by Warner Brothers to direct the 2006 ''Superman'' project before it evolved into ''Superman Returns''. [[Image:Xmen3patrickstewart.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Patrick Stewart]] and [[Ian McKellen]] were made to look 20 years younger through "digital skin grafting".]] On [[June 13]], [[2005]], a review of an incomplete early draft<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=20443 | title=AICN EXCLUSIVE! X3 Script Review! Plus An Open Letter To Tom Rothman And Fox Stockholders!! | work=Ain't It Cool News | author=Moriaty |date=2005-06-13 | accessdate=2006-06-05}}</ref> of the [[screenplay]] posted by [[Drew McWeeny]] from [[Ain't It Cool News]] sparked controversy from fans, due to certain main characters' storylines; however, that was the very first of over two dozen drafts of the script. Most notably the Golden Gate Bridge sequence was originally in the middle of the film, but Ratner decided it would create a more dramatic climax if moved to the end,<ref name="San Francisco Chronicle">{{cite web | title=INDUSTRY BUZZ | publisher=San Francisco Chronicle | work=sfgate.com | url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/04/23/PKGU9GIREH1.DTL | accessdate=2006-06-05 | date=2006-04-23 | author=Hugh Hart}}</ref> which was originally to take place in [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name="premiere.com">{{cite web|title=Cover Story: X-Men: The Last Stand (Page 3 of 4)|publisher=[[Premiere (magazine)|Premiere]] | work=premiere.com | url=http://www.premiere.com/behindthescenes/2748/cover-story-x-men-the-last-stand-page3.html | accessdate=2007-12-21 | date=May 2006 | author=Tom Russo}}</ref> ''X-Men: The Last Stand'' began shooting in August 2005 and ended in January 2006. Much of ''X-Men: The Last Stand'' was filmed in [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia]], [[Canada]]. According to associate producer Dave Gordon, "This is the biggest production ever filmed in Canada. It used to be ''X2'', now it's ''X3''."<ref name="CBR News">{{cite web | title="X-Men: The Last Stand" – Dave Gorder - The Super-Associate Producer | publisher=Comic Book Resources | work=comicbookresources.com | url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=6747 | accessdate=2006-06-05 |date=2006-02-23 | author=George A. Tramountanas}}</ref> Senior actors [[Patrick Stewart]] and [[Ian McKellen]] had their faces completely "de-aged" by complex [[keyframing]], though [[computer-generated imagery]] was not used. A technique called "digital skin-grafting" was employed to make them look 20 years younger in the first-scene flashback.<ref name="UGO">{{cite web | title=Brett Ratner, Director of X-Men: The Last Stand | publisher=UGO | work=ugo.com | url=http://www.ugo.com/summermovies/Content/ProductViewer.aspx?BlogsPageNumber=2&ProductID=172 | accessdate=2006-06-06 | date=2006-05-25 | author=Daniel Robert Epstein}}</ref> The film has extensive [[wirework]], where many of the actors performed some of their own stunts. The whirlwind wire-stunt performed by [[Halle Berry]] during one fight scene reportedly caused Berry to become so nauseated that she vomited. The crew actually had to bring in buckets for her before shooting her scenes. Angel's wings were initially too heavy for [[Ben Foster (actor)|Ben Foster]], and were remade from foam.<ref name="nowrunning.com">{{cite web | title=Gear up to meet mutant heroes in 'X Men 3' | publisher=nowrunning.com | work=nowrunning.com | url=http://nowrunning.com/news/news.asp?it=6703 | accessdate=2006-06-06 | date=2006-05-25 | author=IANS | archiveurl=http://209.85.129.104/search?q=cache:w5pwrhjHYQUJ:nowrunning.com/news/news.asp%3Fit%3D6703+%22Gear+up+to+meet+mutant+heroes%22&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3 | archivedate=2007-10-30}}</ref> Despite his fear of heights, Foster performed a single second-unit stunt where he escapes Worthington's facility.<ref name="ratner commentary"/> ==Reception== ''X-Men: The Last Stand'' grossed $45.1 million domestically for the fourth-highest opening day after ''[[Spider-Man 3]]'' ($59 million), ''[[Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest]]'' ($55.8 million) and ''[[Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith]]'' ($50 million).