Fox obtained the film rights to the team and other related characters in 1994 for $2.6 million. They first produced theX-Men film trilogy consisting ofX-Men (2000),X2 (2003), andX-Men: The Last Stand (2006). After each film outgrossed its predecessor, further films were released, set in the sameshared universe. These included threespin-off films centered aroundWolverine (X-Men Origins: Wolverine in 2009,The Wolverine in 2013, andLogan in 2017), two films centered aroundDeadpool (Deadpool in 2016 andDeadpool 2 in 2018), and the stand-aloneThe New Mutants (2020). Aprequel series to the original trilogy began withX-Men: First Class (2011), and was followed byX-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), which also served as a sequel toThe Last Stand and asoft reboot for the series as a whole; the prequel series continued withX-Men: Apocalypse (2016) andDark Phoenix (2019). In addition to the thirteen films, four of the films received a total of five additional cuts, and two television series – Legion (2017–2019) andThe Gifted (2017–2019) – were released.
In March 2019, Marvel Studios regained the film rights to the X-Men characters throughDisney's acquisition of Fox, with the intention of integrating the characters into theMarvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). As such, the majority of films in various stages of development were cancelled, and the series officially concluded as a result. However, Marvel Studios later reworked and developed one of these films, a thirdDeadpool film, asDeadpool & Wolverine (2024). The film served as acrossover between the series, the MCU, and other Marvel films produced by Fox. Additionally, principal cast members from the originalX-Men trilogy are set to reprise their roles inAvengers: Doomsday (2026), appearing alongside an ensemble of MCU actors. The X-Men are expected to be rebooted within the MCU followingAvengers: Secret Wars (2027), with a new film in development.[1]
The film introducesLogan andRogue into the conflict betweenProfessor Xavier'sX-Men and theBrotherhood of Mutants, led byMagneto. Magneto intends to mutate world leaders at aUnited Nations summit with a machine he has built to bring about acceptance of mutantkind, but he was not aware that this forced mutation will result only in their deaths.
ColonelWilliam Stryker brainwashes and questions the imprisoned Magneto about Professor Xavier's mutant-locating machine,Cerebro. Stryker attacks theX-Mansion and brainwashes Xavier into locating every mutant on the planet to kill them. The X-Men must team up with the Brotherhood to prevent Stryker's worldwide genocide.
Hayter andZak Penn were hired to write their own scripts for the sequel, which Singer would pick, with an aim to release the film in December 2002.[7][8]Michael Dougherty andDan Harris were hired to re-write the script in February 2002, writing around 26 drafts and 150 on set.[9] Principal photography began in June 2002 inVancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and ended in November 2002. The film was released on May 2, 2003.[7]
A pharmaceutical company has developed a "cure" that suppresses the mutant gene, provoking controversy in the mutant community. Magneto declares war on the humans and retrieves his own weapon:Phoenix, the resurrected former X-Men memberJean Grey. A final battle between the X-Men and the Brotherhood ensues, andWolverine must accept that to stop Grey, he will have to kill her.
Joss Whedon'sAstonishing X-Men story "Gifted", featuring a mutant cure, was suggested for the primary story.Matthew Vaughn came on board as director in February 2005[10] but left due to the rushed production schedule.[11]Brett Ratner was later hired as director in June.[12] Principal photography began in August 2005 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and ended in January 2006.[13] The film was released on May 26, 2006.[14]
Aprequel and aspin-off focusing on the character Wolverine and his relationship with his half-brotherVictor Creed, as well as his time with Stryker'sTeam X, before, and shortly after his skeleton was bonded with the indestructible metal,adamantium.
