Starring Kris Kristofferson, Demi Moore, James Purefoy and Anthony Heald with Ethan Hawke, Robin Tunney, Chelcie Ross and Robin Givens
X-Men: Descent
The movie begins with the X-Men mourning the loss of Jean Grey. Beast, Iceman, Banshee and Sunfire have all resigned. Everyone is depressed. Quickly following the intro of the broken team, a dapper, well dressed man offers a scruffy Cajun in a trench coat more money than he's ever seen.
He is told to contact Jason Wyngarde on the island once he steals the birth certificate of the mayor of Muir Island, Graydon Creed, so that he may collect the other half.
Once there, Wyngarde, actually the Shadow Thief, double crosses the thief, possesses his body, and unleashes the full force of Gambit on the nation.
When hysteria breaks, Mayor Creed declares a war against mutants. Mutants are then enslaved. Shadow Thief seemingly leaves Gambit's body when the destruction is met with opposition. The notion catches on across the globe with preachers even calling it God's will.
The X-Men, drowning in self-pity, do nothing. The Brotherhood, however, forcibly break the captive Magneto from his prison and aim to go to Muir Island to free the mutants and kill the humans. Magneto asks the X-Men to go with him and Xavier agrees, assuring Magneto that, although they will end slavery, the Brotherhood will not kill needlessly. If they must fight after their shared victory, the X-Men stand ready and willing.
When the X-Men and Brotherhood arrive, Professor X tries, unsuccessfully, to ration with Creed. The presence of Destiny and Professor X causes a surge of energy in Shadow Thief, having never left the enslaved Gambit. Feeding off of the psychic powers of the 2 and the anger of the enslaved, the war is reignited.
It's important to note how knowledgeable Creed is of his birth parents and that is why he hates mutants so much.
In the ensuing battle, the death toll is huge. Of the X-Men, Angel, Thunderbird and Cannonball are killed. Colossus is forced to kill when Kitty's life is in danger. From the Brotherhood, Magneto is mortally wounded when Mystique double-crosses him and, aside from him, only Mystique and Rogue survive. Destiny's death is a heavy burden on both Mystique and Rogue. The 2 escape the island on a jet.
It is up to Xavier to defeat Shadow Thief. They allude to having met before. The 2 fight on the astral plain and, although Xavier returns, he is badly hurt. The victory is bitter-sweet.
Gambit, free of Shadow Thief, asks to join the X-Men, paying his debt to society. Nightcrawler and Shadowcat convince the team to let him enlist.
Mayor Creed is laying dead in a pool of blood, slashes and gashes cover his body.
In the end, an unconscious Xavier is put in the care of Moira MacTaggert and Banshee. Magneto, suffering from injuries himself, is taken to the institute on Storm's orders. Cyclops, p' oed' that they would even consider taking him in, walks away from the team; he sees it as an insult to the professor and disrespectful to those that died. He cuts ties with the team, leaving Storm in charge.
In the final scene, Mystique and Rogue walk up to the same gentleman that hired Gambit back in Louisiana. She says "The Cajun is with the X-Men but both Xavier and Magneto are no longer a problem as per your plans. Thunderbird and Angel are dead as well."
"We've already retrieved Worthington's body. Welcome, ladies, to the Marauders."
"Thank you, Mr Sinister."
NEXT: X-Men 2: Genesis
CAST:
X-MEN:
Professor X
Bio
The mutant mentor of the X-Men proves that, in order to save the lives of innocent mutants, the stakes are never to high.
The fact that Xavier is the end-all-be-all as far as powerful mutants go, as far as anyone to this point knows, or speaks of, needs to be stressed. Even as a great an opponent as Magneto is, even he succumbs to the abilities of Xavier. That is why, when Shadow Thief is an equal match for Xavier, it is more stunning than anything else.