<ref name="mojo">{{cite web | It also is the second highest Friday opener of all times with $45.1 million after Pirates of the Caribbean. 2.|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=main&id=x3.htm | title=TOP SINGLE DAY GROSSES | publisher=Box Office Mojo | accessdate=2006-06-06}}</ref> (All figures here not adjusted for inflation.) It is ranked fourth among film debuts having generated an estimated $122.9 million domestically during its four-day [[Memorial Day]] opening weekend and the number one Memorial Day movie of all time until the record was broken by ''[[Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End]]'' which earned $142 million during its four-day [[Memorial Day]] opening. The website<!--technically, it's World Wide Web, and the AP and other journalistic sources sell the phrase "Web site", but there's no Wiki consensus on it so I won't press. However, the commas inserted were ungrammatical--> ''The Numbers'' notes that the film's weekend gross "equals the record for the fewest number of days taken to earn $100 million, joining four other movies that achieved the feat in three days."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.the-numbers.com/interactive/newsStory.php?newsID=1937 | title=The Numbers | publisher=Nash Information Services | work=The Numbers | accessdate=2006-06-06}}</ref> However, the film suffered a significant drop of 66.9% in its second weekend, <!--comparable to that of the last two films, Note: The reference given at end of sentence does not make any comparisons-->when its box office take fell to $34.0 million.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=14831 | title=X-Men Broken Up By Rom-Com Defeat|publisher=Comingsoon.net|accessdate=2006-06-05}}</ref> Nevertheless, the film has grossed over $234 million in North America (fourth-highest of 2006) and over $459 million globally (fifth-highest of 2006).<ref name="mojo"/> It is the fifth-highest-grossing comic book adaptation, and the highest grossing of the X-Men series.<ref name="mojo"/> It became the first film of 2006, and the 67th film on record, to pass the $200 million mark at the North American box office, which it accomplished on the weekend of [[June 9]], [[2006]]. It is the first X-Men movie to surpass $200 million outside the United States. ''X-Men: The Last Stand'' is one of the few third installments in a series to outgross its predecessors, ''Spider-Man 3'' and''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (film)|The Return of the King]]'' being examples. Reviews of the film have generally been mixed, with the film-review website [[Rotten Tomatoes]] giving the film a 57% approval rating.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/x_men_3_the_last_stand | title=X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) | publisher=IGN | work=Rotten Tomatoes | accessdate=2006-06-26}}</ref> The film review aggregate site [[Metacritic]] also reported mixed reviews with a score of 58/100.<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web | work=metacritic | title=Metacritic - X-men: The Last Stand (2006) | url=http://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/xmenthelaststand | accessmonthday=6 June | accessyear=2006}}</ref> [[At the Movies with Ebert & Roeper|Ebert and Roeper]] gave the film a "two thumbs up" rating, with Ebert stating "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." <ref>{{cite web | url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060525/REVIEWS/60509005/1023 | title=X-Men: The Last Stand (PG-13) | publisher=rogerebert.com|accessdate=2006-06-05|author=Roger Ebert}}</ref> Some film critics, however, considered the third film to be of lesser quality than the previous two. Justin Chang from ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' said the film is "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."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117930584?categoryId=31&cs=1 | title=X-Men: The Last Stand | publisher=Reed Business Information | work=Variety | date=2006-05-22 | author=Justin Chang}}</ref> [[Frank Lovece]] of ''[[Film Journal International]]'' said, "A risk-taking script with genuine consequences elevates this ... above the lackluster direction of Brett Ratner, whose competent mechanics move the story efficiently but with very little soul."