David Benioff was hired to write the screenplay for the spin-off filmWolverine in October 2004.[15]Hugh Jackman became producer as well as star and worked with Benioff on the script.[16] There were negotiations with the studio for Ratner to take the helm of the film after directingX-Men: The Last Stand, but no agreement was made.[17] In July 2007,Gavin Hood was hired as director. Principal photography began in January 2008 inQueenstown, New Zealand, and ended in May.[18] The film was released on May 1, 2009.[19]
Set after the events ofX-Men: The Last Stand, the film features Wolverine heading to Japan for a reunion with a soldier namedIchiro Yashida whose life he saved years before. Wolverine must defend the man's granddaughterMariko Yashida from all manner ofninja andyakuza assassins.[20][21]
Christopher McQuarrie, who went uncredited for his work onX-Men, was hired to write the screenplay in August 2009.[22]Darren Aronofsky was chosen to direct the film but bowed out, stating the project would keep him out of the country for too long.[23]James Mangold was later hired to direct the film.[24]Mark Bomback was then hired to rewrite McQuarrie's script.[25] Principal photography began in August 2012 inSydney, Australia, and ended in November.[26] The film was released on July 26, 2013.[27]
In 2029, Logan and Charles Xavier meet a young girl namedLaura, a test-tube daughter of Wolverine, who is being hunted by theReavers led byDonald Pierce.[28][29]
By November 2013, 20th Century Fox had begun negotiations for the treatment for a third Wolverine solo film with director James Mangold and Donner attached to produce.[30] Mangold said that it would be inspired by other Wolverine stories from the comic books and it would be made afterX-Men: Apocalypse.[31][32] In March 2014, David James Kelly was hired to write the script. In April 2015,Michael Green was hired to work on the film's script.[33][34] Principal photography commenced in May 2016 inNew Orleans, Louisiana, and concluded in August 2016.[35] The film was released on March 3, 2017.
Set primarily in 1962 during theCuban Missile Crisis, the film focuses on the origins of, and relationship between Charles Xavier / Professor X and Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto and their respective teams of mutants, the X-Men and the Brotherhood.[36]
Producer Lauren Shuler Donner first thought of a prequel based on the young X-Men during the production ofX2, and later producer Kinberg suggested to 20th Century Fox an adaptation of the comic-book seriesX-Men: First Class.[37][38] Singer signed on to direct the film in December 2009; however, in March 2010 it was announced that Singer would only be producing.[39] Vaughn, who was previously attached to directX-Men: The Last Stand, became the director and co-wrote the final script with his writing partner,Jane Goldman.[38] The film superseded a plannedX-Men Origins: Magneto film, and theWriters Guild of Americaarbitration creditedMagneto writerSheldon Turner for the film's story.[40] Principal photography began in August 2010 inLondon,England, and ended in December. The film was released on June 3, 2011.[41]
Set years after the events ofThe Wolverine, the film features the cast of the originalX-Men trilogy andX-Men: First Class.[42] The story, inspired byChris Claremont andJohn Byrne'sThe Uncanny X-Men comic book storyline "Days of Future Past", features Wolverine going back in time to 1973 to prevent an assassination that, if carried out, will lead to the creation of a new weapons system called theSentinels that threatens the existence of mutants—and, potentially, all of humanity.[43]
Matthew Vaughn was attached to direct the film but left in October 2012 to focus on the filmKingsman: The Secret Service.[44] Singer, who directed the first twoX-Men films and producedX-Men: First Class, became the director of the film.[45] The screenplay was written by Kinberg.[46] Principal photography began in April 2013 inMontreal, Quebec, Canada, and ended in August.[47][48] Additional filming took place in Montreal in November 2013 and February 2014.[49][50] The film was released on May 23, 2014.[51]
Set a decade afterX-Men: Days of Future Past,En Sabah Nur, the first mutant, awakens after thousands of years. Disillusioned with the world as he finds it, he recruits a team of mutants to cleanse mankind and create a new world order, over which he will reign.Raven, with the help of Professor X, must lead the X-Men to stop En Sabah Nur and save mankind from destruction.[52]
In December 2013, Singer announced the upcomingX-Men film, titledX-Men: Apocalypse, a sequel toX-Men: Days of Future Past. Directed by Singer from a script by Simon Kinberg, Dan Harris and Michael Dougherty, the film was said to focus on the origin of the mutants.[53][54] Kinberg said that it would take place in 1983 and complete a trilogy that began withX-Men: First Class.[55][56] Principal photography began in April 2015 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and ended in August.[57][58] Additional filming took place in January 2016.[59] The film was released on May 27, 2016, in North America.[60]
Set nine years after the events ofX-Men: Apocalypse, the X-Men are superheroes going on increasingly risky missions. When a solar flare hits Jean Grey during a rescue mission in space, she loses control of her abilities and unleashes the Phoenix.[61]
