X-Men 3 casting news

[Everlost_MI]

Now for something that isn't related to E3. According to Variety (http://www.variety.com/), Kelsey Grammer (http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0001288/) has been selected to play Beast in X-Men 3 that is due out next Memorial Day.

You can read the entire story here (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117923086?categoryid=1236&cs=1&s=h&p=0). The story also includes the confirmation of Vinnie Jones (http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0005068/) in the role of Juggernaunt and the latest negotiations with Maggie Grace (http://us.imdb.com/name/nm1192254/) whose up for the role of Kitty Pride a.k.a. Ariel/Shadowcat.

Uh...wha? I'll rant in the comments

[Everlost_MI]

Ok...I can picture Grammer doing the voice of Beast but the physical side of the bouncing muscle-bound mutant doesn't fit unless he REALLY hits the gym or they do a lot of CGI.

As far as the Juggernaut casting goes all I can say is...wha? Jones is tall and lanky and doesn't fit even the description that Variety gives, "a 6-foot-10, 900-pound metal-clad battering ram," let alone what any fanboy/girl would tell you about the Juggernaut from comics and cartoons.

Finally, they are going to cast Shannon from Lost, a blonde bombshell, in the role of the Shadowcat? Well, I guess if Famke is dye her hair red and make Jean Grey come alive maybe Maggie can do the same for Kitty.

[kokyunage]

Except for the fact that the Juggernaught character isn't a 6 foot-10 900 pound character. The helmet eventually turns him into that. If I remember correctly Juggernaught is a tall skinny kid when he first finds the helmet.

And regarding Grammer as the beast, I think that's great casting. He looks like a big ape. He is a very "thick" guy. And not all of it looks like fat.

So, you're wrong. I think both characters are great choices. Not to mention, prior character choices and casting have proven that this production team knows how to cast well.

[CapnBob]

Didn't they already have actors in these two parts in X-Men 2? Bit parts, sure, but they were there. Oh well.

[Everlost_MI]

Except for the fact that the Juggernaught character isn't a 6 foot-10 900 pound character. The helmet eventually turns him into that. If I remember correctly Juggernaught is a tall skinny kid when he first finds the helmet.

Actually he gets his Juggernaut power from the Cyttorak Ruby he found when he was in the Korean War with his step-brother Charler Xavier.

So, you're wrong. I think both characters are great choices. Not to mention, prior character choices and casting have proven that this production team knows how to cast well.

I wasn't looking to be right or wrong. Just voicing my opinion, but thanks for letting me know in your mind that I am wrong.

[Savok]

Maybe like David Hyde Pierce with Abe in Hellboy, he'll just be the VA.

Hey maybe they can get Abe and Beast together for an old Frasier style scene (yes I'm aware the film would jump the shark at that point, but can't a man dream?)

[ferr]

As I remember it was some sort of diamond he found that turned him into the Juggernaut, the helmet is something he uses to block his brother from entering his mind, just like Magneto does.

[Savok]

Isn't the helmet purely for protection from psionic attack?

[ferr]

The way they seemed to always draw the battle strategy/plot around Juggernaut was that you could fight him all day, but in the end you needed to get his helmet off and attack him mentally. Same thing will happen in the movie, I bet.

[Dirty Harry]

Except for the fact that the Juggernaught character isn't a 6 foot-10 900 pound character. The helmet eventually turns him into that. If I remember correctly Juggernaught is a tall skinny kid when he first finds the helmet.

And regarding Grammer as the beast, I think that's great casting. He looks like a big ape. He is a very "thick" guy. And not all of it looks like fat.

So, you're wrong. I think both characters are great choices. Not to mention, prior character choices and casting have proven that this production team knows how to cast well.
I am in agrement with you that these cast choices are fine.

[PIPBoy3000]

Ditto for the fine Abe/Hellboy casting. Fraiser as a character has so much recognition that the Beast casting seems similar. The first time he talks, people will be wondering when he'll start dispensing psychological advice, which the Beast surely will.

Personally I'm just happy that the superhero genre is getting the money and actors it is these days. Back when I was a kid we had to make due with cheezy lines and low budget special effects. Uphill both ways in the snow.

[Thumper]

As far as the Juggernaut casting goes all I can say is...wha? Jones is tall and lanky and doesn't fit even the description that Variety gives, "a 6-foot-10, 900-pound metal-clad battering ram," let alone what any fanboy/girl would tell you about the Juggernaut from comics and cartoons.