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://filmjournal.com/filmjournal/reviews/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002576127 | title=X-Men: The Last Stand | publisher=filmjournal.com | work=Film Journal International |date=2006-05-22 | author=Frank Lovece}}</ref> At the 2007 [[Saturn Awards]], [[Famke Janssen]] won the Best Supporting Actress award for her portrayal of Jean Grey.<ref>{{cite news | author = David S. Cohen | title = 'Superman' tops Saturns | publisher = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date = 2007-05-10 | url = http://www.variety.com/awardcentral_article/VR1117964717.html?nav=news&categoryid=1983&cs=1 | accessdate=2007-05-11}}</ref> Also impressed with Janssen's performance were ''[[Total Film]]'', who said, "playing the super-freaky mind-control goddess like ''[[GoldenEye]]''’s [[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."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.totalfilm.com/cinema_reviews/x-men_the_last_stand|title=X-Men: The Last Stand - Film Review|publisher=[[Total Film]]|accessdate=2007-10-11}}</ref> [[Matthew Vaughn]], who was once set to direct the film, heavily responded with negative feedback to Ratner's direction.<ref>{{cite news|author= Brent Sprecher|title=''Stardust'' Director Matthew Vaughn Blasts Brett Ratner’s ''X-Men 3: The Last Stand''!|publisher=ComicBookMovie.com|date=[[2007-10-09]]|url= http://comicbookmovie.com/news/articles/3994.asp|accessdate=2007-10-11}}</ref> ==Adaptations== ===Novelization=== The novelization of the film, written by comic book writer Chris Claremont, was released on [[May 16]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite book | id=ISBN 0-345-49211-0 | title=X-Men: The Last Stand | publisher=Del Rey | last=Claremont | first=Chris | authorlink=Chris Claremont}}</ref> The novelization of the movie differs in some areas from the film. In the novel, young Jean Grey discovers her powers after an accident that takes her best friend's life. Angel officially joins the X-Men and travels with them to Alcatraz Island instead of going on his own. Storm spares Callisto's life, and Rogue decides to keep her powers in the end, and Beast stays at the school as a teacher, the latter two of which were alternate versions of the film. Iceman takes an unconscious Pyro away from Alcatraz. The attack on Alcatraz is referred to as M-Day, a reference to the "[[Decimation (comics)|Decimation of mutantkind]]" storyline in the comic books. Moira MacTaggert visits Magneto in the park, presumably offering an antidote to the "cure", which he refuses because as the book says: "He couldn't go back. That path had brought nothing but grief, to those he cared for, those who trusted him, to himself." Unlike the film, the novel does not allude to Xavier's resurrection. In the end of the novel Wolverine is in the basement of the Institute training the new X-Men, which includes [[Gambit (comics)|Gambit]], [[Sage (comics)|Sage]], [[Danielle Moonstar]] and [[Cannonball (comics)|Cannonball]]. The novel also makes a reference to ''X3'' scriptwriter [[Zak Penn]], whose name is given to a sergeant in the middle of the novel, and to X-Men writer Stan Lee as Mr. Lee, one of Jean's neighbours portrayed by Stan Lee in the film. The president's name in the novelization is David Cockrum, a reference to comics artist [[Dave Cockrum]]. McCoy asks the president about his wife Paty, who in real life is David Cockrum's wife who used to work at Marvel. Two other references are made towards the end of the book, the first is Hollywood planning a film about the Battle of Alcatraz (a possible reference to the actual movie) along with a British Shakespearean actor, who is also a Knight playing Magneto (a possible reference to Sir Ian McKellen who played Magneto in all three films). Other references include the mutant [[Bishop (comics)|Bishop]] as police officer after Pyro attacks a cure facility. The book also briefly references [[Kitty Pryde]]'s political ambitions when she is shown hanging up a homemade "Pryde for President" poster. In a few possible futures seen in the comics, Pryde has ended up President (''[[X-Men: The End]]'') and her plans to run for office were a sub-plot during the ''[[X-Treme X-Men]]'' series. ===Video games=== {{main|X-Men: The Official Game}} Games publisher [[Activision]] released ''[[X-Men: The Official Game]]'', the official video game tie-in to the film across all major video game platforms on [[May 16]], [[2006 in video gaming|2006]]. The various editions of the game bridge the events of the films ''X2'' and ''X-Men: The Last Stand'' and feature many of both films' prominent characters. Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Alan Cumming, Eric Dane, Shawn Ashmore and [[Tyler Mane]] reprise their film roles in this game. Sentinels, Lady Deathstrike, Sabretooth and [[Silver Samurai]] also appear in the game. It also provides an explanation of Nightcrawler's absence from the film. An ''X-Men: The Last Stand'' game was also released for mobile phones. ==DVD (NTSC Region 1 Version)== <!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[Image:X-Men3-DVD-Collector'sEdition.png|thumb|right|200px|X-Men 3: The Last Stand (Collector's Edition)]] --> ''X-Men: The Last Stand'' was released in the United States and Canada on DVD in both standard and collector's edition formats on [[October 3]], [[2006]]. The single-disc standard DVD, in either widescreen or fullscreen, features two menu settings: "Join The Brotherhood" and "Take A Stand". These choices change the menu's design and the deleted scenes available, and also the ending scene with Magneto--Magneto was able to move a metal chess piece in "Take a Stand", but not in "Join the Brotherhood". The DVD also features commentaries featuring the director, writers, and producers; 10 deleted scenes; three alternate endings; and two [[easter egg (virtual)|easter egg]]s. On the first day of its release, errors were reported with the DVD. About 60% of the DVDs currently in circulation have errors in them. Some DVDs come with only 10 deleted scenes while others come with 21, amongst other errors.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.comics2film.com/FanFrame.php?f_id=22333 | title=Region 1 X-Men 3 DVD Error | publisher=Comics2Film | accessdate=2006-10-06}}</ref> The "Stan Lee Collector's Edition" DVD is a widescreen standard DVD that was packaged in a slipcase with a 100-page booklet featuring a completely new ''X-Men'' comic by Stan Lee. ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' announced that 20th Century Fox will make films available to buy online the same day as the DVD, through [[Direct2Drive]], with ''X-Men: The Last Stand'' among the first such available. Also, [[Wal-Mart]] stores included a special exclusive DVD titled "X-Men Revealed" with 50 minutes of behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of the ''X-Men'' franchise. The Wal-Mart exclusive DVD disc is not what it seems however. From the information of the exclusive DVD front and back cover, it is supposed to be a behind-the-scenes look of the ''X-Men'' movie franchise but instead it is a brief history of the ''X-Men'' comics. [[Target Corporation|Target]] also has an exclusive that comes in a tin case with the single-disc DVD plus a reprint of ''[[Giant-Size X-Men]]'' #1 and four collectible cards from the movie. The DVD sold 5 million copies in its first week in stores.<ref>{{cite news| title = ''X-Men: The Last Stand'' Tops with 5 million DVDs sold| publisher = SuperHeroHype.com|date=2006-10-11| url = http://www.superherohype.com/news/x-mennews.php?id=4798| accessdate=2006-10-14 }} </ref> In other countries, such as the United Kingdom, the DVD package has a bonus disc containing three documentaries (''Brett Ratner's Production Diary'' (40 minutes), ''X-Men: Evolution Of A Trilogy'' (40 minutes), and ''X-Men: The Excitement Continues'' (20 minutes)) as well as various featurettes, character guides and pre-visualisation sequences. This version is planned for a later [[region 1]] release.