The film was announced in February 2017, with Kinberg confirmed to write and direct in June of the same year.[62] Principal photography commenced in June 2017 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and ended in October of the same year.[63][64] Additional filming occurred in August and September 2018.[65][66][67] The film was released on June 7, 2019.[68]
Mercenary and former Special Forces operativeWade Wilson is subjected to an experiment that leaves him with new abilities. He adopts the alter ego Deadpool to hunt down the man who nearly destroyed his life.[69]
In May 2000,Marvel Studios attempted to produce a Deadpool film as part of a distribution deal withArtisan Entertainment.[70] However, by 2004, Marvel was developing the film withNew Line Cinema.David S. Goyer was set to write and direct and courted actorRyan Reynolds for the lead role, but lost interest within months in favor of other projects.[71][72][73] 20th Century Fox acquiredDeadpool the following year after New Line Cinema placed it inturnaround and was considering the spin-off in the development ofX-Men Origins: Wolverine, with Reynolds being cast for the role.[71] After the opening weekend success ofX-Men Origins: Wolverine in May 2009, Fox lentDeadpool out to writers with Donner acting as a producer.[74]Rhett Reese andPaul Wernick were hired to write the script in January 2010.[75]Robert Rodriguez was sent a draft of the screenplay the following June but did not pursue it, andAdam Berg emerged as a top contender to direct.[76][77] In April 2011, visual effects specialistTim Miller was hired to direct.[78] Principal photography began in March 2015 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and ended in May.[79][80] The film was released on February 12, 2016.[81]
After a personal tragedy, Deadpool creates the X-Force to save a young mutant from the time-traveling soldierCable.
In September 2015, Kinberg said that a sequel forDeadpool was in development.[82] By the release ofDeadpool, 20th Century Fox greenlit the film, withRhett Reese andPaul Wernick returning to write, and Miller being looked at to return as director, as he was working on the script at the time.[83] However, in October 2016, Miller left the film due to creative differences with Reynolds and was replaced byDavid Leitch in November as the director.[84] In February 2017,Drew Goddard had joined as a creative consultant to work on the script with Reynolds,Rhett Reese andPaul Wernick.[85] Filming commenced in June 2017 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and concluded in October.[86] The film was released on May 18, 2018.[87]
Five mutants are discovering their abilities while held in a secret facility against their will. They will fight to escape their past sins to save themselves.[88]
In May 2015,Josh Boone was hired to direct and write a film adaptation ofThe New Mutants comic-book series. Acting as a spin-off to theX-Men films, it is co-written by Knate Gwaltney,Scott Neustadter andMichael H. Weber with Donner and Kinberg producing.[89][90] Filming commenced in July 2017 inBoston, Massachusetts.[91][92] The film was released on August 28, 2020, after facing several delays.[93]
After completing work on thefirst season ofFargo atFX in 2014,Noah Hawley was presented with the opportunity to develop the first live-action television series based on theX-Men comics, of which he was a fan when growing up.[94] Hawley was initially pitched two different ideas for the potential series,[95] including an adaptation of the comics'Hellfire Club, but the ideas did not interest Hawley. Instead, he worked withX-Men film series writer and producerSimon Kinberg to reverse-engineer an idea for the series, set in alternate continuity to that of the film series. After discussing an "interesting show in this genre ... that isn't being done", the two settled on the character ofDavid Haller / Legion. Hawley found the character interesting because of his mental illness, and for the potential of the series to depict his unique mindset.[94] He pitched the series as "a deconstruction of a villain ... and a love story".[95]
In January 2016, Landgraf stated that the series would be set in auniverse parallel to theX-Men films where "the US government is in the early days of being aware that something called mutants exist but the public is not". He felt it was unlikely that characters would cross over between the show and films, but noted that this could change between then and the premiere of the series.[98] In August, Singer confirmed thatLegion had actually been designed to fit into theX-Men film series universe, but also to stand alone, so "you wouldn't have to label" the relationship between the series and the films. He teased plans to have the series "relate to futureX-Men movies".[103] AtNew York Comic Con 2016, Donner said that the series is "far from theX-Men movies, but still "lives in that universe." The only way forX-Men to keep moving forward is to be original and to surprise. And this is a surprise. It is very, very different." Hawley explained that because the series is depicting the title character's "subjective reality", it would not have to address any connections to the films straight away, noting thatFargo, which is connected to the 1996film of the same name, at first "had to stand on its own feet" before exploring its explicit continuity connections more; "We have to earn the right to be part of this universe. My hope is we create something so strong that the people in the movie studio call and say they would be foolish enough not to connect these things." He did state that "you can't tell this story without" acknowledging that Legion is the son of the same incarnation ofCharles Xavier who appears in the films (portrayed byPatrick Stewart andJames McAvoy).[104]