You're forgetting that Vinnie Jones is totally awesome.

[petedog]

Kelsey Grammer has the perfect voice for Beast. The only problem I am gonna have is that if I close my eyes I will think it is Sideshow Bob.
And Bullet-tooth Tony as Juggernaut? Fucking awesome.

[TrackZero]

Ok...I can picture Grammer doing the voice of Beast but the physical side of the bouncing muscle-bound mutant doesn't fit unless he REALLY hits the gym or they do a lot of CGI.

As far as the Juggernaut casting goes all I can say is...wha? Jones is tall and lanky and doesn't fit even the description that Variety gives, "a 6-foot-10, 900-pound metal-clad battering ram," let alone what any fanboy/girl would tell you about the Juggernaut from comics and cartoons.

Finally, they are going to cast Shannon from Lost, a blonde bombshell, in the role of the Shadowcat? Well, I guess if Famke is dye her hair red and make Jean Grey come alive maybe Maggie can do the same for Kitty.

Maybe they wanted to turn the Beast into a raging alcoholic? ;)

[Abednigo]

I just don't like Kelsey Grammer as an actor. I hope he can pull off Beast.

[TrackZero]

Maybe like David Hyde Pierce with Abe in Hellboy, he'll just be the VA.

Hey maybe they can get Abe and Beast together for an old Frasier style scene (yes I'm aware the film would jump the shark at that point, but can't a man dream?)

Didn't David Hyde Pierce have his name removed from the Hellboy credits though? I remember noticing that when it came out.

[Furious Wang]

Best Casting Ever

Desert Eagle Point Five Oh

[Blue]

Hasn't the casting on the previous X-Men flicks already been somewhat interesting? Stewart was a shoe-in for Xavier, but Ian as Magneto was - at least in my opinion - a bold step, albeit the right one. There have only been a few characters that they went with the "obvious" choice on so I don't really see these decisions as being any different and, if anything, they make me more optimistic towards this sequel. With Singer off the project I've been increasingly nervous, but this gives me hope. Grammer is the first person who comes to mind when I think of the tone of Beast however I would echo everyone's sentiments that he would most likely be better suited in a V.O. role. It could be slightly confusing after watching X2 and seeing Hank McCoy on the television and then shortly thereafter he looks like Grammer. Big switch.

Anyhow, I'm happy with the choices. I'll be anxious to see what they do with the characters. They pulled out the perfect Wolverine out of their casting hat. Wouldn't be surprised if they did it a second time.

[darkwarrior]

Hasn't the casting on the previous X-Men flicks already been somewhat interesting? Stewart was a shoe-in for Xavier, but Ian as Magneto was - at least in my opinion - a bold step, albeit the right one. There have only been a few characters that they went with the "obvious" choice on so I don't really see these decisions as being any different and, if anything, they make me more optimistic towards this sequel. With Singer off the project I've been increasingly nervous, but this gives me hope. Grammer is the first person who comes to mind when I think of the tone of Beast however I would echo everyone's sentiments that he would most likely be better suited in a V.O. role. It could be slightly confusing after watching X2 and seeing Hank McCoy on the television and then shortly thereafter he looks like Grammer. Big switch.

Anyhow, I'm happy with the choices. I'll be anxious to see what they do with the characters. They pulled out the perfect Wolverine out of their casting hat. Wouldn't be surprised if they did it a second time.


He's going to look blue and furry.

How will he resemble Kelsey Grammer or the guy from the last film?

[LilEvilFish]

Beast will probably be full CGI, or he'll look like a blue version of the honey monster. Think about Grammer's voice.. then picture beast. There you go.

Juggernaught will come alive with a large suit that vinnie jones is tall enough and strong enough to move around in. Sorted.

Shadowcat? Does she look 15/16? close enough then.

[Morratut]

Shaping up nice. Looking forward to it lots and lots :)

I can see Vinnie all enraged in new armour saying 'Nothing stops the JUGGERNAUGHT!!!'

[scryber]

This is coming from someone who is totally into redheads (I even married one). I always hated Famke as Jean Grey. I wasn't fond of Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane either. Why is it so hard to find a natural redheaded actress that could play the part? Dye jobs never do justice to the real thing. The color never looks right, especially on an actress who doesn't have that trademark fair skin. Famke didn't look like a redhead, she looked like a brunette with a dye job.

[bradlay]

Yowza. Maybe I should start watching Lost.