<ref>{{cite news | last = Gilchrist| first = Todd| title = Ratner Preps X3 SE| publisher = IGN |date=2006-09-15| url = http://uk.dvd.ign.com/articles/733/733090p1.html| accessdate=2006-10-08}}</ref> ''X-Men: The Last Stand'' has also been released on [[Blu-ray Disc]]. The video was encoded in [[1080p]] with 6.1 [[Digital Theater System|DTS ES HD Master Audio]]. ==Soundtrack== {{Infobox Album | <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Albums --> | Name = X-Men: The Last Stand Original Motion Picture Soundtrack | Type = [[Film score]] | Artist = [[John Powell]] | Cover = Xmenlaststandsndtrk.jpg | Released = [[May 23]], [[2006]] | Recorded = | Genre = [[Soundtracks]]<br/>[[Film scores]] | Length = 60:26 | Label = [[Varese Sarabande]] | Producer = John Powell | Reviews = * [[Allmusic]] {{Rating-5|3.5}} [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:gpdayl66xppb link] * [[Cinemusic]] {{Rating-5|4}} [http://www.cinemusic.net/reviews/2006/xmen3.html link] * [[Score Reviews]] {{Rating-5|4}} [http://www.scorereviews.com/reviews/review.aspx?id=539 link] * [[Tracksounds]] {{Rating-5|4}} [http://www.tracksounds.com/reviews/xmen_last_stand.htm link] | | Chronology = ''Marvel Comics'' film series soundtrack chronology | Last album = ''[[Fantastic 4: The Album]]'' <br /> (2005) | This album = '''''X-Men: The Last Stand Original Motion Picture Soundtrack''''' <br /> (2006) | Next album = ''[[Spider-Man 3: The Official Soundtrack|Music from and Inspired by Spider-Man 3]]'' <br /> (2007) }} ''X-Men: The Last Stand Soundtrack'' has been very successful and has received many positive reviews. #"20 Years Ago" <small> (1:10) </small> #"Bathroom Titles" <small> (1:09) </small> #"The Church of Magneto, Raven is My Slave Name" <small> (2:40) </small> #"Meet Leech, Then off to the Lake" <small> (2:37) </small> #"Whirlpool of Love" <small> (2:04) </small> #"Examining Jean" <small> (1:12) </small> #"Dark Phoenix" <small> (1:28) </small> #"Angel's Cure" <small> (2:34) </small> #"Jean and Logan" <small> (1:39) </small> #"Dark Phoenix Awakes" <small> (1:45) </small> #"Rejection is Never Easy" <small> (1:09) </small> #"Magneto Plots" <small> (2:05) </small> #"Entering the House" <small> (1:18) </small> #"Dark Phoenix's Tragedy" <small> (3:18) </small> #"Farewell to X" <small> (0:30) </small> #"The Funeral" <small> (2:52) </small> #"Skating on the Pond" <small> (1:12) </small> #"Cure Wars" <small> (2:57) </small> #"Fight in the Woods" <small> (3:06) </small> #"St. Lupus Day" <small> (3:03) </small> #"Building Bridges" <small> (1:16) </small> #"Shock and No Oars" <small> (1:15) </small> #"Attack on Alcatraz" <small> (4:36) </small> #"Massacre" <small> (0:31) </small> #"The Battle of the Cure" <small> (4:21) </small> #"Phoenix Rises" <small> (4:21) </small> #"The Last Stand" <small> (5:29) </small> {{-}} ==References== {{reflist|2}} ==External links== {{wikiquote}} * [http://www.x-menthelaststand.com/ ''X-Men: The Last Stand''] Official site * [http://marvel.com/movies/X-Men ''X-Men'' on Marvel.com] * {{rotten-tomatoes|id=x_men_3_the_last_stand|title=X-Men: The Last Stand}} * {{ymovies title|1808490830}} * {{imdb title|id=0376994|title=X-Men: The Last Stand}} {{ Box Office Leaders USA | before = [[The Da Vinci Code (film)|The Da Vinci Code]] | date = May 28 | year = 2006 | after = [[The Break-Up]] }} {{X-Men}} {{X-Men film series}} {{Marvel comics films}} {{Brett Ratner films}} <!--Split film/book article intentional - Please do not remove this comment--> [[Category:2006 films]] [[Category:20th Century Fox films]] [[Category:American films]] [[Category:English-language films]] [[Category:Sequel films]] [[Category:X-Men films]] [[Category:Films set in San Francisco]] [[Category:Films that portray the future]] [[Category:Science fiction action films]] [[Category:Films shot in Vancouver]] [[Category:Films shot in multiple formats]] [[Category:Films shot anamorphically]] [[Category:Films shot in Super 35]] [[da:X-Men: The Last Stand]] [[de:X-Men: Der letzte Widerstand]] [[es:X-Men: The Last Stand]] [[fr:X-Men, l'affrontement final]] [[id:X-Men: The Last Stand]] [[it:X-Men: Conflitto finale]] [[hu:X-Men: Az ellenállás vége]] [[nl:X-Men: The Last Stand]] [[ja:X-MEN:ファイナル ディシジョン]] [[no:X-Men: The Last Stand]] [[pl:X-Men 3: Ostatni bastion]] [[pt:X-Men: The Last Stand]] [[ro:X-Men: Ultima înfruntare (film)]] [[ru:Люди Икс: Последняя битва (фильм)]] [[sq:X-Men: The Last Stand]] [[simple:X-Men: The Last Stand]] [[sr:Икс-мен 3: Последње упориште]] [[fi:X-Men – viimeinen kohtaaminen]] [[sv:X-Men: The Last Stand]] [[tr:X-Men: Son Direniş]]