Donner stated in January 2017 that having Hawley focus on Haller's perspective of reality rather than connections to theX-Men films allowed the series to avoid the convoluted continuity of the films, "because we play with so many different timelines, and we rebooted and not really rebooted and all that" throughout the films. Therefore, "the cinematic universe will not worry aboutLegion."[95] For the onscreen confirmation that Xavier is Haller's father in "Chapter 7", with Xavier's signature wheelchair shown in a brief flashback, the series' production was able to choose from any of the variant wheelchairs used throughout the film series. They settled on the version fromX-Men: Apocalypse, with the prop used in that film being brought out of storage for the show.[105][106] In March 2017,Patrick Stewart was approached about reprising his role as Xavier from the film series in the series'third season, saying he was "Absolutely 100%" willing to reprise the role;[107] while having Stewart return as a present-day Xavier had been "seriously considered" by showrunnerNoah Hawley, he elected the older character's presence to be unnecessary upon deciding to have the season revolve aroundtime travel, and, after findingJames McAvoy to be unavailable for filming, castHarry Lloyd as a young Xavier.[108]
In July 2016, after a series based on theHellfire Club, anX-Men comic property, did not move forward atFox, the network made aput pilot commitment for a differentX-Men based series. The new pilot, written byMatt Nix, was for an action-adventure series based on ordinary parents discovering their children's mutant abilities. Fox Entertainment President David Madden said that "developing a Marvel property has been a top priority for the network—and we are so pleased with how Matt Nix has led us into this thrilling universe." The series is produced by20th Century Fox Television andMarvel Television, with 20th handling the physical production of the series, and Nix executive producing alongsideX-Men film series producersBryan Singer,Lauren Shuler Donner, andSimon Kinberg, and Marvel Television executivesJeph Loeb and Jim Chory.[109][110] Nix pitched the series to executives as "Running on Empty with mutants".[111] He created an elaborate presentation usingPrezi which included photos of preferred actors that he had altered to look like mutants, and graphics to explain how the series would fit in with the continuity of theX-Men films.[112] On May 9, Fox ordered the show to series asThe Gifted. The pilot had been called "one of the hottest pilots of the [2017] broadcast development season" by commentators.[113] The first season consists of 13 episodes.[114] In August,Len Wiseman joined as a director and executive producer for the season.[115] That October, Nix said that he had planned "a couple of seasons, in broad strokes", and stated that he wanted "to be doing this show for a long time." Noting a growing trend in shorter, self-contained television seasons, Nix said that he wanted the show to feel more like a traditional, long-running story and so have each season end in a satisfying way that does not feel "close-ended".[111]
The events of the films are conventionally placed into two main "timelines". The "original" timeline begins withX-Men Origins: Wolverine (though multiple events in this film would be retconned or contradicted in others released afterward) and moving throughFirst Class, the original trilogy andThe Wolverine until the dystopian setting ofDays of Future Past. Starting from that film's ending, a "new" timeline is created, with the proceeding prequel filmsApocalypse andDark Phoenix showing events differently than what was established before.[126][127]
The setting ofLogan was initially implied by Hugh Jackman to be set in an alternate timeline and not following the prequel films, before directorJames Mangold stated that it was related;[128][129] Marvel later officially classified the film as a separate universe from the film series in theOfficial Handbook of the Marvel Universe A-Z. Despite this,Deadpool & Wolverine treatsLogan and the otherDeadpool films as part of theX-Men film series timeline with most of the films existing within the sameuniverse, designated again asEarth-10005.[130][failed verification]
The first threeX-Men films andDeadpool set opening records in North America:X-Men had the highest July opening yet,[164] whileX2 andX-Men: The Last Stand earned the fourth-highest opening weekends yet andDeadpool got the largest opening weekend in February.[165][166][167] The records for the first three films have since been surpassed. The next threeX-Men films afterX-Men: The Last Stand opened lower than their predecessor and didn't set opening records.[168] In North America,Deadpool is the highest-grossing film in the series, and it also has the highest opening weekend.[169][167] Outside North America,X-Men: Days of Future Past has the highest opening weekend and is the highest-grossing film in the series.[169] Worldwide,Deadpool was the highest-grossing film in the series and the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time, before being surpassed on both records by its sequel,[170] again being surpassed in both respects byDeadpool and Wolverine.