[Pnikosis]

Frasier is Beast? What about Niles?

[TrackZero]

He's going to look blue and furry.

How will he resemble Kelsey Grammer or the guy from the last film?

It depends on how they adapt him from the comics. In X2 though, he (in human form, either pre-Blue beast or holographic projector-beast, who knows) was on the television on a talk show. So they've already shown him as a human.

Now it's assumed in X3 he'll be a blue furball, but the question is at what point...from the start? Or half-way through...is it part of the plot? Who knows.

[Dr.Finger]

I think Kelsey Grammer is perfect for Hank McCoy, but I agree that The Beast will probably be either CGI or another actor in a bodysuit.

Vinnie Jones is inspired for ythe Juggernaut. His everyman British accent in contrast with Patrick Stewart's more refined accent. As for the body type, I have confidence he'll look fine in the movie.

Maggie Grace as Shadowcat? Meh. Does nothing for me. But I'm glad they're going with mostly lesser known actors for the new roles.

Any thoughts on who could play Angel or Gambit?

[TrackZero]

Shadowcat? Does she look 15/16? close enough then.

I don't think she'd make a good shadowcat. She's simply too tall for the role IMHO, and she'd have to dye her hair brown I suppose as well (though that's obviously not much of an issue). Also consider that we've already had Shadowcat appear in X2, so it's another actor change (like the Beast, see my last post).

[Heretic Machine]

Maggie Grace looks NOTHING like Kitty... The other two make me happy, but this one... God I fucking hate Hollywood.

[bradlay]

Looked her up on TV Tome. She looks like Kitty Pride to me.

http://www.tvtome.com/images/people/181/9/56-23639.jpg

[Cupelix]

Also consider that we've already had Shadowcat appear in X2, so it's another actor change
She appeared in X1 first actually, and between X1 and X2 she actually gets younger. They haven't really tried very hard to maintain a consistency with the extras they've cast for the bit roles.

[Heretic Machine]

Looked her up on TV Tome. She looks like Kitty Pride to me.

...Maybe I'm just too used to seeing her on Lost then... >.> <.<

[Racknahm]

She appeared in X1 first actually, and between X1 and X2 she actually gets younger. They haven't really tried very hard to maintain a consistency with the extras they've cast for the bit roles.

And Hank McCoy was in X2 as well. On the TV in the bar scene between Mystique and the security guard.

[Savok]

Frasier is Beast? What about Niles?

Abe, we've done that :P

And yeah to my knowledge he wasn't credited for it, which is complete bullshit as he did the PR rounds and all.

[Savok]

Checked IMDB trivia, and wow:

Doug Jones's (Abe Sapien) voice was dubbed by David Hyde Pierce, but Pierce refused a credit, because he felt that Abe was entirely Doug's creation and did not wish to detract from his performance.

[Blue]

Any thoughts on who could play Angel or Gambit?

That's a hard call for me. My favorite X-character has always been Angel. Not sure why, exactly, but he always seemed to have some strange sort of subtle pimpness about him. I am absolutely terrified they'll look at pictures of him and attempt to throw Hayden Christensen into the role.

/shudders

As for Gambit, I dunno. Depends on what age they place him at. One could argue he shouldn't be too old given what his relationship with Rogue is supposed to be. Unless they go for an awkward robbing-the-cradle feel to him.

I think Kelsey Grammer is perfect for Hank McCoy, but I agree that The Beast will probably be either CGI or another actor in a bodysuit.

Vinnie Jones is inspired for ythe Juggernaut. His everyman British accent in contrast with Patrick Stewart's more refined accent. As for the body type, I have confidence he'll look fine in the movie.

I think Grammer's voice is perfect for the part, not necessarily his physique. If they CGI a good chunk of what he does (which I would be surprised if they didn't, though it depends on what direction they take Beast), I see him as a perfect fit. And Vinnie will add a really nice contrast to Stewart much in the same way Sir Ian did.

[TrackZero]

Checked IMDB trivia, and wow:

Doug Jones's (Abe Sapien) voice was dubbed by David Hyde Pierce, but Pierce refused a credit, because he felt that Abe was entirely Doug's creation and did not wish to detract from his performance.

Ah, well, that explains that. ;) That was cool of him.

[Atticus]

Gambit was always my favorite and I could see Harry Connick Jr. filling the role nicely.

[LilBunnyFuFu]

Man, and I was really holding out hope that Jef Goldblum would play beast...

...just kidding. I think Frazier will do fine.