Played by
Chelcie Ross
Age: 51
Bio
Untouchables, The Last Boy Scout, Basic Instinct and Rudy were not ground breaking roles for Ross, but he is a fine actor. The reality is that not every actor need be an A-lister in this movie. Originally I had Patrick Stewart as X as it was ideal 7 years before he was actually cast, but for the sake of originality, I went different.
The stars should be those actors that, when you see their names attached to the project you either let out a sigh of relief or turn to your friend and say "Opening night, We're there." However, you'll go bankrupt if you fill your entire cast with the box office mega stars.
Cyclops
Bio
This trilogy gives top billing to Cyclops. This is his journey as you will see when reading the plots.
Played by
James Purefoy
Age: 29
Bio
Starring in a few TV episodes and one TV movie it would be a risk that pays off in dividends if Purefoy was cast as the '93 Cyclops. Originally I had Patrick Dempsey but he just wasn't tough enough for me. Cyclops deserves to be treated with respect.
Storm
Bio
If Cyclops is the epicenter of the trilogy, then Storm is the hub of the team itself.
Played by
Robin Givens
Age: 28
Bio
Most significantly, Givens starred in the Comedy Boomerang. Her beauty and command of the scream made her the best choice to play the X-Men's co-leader turned leader in this trilogy.
Wolverine
Bio
Hey look! It's an X-Men movie that knows how cool a character Wolverine is but doesn't shove that concept down our throats.
Played by
Russell Crowe
Age: 29
Bio
Originally I was using Mel Gibson, but he's less useful in a trilogy format being of an age where he's going to show it after a few years. Even though Wolverine fights like a mad man in each movie he's going to progressively get more wild in each. Crowe, in The Crossing and Proof, proved he was lead actor material in Australian cinema. This could've propelled his American career. Not as short as I'd like (neither was Gibson) but then who is. Crowe is more than capable of bringing the ferocity of Wolverine to the big screen.
Nightcrawler
Bio
The deepest character of the bunch, he is the soul of the team. Not everyone's story can develop in the 1st movie. His story comes later.
Played by
Sean Penn
Age: 32
Bio
Most notably, Carlito's way would be his ticket to X-Men. At this point, like Crowe, he's not quite a leading man but rather on the cusp of greatness. Personally, I can't stand him as a person, the hypocritical bastard, but his talent as an actor is undeniable.
Colossus
Bio
The most powerful is also the most gentle. Piotr does not have a relationship with Kitty but they do have a strong bond that borders on love.
Played by
Clancy Brown
Age: 34
Bio
He built a reputation as a formidable, battle torn fighter in Highlander. His height (6'4"), his brow and his booming voice equal Colossus if you ask me. I know there is a huge age difference in the age between Peter and Kitty but they are the best actors for the parts.
Shadowcat
Bio
Kitty may be the youngest member but she's by no means naive or out of place. She tough and smart and has a crush on Colossus that becomes less about love and more 'wow he's so dreamy and awesome.' It's more like if you worked with the athlete you crush on. For me, it's like if I worked with Trish Stratus. She's as talented and amazing in that ring as she is beautiful.
Angelina Jolie
Age: 18
Bio
If you are a hater of one of our generation's most talented actresses you are crazy. At this point, like so many others in this movie, this is before she hit it huge.
Angel
Bio
Right now, he appears to be nothing more than casualty. Realistically, an actor with his presence should have a larger role. In time...
Brad Pitt
Age: 29
A River Runs Through It was his to own. Instantly, from Thelma and Louise, Pitt was destined to headline.
Cannonball
Bio
Truth be told, I needed a disposable X-Man. I dug into the pike of New Mutants and picked my favorite of them. I wanted a mutant that was likable and had a visually fantastic power so that you assume, when watching, that he was going to be a part of the ongoing series, perhaps as a love interest for Kitty. Instead, your jaw drops and you curse Marvel for pulling a dirty trick.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Age: 18
Bio
What's Eating Gilbert Grape? That's the 1st time u saw Leo and I really thought he was handicapped. The guy is incredible and would only further the notion that Cannonball was part of something greater.