TheX-Men film series is the second highest-grossing film series based on Marvel Comics characters after theMarvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).[171] In North America, it is the fifth-highest-grossing film series, having earned over $2.4billion.[172] Worldwide, it is thetenth-highest-grossing film series of all time, having grossed over $6billion.[169]
Each film is linked to the "Box office" section of its article.
Wesley Morris ofThe Boston Globe praised the first threeX-Men films as "more than a cash-guzzling wham-bang Hollywood franchise... these three movies sport philosophy, ideas, a telethon-load of causes, and a highly elastic us-versus-them allegory". Morris praisedX-Men: The Last Stand for "put[ting] the heroes of a mighty summer blockbuster in a rare mortal position. Realism at this time of year? How unorthodox!"[176]Roger Ebert gave the films mostly positive reviews but criticized them for the amount of mutants, stating "their powers are so various and ill-matched that it's hard to keep them all on the same canvas".[177]
The first two films were highly praised due to theircerebral tone. However, when director Bryan Singer left the series, many criticized his successor, Brett Ratner. Colin Colvert of theStar Tribune felt "Singer's sensitivity to [the discrimination themes] made the first twoX-Men films surprisingly resonant and soulful for comic-based summer extravaganzas... Singer is adept at juggling large casts of three-dimensional characters, Ratner makes shallow, unimaginative bang-ups."[178]James Berardinelli felt, "X-Men: The Last Stand isn't as taut or satisfying asX-Men 2, but it's better constructed and better paced than the originalX-Men. The differences in quality between the three are minor, however; despite the change in directors, there seems to be a single vision."[179] David Denby ofThe New Yorker praised "the liquid beauty and the poetic fantasy of Singer's work", but called Ratner's film "a crude synthesizer of comedy and action tropes".[180] Singer's third film in the series,X-Men: Days of Future Past, was also well received. Alonso Duralde ofThe Wrap felt that "Singer keeps things moving along briskly enough that you can just go along with the ride of Superhero Stuff without getting bogged down".[181]Spider-Man directorSam Raimi said he was a fan of the series, particularly Singer's films.[182] Film historianKim Newman also tonally comparedBatman Begins to Singer's films.[183]Logan was nominated for theAcademy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.[184]
There was criticism of the large casts and the limited screen time available for all of them. Richard George ofIGN reacted well to the depictions of Wolverine, Professor X, Magneto, Jean Grey, Storm, William Stryker, Mystique, Beast and Nightcrawler; however, George thought many of the younger X-Men characters, such as Rogue, Iceman, Pyro, Angel and Kitty Pryde were "adjectiveless teenagers", and was disappointed by Cyclops' characterization. He observed the filmmakers were "big fans of silent henchmen", due to the small roles of the various villainous mutants; such asLady Deathstrike and Psylocke.[185] Jesse Schedeen of IGN stated that the continuity of the films does not make sense with dead characters returning with zero or little explanation, different versions of the same character appearing across multiple films, and plot points that are conveniently ignored in later films. He also criticized 20th Century Fox for not mapping out the series from the beginning.[186] In his review ofDark Phoenix,Joe Morgenstern ofThe Wall Street Journal characterized the entireX-Men film series as being a "notoriously erratic franchise".[187]
Each film and television series is linked to the "Critical response" section of its article.
