X Men: Total War. (Even though the name is Total War, the series starts off with focusing on building up to the war)
A world where Xavier has been assassinated and is only ever seen in flashback. The mutant dream for peace carries on in his memory. A society deeply torn on the verge of a civil war between America's mutant and human population.
It starts off as Magneto being the most powerful mutant terrorist, who just successfully killed Xavier. Xaviers friends and students band together and create a team: The X-Men. An anti-Mutant terrorist strike force. Every step they make seems to play in Magnetos hands in escalating the war. Because that is Magneto's goal: Humanity's wipeout.
Magneto is based in Cuba. The country has provided a safe haven for him and the Brotherhood in exchange for what they believe is their protection.
Without Xavier... who will step as Magneto's equal? His moral rival. Be careful what you wish for, Magneto...
Denis O'Hare (True Blood) as Magneto. His character Russel on True Blood was clearly inspired by Magneto, in my opinion. So lets take the next logical step and cast him as a Magneto that refuses to go along with the politics of today, the political movement of Xaviers peace at all cost. A literal thorn in Xaviers memory and humanity's side. He wants war, so he starts war. A high society mutant terrorist (think Grant Morrisons Magneto)
Now normally Mark Strong is the villain, but casting him as one of the greatest mutants in the fight for peace would bring an interesting dynamic against his typecast. This Xavier's personality is willing to be slightly forceful in his debates, but knows the fine line and would never use his powers to effect anothers opinion. Because fairness and peacefulness must come hand in hand. A passive resistance, if you will... heh.
Now, for Magneto's main counterparts:
Stephen Lang (Avatar) for Sabretooth. One of Mangeto's main advisers and generals. Basically the same as we have see him before, except with a harder, possibly military attitude and directing his murdering desire to the battlefield. A feral general, with females drawn to his animal magnetism.
Jamie Frain (True Blood) for The Toad. A mocking, arrogant form of comedy relief with witty insults to Sabretooth, but also a kind of awkwardness about him to provide a common comedy relief. But make no mistake, he is a ruthless, deadly killer.
Helena Bonham Carter for Emma Frost. The sultry, high society elitist snob that believes in mutant superiority, that she can't believe that mutants can't find a more worthy opponent than humans. With heavy hinting towards a building attraction between Cyclops and Emma Frost.
Now, for Xavier's main army thing:
Patrick Wilson for Cyclops, Xavier's general and a firm believer in his dream. Xaviers second closest friend next to Magneto. No whining, no brooding, no blandness. This Cyclops has a hard military attitude, but knows friend from foe and treats those closest to him with a sensitive friendly nature. He is a leader, who's only weakness is a beautiful woman.
Viggo Mortensen for Wolverine. Now, I must admit, he has always been my choice for Wolverine. Have him as the rogue of the group, but honest to the Xavier cause and willing to fight for it. Show the rivalry between Cyclops as their different attitude's towards how things should be done (none of that they hate each other over Jean Grey crap) sparks conflict within the group.
Evan Rachel Wood as Jean Grey (Because I love True Blood, thats why).
Any other actors or actresses you think would be good and who else should make appearances on this little fanshow, please, speak up in the comments!