Thunderbird
Bio
Let's be honest, he was only a part of Giant-Sized X-Men so that he can die. The good news is that he is just as important here. His other purpose was to propel Warpath. To check out my Warpath fancast go here
http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/ager/news/?a=25078
Eric Schweig
Age : 26
Bio
In Th Last of the Mohicans, Shweig showed he has what it takes to be more than just an extra. The few lines he has have to be relevant.
Muir Islanders:
Gambit
Bio
The sweet-talking Cajun thief has bitten off more than he could chew, or so you would think. Never underestimate the Cajun.
Ethan Hawke
Age: 22
Bio
My 1st choice was actually Vincent Cassel. At 26 years old the French actor is perfect. The original Gambit was not the Abercrombie model he is today. He was actually modeled off of John Malkovich. It was his charisma and his grunge appeal that made him a ladies man. Cassel would be PERFECT if I knew that he spoke English. I can assume so as it is likely but that's not playing fare. If he is out of the question, then without a doubt my go to actor is Ethan Hawke. White Fang and Alive were 2 of my favorite movies when I was young. Truly, White Fang was one of my top 5 childhood favorites.
Jason Wyngarde
Bio
The man referred to as Mastermind in the comics is nothing more than a vessel in this movie. The body that holds Shadow King is the slick and slimy illusionist.
Michael Wincott
Age: 35
Bio
It's not proven, but I think he became an actor so that he may 1 day play Wyngarde. He is that eerie kind of swashbuckling cool that is equally terrifying. He is Mastermind.
Mayor Graydon Creed
Bio
Creed, here, is generating popularity as a new character created this year while simultaneously debuting in theaters. In his 1st issue his lineage is discovered, therefor, it is safe to follow the same format. I have tweaked his character by making him the mayor of Muir Island and the main proponent in jump starting the plot. His death can be safely surmised, at first, as the work of his daddy, Sabretooth.
Anthony Heald
Age: 48
Bio
Heald, as the nemesis of Hannibal Lector in 1991's Silence of the lambs was a natural fit for Creed. He was my immediate answer. I chose to make Creed whatever age he was.
Banshee
Bio
The ex-cop turned X-Man has retired recently to care for his daughter and reside with his lover, Moira.
Nicholas Clay
Age: 47
Bio
Outside of his work on Excalibur, I don't know much about him. I do know the Brit would make an ideal, aging Banshee. If the role was bigger, I would've picked Liam Neeson.
Dr Moira MacTaggert
Bio
MagTaggert, in Scotland, has taken on the role of mutant guide, mentor and trainer as inspired by her ex-lover, Charles Xavier.
Cherie Lunghi
Age: 41
Bio
Truthfully, because of her chemistry with Clay in the aforementioned movie, I chose her. If the role were bigger, I would've picked Helen Mirren.
BROTHERHOOD OF EVIL MUTANTS
Magneto
Bio
In an homage to the comics, like it was never imagined before, the X-Men's greatest adversary is taken into the mansion and given time to heal.
For a greater understanding of Magneto, or, at least, from where his inception may have (un)knowingly been inspired, look no further than Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice and pay close attention to Shylock.
Kris Kristofferson
Age: 57
Bio
Admittedly, He wasn't in the greatest movies in the late 80's, leading into the early 90's, but that doesn't take away from his natural badassery. In the 70's he won an award for best newcomer and didn't upset by following that up with a Golden Globe for best actor. Kris Kris is almost the picture perfect Magneto in the 90's. Originally, I chose the equally impressive and, slightly more intimidating, Clint Eastwood. He still stands as the best possible choice. If he turned it down, Kristofferson is the best option to take the mantle.
Mystique
Bio
She slowly becomes the nail in this story. I cant help but push Mystique in my fancasts as she is the most intriguing Marvel character in my eyes. She is the most repetitive character, aside from Professor X (who acts as the Nick Fury of the X-Men, recruiting each hero in the last scene of their respective movies) in my Giant-Sized fancasts that depict the origins of each G/S X-Man. She plays huge roles in Forge (who replaces Thunderbird), Wolverine and Nightcrawler.