Richard George of IGN stated that the success of the firstX-Men film paved the way for comic-book film adaptations such as theSpider-Man series,Fantastic Four (2005),V for Vendetta and Singer'sSuperman Returns.[185] Chris Hewitt ofEmpire magazine called the firstX-Men film as the "catalyst" for films based on Marvel Comics characters, stating "Singer's 2000 film is the catalyst for everything that's come since, good and bad. Without it, there's noMarvel Studios."[230] Comic-book writerMark Millar said that Singer'sX-Men "revolutionized" superhero films.[231]
Rebecca Rubin ofVariety magazine stated that the X-Men franchise has proven there is an audience for a hardline superhero film, while Jeff Bock of Exhibitor Relations said that with films like theDeadpool films andLogan, the studios can do more with an R-rated film and give the audience something new.[232] However, Tim Grierson and Will Leitch ofNew York magazine'sVulture criticized the series, noting that the best films of the series failed to capture the zeitgeist the way Marvel Cinematic Universe films did.[233]
X-Men,X2,X-Men: The Last Stand,X-Men Origins: Wolverine
X-Men: The Ultimate Collection
October 31, 2011
X-Men,X2,X-Men: The Last Stand,X-Men Origins: Wolverine,X-Men: First Class
X-Men and the Wolverine: Adamantium Collection
December 3, 2013
X-Men,X2,X-Men: The Last Stand,X-Men Origins: Wolverine,X-Men: First Class,The Wolverine
X-Men: The Adamantium Collection
X-Men: Experience Collection
Blu-ray
May 6, 2014
X-Men,X2,X-Men: The Last Stand,X-Men: First Class
Wolverine Double Feature
October 7, 2014
X-Men Origins: Wolverine,The Wolverine
X-Men: The Cerebro Collection
November 10, 2014
X-Men,X2,X-Men: The Last Stand,X-Men Origins: Wolverine,X-Men: First Class,The Wolverine,X-Men: Days of Future Past
X-Men Trilogy
April 19, 2016
X-Men,X2,X-Men: The Last Stand
X-Men: 2-Film Collection
April 19, 2016
X-Men: First Class,X-Men: Days of Future Past
X-Men: Beginnings Trilogy
October 4, 2016
X-Men: First Class,X-Men: Days of Future Past,X-Men: Apocalypse
X-Men Collection
November 1, 2016
X-Men,X2,X-Men: The Last Stand,X-Men: First Class,X-Men: Days of Future Past,X-Men: Apocalypse
X-Men Universe: 9-Film Bundle
X-Men,X2,X-Men: The Last Stand,X-Men Origins: Wolverine,X-Men: First Class,The Wolverine,X-Men: Days of Future Past,Deadpool,X-Men: Apocalypse
Wolverine: 2-Movie Collection
January 10, 2017
X-Men Origins: Wolverine,The Wolverine
Deadpool 1 & 2: The Complete Collection (For Now)
August 21, 2018
Deadpool,Deadpool 2
X-Men: 3-Film Collection
September 25, 2018
X-Men,X2,X-Men: The Last Stand
X-Men: 10 Movie Collection
DVD
Blu-ray
April 26, 2021
X-Men,X2,X-Men: The Last Stand,X-Men Origins: Wolverine,X-Men: First Class,The Wolverine,X-Men: Days of Future Past,X-Men: Apocalypse,Dark Phoenix,The New Mutants
As of May 2014, the DVD and Blu-ray sales of the first six films in the United States earned more than $620million.[247]
In March 2019,The Walt Disney Company gained film and television rights to the X-Men after theacquisition of21st Century Fox was completed.[248] The films in development under 20th Century Fox were placed "on hold"[249] and eventually canceled by Disney. Any futureX-Men projects would be produced byMarvel Studios, and the characters would be integrated into theMarvel Cinematic Universe.[250][251] Future films based on the X-Men franchise planned by Fox before the acquisition included:
Magneto: In December 2004, Fox hired producer and screenwriterSheldon Turner to script anX-Men spin-off film, which he decided to center aroundMagneto's origin story. He likened it to "The Pianist meetsX-Men".[252] The screenplay he had written took place from 1939 to 1955, following Erik Lensherr's attempts to survive and eventually escapeAuschwitz, and tracking his first encounter withCharles Xavier, who would've assisted with thecamp's liberation as a young soldier. Erik would've also attempted to hunt down hisNazi oppressors, and his thirst for revenge would've culminated in his friendship with Xavier being broken.[253] The movie's plot would've been primarily conveyed through flashback sequences with younger versions of the characters depicted in their twenties, while being framed by the appearance and narration of the present Magneto (Ian McKellen). The film was in development in tandem withX-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), withBlade trilogy andBatman Begins (2005) writerDavid S. Goyer being hired to direct in April 2007.[254] By 2008, the film was planned to shoot inAustralia and was seeking approval to film inWashington, D.C. for a 2009 release, while the story had been reworked to be set in the 1960's with a young Magneto and Xavier teaming up to fight a major antagonist.[255] The following year, McKellen stated he would no longer reprise his role in the film due to his age,[256] while producerLauren Shuler Donner implied the film had been de-prioritized by the studio due toOrigins: Wolverine's reception.[257] Elements of the film's narrative were later reconfigured and used forX-Men: First Class, with Sheldon Turner ultimately receiving a story credit by theWriters Guild of America.[258] In May 2019,First Class writerZack Stentz confirmed thatMister Sinister would've served asMagneto's main villain, with his role being repurposed withSebastian Shaw in the final film.[259]
