If we were to talk about X-Men exclusively here, we’d have a lot to go through and probably never run out. However, there’s some little bits and bobs of trivia about your favorite Mutants that you may not know. So, let’s dive into it and get you super prepared for what we have coming to you this month.
1. If you can imagine it, Russell Crowe was almost our Wolverine in the films. He passed up the role, which then went to Dougray Scott who had to drop out to do Mission Impossible 2. The role of course went to Hugh Jackman; Crowe had suggested Jackman, a friend of his, to the casting directors.
2. Back in 1998, there was a crossover comics series between the X-Men and Star Trek: The Next Generation. No, I have not read it. Yes, I am terrified to go there. Man, the 90’s were weird.
3. Our buddy Wolverine, by the way, is listed as only five-foot-three. So, my height. I’m as tall as Wolverine. These are good things to know. Now, to get some Adamantium.
4. As of now, X-Men is still the best-selling comic book franchise in history. I know, I know. You’re thinking ‘Batman, tho?’ and I get it, but nah — X-Men have steadily been on top for years.
(20th Century Fox)
5. Bryan Singer, who directed the X-Men films from 20th Century Fox, actually banned all cast members from reading ANY of the comic books prior to filming and during filming. He wanted their stories to be organic to the actors and that’s pretty intense. How could you not sneak a peak when you found out you’re going to be Nightcrawler!?
6. Speaking of the films and Nightcrawler, Neil Patrick Harris actually auditioned for the role of Kurt Wagner. Kind of surprising he didn’t get it but man, that would’ve been a sight to see. We love you Alan Cumming!
7. With all this new Marvel Cinematic Universe stuff coming down the pipeline, you’d be interested to know that Storm is married to Black Panther. Oh, there’s so much story there that we’d never be able to approach it here, but make sure you check out Black Panther this coming February for more!
(20th Century Fox)
8. While you may think that Beast is spending his time with the X-Men around the clock, he’s also a rather ardent member of The Avengers. As are several of the X-Men. Man, what I would give to see him show up in one of the upcoming flicks.
9. X-Men got the drop on some inclusion with being the first ever comic book to feature a gay wedding. Even after all this time, we still wish Northstar and Kyle the very best.
10. In original drafts, Wolverine was supposed to be called… wait for it… The Badger. Really glad Jack Kirby and Co. made sure to edit the heck out of that name.