Forge
http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/ager/news/?a=39365
Wolverine
http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/ager/news/?a=40722 ;
Nightcrawler
http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/ager/news/?a=38746 ;
Demi Moore
Age: 30
Bio
Moore was definitely one of the screen queens of the late 80's and 90's. It's only fitting that the seductively tough and equally skilled actress don the blue paint, skull headband and white dress.
Rogue
Bio
The torment of Rogue is, possibly, one of the most fascinating parts of the X-Men stories since her arrival. I would even have her utilize the powers of Ms Marvel to include that inner duality as well.
Robin Tunney
Age: 21
Bio
Tunney, most popular as the nasty, b!tch in Encino Man, she hit it big in The Craft and Empire Records years later. Watch them both, great movies. She can nail the role and the proof is in the later 2 movies mentioned.
Destiny
Bio
The mutant who sees the future, and the other foster mother of Rogue could make for a highly interesting character for the little screen time she is given. I'm very disappointed in her absence in the very, very horrid First Class movie.
Frances McDormand
Age: 36
Bio
Blood Simple, Raising Arizona, Miller's Crossing, Darkman and Barton Fink are all such great movies. I have been a huge fan of her since the mid 90's and caught the aforementioned movies through renting them. The Cohen brothers are 2 of my favorite directors and she is the reason I got into their movies.
Pyro
Bio
What's important to know about Pyro is equally important in his evil teammates, their menacing mutant abilities and their boys club-esque friendship.
This is the most radically different X-fancast I have created due to the role of the Brotherhood. Usually, as seen in my many X-Casts, I provide deep, enriched roles into which the actors playing each Brotherhood member can dive. I even love to use The Maximoff twins who are noticeably absent. This trilogy is a developing story capturing the mid-careers of these mutants. Some are at the end of their journey, like the Brotherhood, and others are beginning a new chapter, like Rogue and Magneto. This is the deepest story with a completion.
This is not the story of good mutants battling evil ones and because of that we needed to move away from the Brotherhood and begin moving towards something greater.
It does bother me that the story unfolded like this as I love the dynamic of the team. It irked me to know end that we didn't get Mystique's Brotherhood in any, especially the 1st, X-movie.
Christopher Eccleston
Age: 29
Bio
Eccleston first came to public attention as Derek Bentley in the 1991 film Let Him Have It and an episode of Inspector Morse, "Second Time Around", also in 1991. A regular role in the television series Cracker(1993–94) brought him recognition in the UK and, after he told TV bosses of his desire to leave the series, they killed off his character in October 1994.
That was directly from Wiki because, admittedly, back then I didn't know about him; I never heard of him until recently. He would've been a great, Australian-born Pyro if he screen tested.
Blob
Abraham Benrubi
Age: 23
Bio
The 6'7" actor from Parker Lewis Can't Lose is always perfect for Blob and his age is irrelevant.
Avalanche
Vincent D'Onofrio
Age: 34
Bio
The 6'4" actor is often referred to as an actor's actor. His work as a character actor has earned him the nickname "The Human Chameleon". He is known for his role as Private Leonard Lawrence ("Gomer Pyle") in the war film Full Metal Jacket,
Toad
John Leguizamo
Bio
From Super Mario Bros (what a horrible movie, even though it jump started his career) to Carlito's Way to (later) Romeo & Juliette and (the must see mini) Killpoint, Leguizamo is a tremendous character actor (Vindicator from Spawn) who would make a surprisingly impressive thinner, nastier Toad like the one Jim Lee introduced in the 90's.
Knowing, now, how impressive the Brotherhood actors are, it's a pitty they wouldn't be given the screen time they deserved. Given, however, there calibre at the time, it makes sense.
@ more to come to complete a very deep trilogy. There is a clear connection with everything and everyone, to include the titles and what they mean