X4 andX5: In 2009,Lauren Shuler Donner pitchedBryan Singer on doing a sequel of theX-Men original trilogy.[260] In March 2011, Shuler Donner revealed that sequels toX-Men: The Last Stand were in "active development at Fox," saying, "we took the treatment to Fox and they love it ... andX4 leads intoX5".[261]
Untitled Fox–Marvel crossover film: In 2010,Zack Stentz andAshley Edward Miller were to co-write an ensemble film featuring every Marvel Comics property whose film rights were owned by 20th Century Fox: The X-Men, theFantastic Four,Daredevil andDeadpool. The plot revolved around a superhero registration act, pitting various characters on opposite sides of the conflict similar to theCivil War story arc.Paul Greengrass had been approached to serve as director, though scheduling conflicts placed the project indefinitely on hold.[262]Warren Ellis worked separately on another draft of the script.[263] Greengrass later stated that he was never contractually signed on to work on the project and that "in the end, nothing happened".[264]
X-Force: In July 2013,Jeff Wadlow was hired to write and potentially direct a film adaptation of theX-Men spin-off comic-book seriesX-Force.[265]Mark Millar, the creative consultant for 20th Century Fox's Marvel Comics based films at the time, stated that the film would feature five characters as protagonists.[266] Wadlow's pitched script, written long beforeDeadpool and inspired by the originalX-Force comic book run from the 1990s as well asRed Dawn, had the X-Force team members attending a public school unlike the X-Men, withCable as a "dark mentor" for the protagonists, who were going to beCannonball,Tabitha Smith, an aged-downDomino,Rictor andFeral, in aroad movie adventure involving a mutant internment camp akin to aJapanese internment camp and running away toWest, Texas while pursued by an antagonist who would hire Deadpool to hunt them down with his motorcycle a laTommy Lee Jones inThe Fugitive as an homage to Deadpool's initial antagonistic role in the source material. Wadlow wanted and offered Ryan Reynolds the role of Deadpool by sending him the script, which he liked, but Fox chose to not make the movie after the disastrous performance ofX-Men Origins: Wolverine.[267] After the success ofDeadpool, Reynolds stated that his revised version of Deadpool would appear in the film.[268] By May 2016, Simon Kinberg was in the process of rewriting the script.[269] In February 2017,Joe Carnahan had signed on as director, as well as a co-writer with Reynolds.[270] By September of the same year, Drew Goddard was attached to write and direct.Rhett Reese said the film could be described as an R-rated take on the X-Men.[271] Kinberg, Reynolds and Donner were later slated to serve as producers for the film.[272] In September 2018, Kinberg said that Goddard would begin work on the script after the release ofBad Times at the El Royale.[273]
Gambit: In October 2014, Josh Zetumer was hired to write the screenplay for a film about the characterGambit, based on the treatment by comic-book writer Chris Claremont. In June 2015,Rupert Wyatt was then hired to direct but left in September due to schedule conflicts.[274] In November,Doug Liman was in final negotiations to direct the film.[275] Liman left the film in August 2016, to directJustice League Dark.[276] By October,Gore Verbinski had signed on as director, while Zetumer continued to work on the script.[277] In January 2018, Verbinski departed the film due to scheduling issues.[278] Kinberg stated that the film was intended to be the start of multiple installments focusing on Gambit, and that the final script had been completed by May 2018.[279][280][281] By January 2019, Tatum was in early negotiations to direct the film. Tatum later revealed that he was hired to co-direct withReid Carolin.[282][283] By March, Kinberg was revealed to be co-screenwriter.[284] The film was set to starChanning Tatum in the lead role with Donner, Kinberg, Tatum and Carolin attached as producers.[285] In May 2019, the film was removed from 20th Century Fox's official release schedule.[286] Tatum later revealed that the movie was delayed at various times, because the studio was pushing for an established filmmaker, and did not seem to have faith in his and Carolin's direction.[282]Gambit had been a few months away from principal photography before it was cancelled by The Walt Disney Company. The co-directors later described the plot as "Goodfellas in New Orleans", similar in style toDeadpool, with elements of aromantic comedy.[287][282][288] Though the actor never got to play the character in his own movie, Tatum did get the chance to play Gambit in a minor role inDeadpool & Wolverine.
UntitledThe New Mutants sequels: In December 2016, Boone stated that he had pitched theNew Mutants-centered trilogy of films to 20th Century Fox with intentions for each film to build upon the last, as well as theX-Men film franchise as whole. In October 2017, he confirmed that the sequels had been greenlit by the studio. The first sequel was intended to introduce new characters joining the team,[289] while each installment was planned to explore a different style within the horror genre.[290] The sequel would have included the team traveling toBrazil to defeat theHellfire Club, including Sunspot's villainous father Emmanuel da Costa;Antonio Banderas was cast in the role. The sub-genre was intended to be analien horror film introducingWarlock andXi'an Coy Manh / Karma to the team, with the plot involving aninvasion story device.[291]Sacha Baron Cohen had entered early negotiations to portray Warlock.[292] A third film would've culminated the planned trilogy centered around the New Mutants characters. The story of the third entry was revealed to be an adaptation of the "Inferno" comic book story-arc, centering aroundIllyana Rasputin / Magik and her alternate reality persona as Darkchilde, in asupernatural-satanic horror film. The plot was intended to have involved a crossover element with the mainlineX-Men movies.[291][293]
Alpha Flight andExiles: In February 2017, Kinberg stated thatAlpha Flight and theExiles were characters being developed by the studio, for film adaptation.[294][295]
Laura: In February 2017, James Mangold stated that with the introduction ofLaura Kinney / X-23 inLogan, there was a possibility that the character would appear in future films.[296] Later that month, Kinberg said that a film centered around the character was in development.[294][295] By October of the same year, Mangold and X-23 co-creatorCraig Kyle had signed onto the project, now titledLaura, as co-screenwriters.[297]
Multiple Man: In November 2017, a film centering aroundJamie Madrox / Multiple Man was in development withJames Franco starring in the lead role.Allan Heinberg was attached as screenwriter, with Kinberg and Franco as producers.[298]
Kitty Pryde: In January 2018, Tim Miller was announced to be directing a film centered aroundKitty Pryde.[299] In February 2018,Brian Michael Bendis was hired to write the script.[300]
Deadpool 3: In November 2016, plans began for a third Deadpool film.[92] Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick stated the film would enter production afterX-Force was completed,[301] with Ryan Reynolds andMorena Baccarin scheduled to reprise their roles. Production was planned to take place inAtlanta, Georgia.[302] After theacquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney was announced in December 2017, Disney CEOBob Iger said that Deadpool would be integrated with theMCU under Disney, with Reynolds expected to reprise his role.[303][304] In December 2019, Reynolds confirmed that a thirdDeadpool film was in development, though it would be produced by Marvel Studios.[305] In March 2022,Shawn Levy was hired to direct the project and writersRhett Reese andPaul Wernick returned from the previous two films to write a revised screenplay based on a story penned by theMolyneux sisters.[306] In September 2022, Hugh Jackman was revealed to be reprising his role as Wolverine in the film, appearing as a co-lead with Reynolds.[307] The film,Deadpool & Wolverine, was released on July 26, 2024, as part ofPhase Five of the MCU.
^Kingberg inElliott, Sean (June 8, 2006)."Exclusive Interview: Screenwriter Simon Kinberg talks X-men: The Last Stand – Part 1".iF Magazine. Archived fromthe original on March 10, 2007. RetrievedJuly 11, 2007.... in February of last year Matthew Vaughn was hired to be the director of the film. We worked incredibly close with Matthew, and wrote a very fast sort of structural draft so they could budget and start prepping the movie. ... We worked with him for three or four months, and then Matthew ended up leaving the movie for personal reasons in June or July. [ ... ] In many ways the Phoenix story is the emotional "A" plot of the film, but the political "A" plot of the film became about the cure. That was actually a studio executive's idea. One of them had read Joss Whedon's ["Gifted"] run with the mutant cure in it and thought that would be an interesting quandary for the characters. ...
