Summary
The cast of the originalX-Menmovie have continued to work prolifically since theMarvelmovie’s release 24 years ago. Released in 2000,X-Menwas a groundbreaking superhero movie that kickstartedFox’sX-Menfranchiseand laid the groundwork for the modern era of comic book adaptations. Brimming with captivating characters, the cast played a vital role in bringing the franchise to life and have each continued to work extensively on stage and screen.
Directed by Bryan Singer,X-Menwas one of the first major Marvel movies to successfully translate the complex world of comic book heroes to the big screen. The film introduced audiences to a diverse group of mutants and tackled themes of prejudice, identity, and acceptance. The movie’s success not only paved the way for numerousX-Mensequels and spin-offsbut also helped establish Marvel as a powerhouse in the film industry, leading to the eventual rise of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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While many X-Men movie quotes have endured as classic pieces of Marvel movie dialogue, others have been unduly forgotten despite their potency.
12Hugh Jackman Played Wolverine
Hugh Jackman Reprised The Role In 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine
Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine inX-Menwas so iconic that it catapulted him to stardom and solidified his place in pop culture. Jackman adeptly embodied the character’s brooding intensity and fierce loyalty, makingWolverine one of the most iconiccharacters in the franchise. His performance was so successful that he earned his own solo trilogy, the last of which wascritically acclaimed as one of the best superhero films of all time.
Despite announcing his retirement from the role afterLogan, Jackman surprised fans by reprisingWolverine inDeadpool & Wolverine. The return is especiallynotable for giving Wolverine his first comic-accurate costume. Beyond his work as Wolverine, Jackman has continued to have a successful career. From 2021 to 2023, he starred inThe Music Manon Broadway.
11Patrick Stewart Played Professor Charles Xavier
Stewart Recently Returned To Another Famous Role
Patrick Stewart’s portrayal of Charles Xavier, the wise and compassionate leader of the X-Men, was a perfect fit for the veteran actor. Stewart brought gravitas and depth to the role, appearing in several films in the franchise, including theWolverinemovies andX-Men: Days of Future Past. Stewart, alreadya highly regarded and established actorbeforeX-Men, continued to build on his impressive career.
In 2022, Stewart returned to his role as Charles Xavier inDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, marking histransition to the MCU. From 2021 to 2023, Stewart also reprised one of his most iconic roles as Captain Jean-Luc Picard inStar Trek: Picard. The series allowed Stewart to revisit hisStar Trekroots while exploringnew dimensions of the beloved character in a modern reboot. Stewart’s enduring presence in the entertainment industry is a testament to his incredible talent and versatility as an actor.
10Ian McKellen Played Magneto
McKellen Is On Stage In London
As Magneto, the powerful and complex villain of theX-Menfranchise, Ian McKellen delivered a performance that wasboth menacing and deeply sympathetic. McKellen’s portrayal of Magneto was grounded in the character’s traumatic past and his desire to protect mutantkind, even if it meant resorting to extreme measures. His dynamic with Patrick Stewart’s Charles Xavier was one of the highlights of the original trilogy andX-Men: Days of Future Past.
McKellen, one of the most respected actors in theatre and film, has remained highly active in his career since his time as Magneto. In 2024, McKellen is set to star as Falstaff inPlayer Kings, a play that combines Shakespeare’sHenry IV, parts 1 and 2. This role is a continuation of McKellen’s deep connection to Shakespearean theater,a cornerstone of his illustrious career. In 2023, McKellen also starred in the British period thrillerThe Critic.
9Famke Janssen Played Jean Grey
Janssen Remains A Prolific Film Actor
Famke Janssen’s portrayal of Jean Grey was a central part of the originalX-Mentrilogy. Her character’s transformation into the Dark Phoenix inX-Men: The Last Standwas a significant plotline, though it received mixed reactions from audiences and critics alike. Janssen later reprised her role inX-Men: Days of Future Past,in a brief scene during the epilogue.
Since her time as Jean Grey, Janssen has remained a prolific actor,continuing to take on a variety of roles. In 2023, she appeared in four films, including Netflix’s psychological thrillerLocked In, where she played a former television star with locked-in syndrome. Janssen also appeared in the dystopian action thrillerBoy Kills World, alongside Bill Skarsgård. Janssen is starring in the sci-fi horror movieThe Experiment,which entered production in 2024.
8James Marsden Played Cyclops
Marsden Appears In Sonic The Hedgehog 3
James Marsden played Scott Summers, also known as Cyclops, the field leader of the X-Men and Jean Grey’s love interest. Marsden’s portrayal of Cyclops was integral to the dynamics of the team, though his characteroften found himself in the shadow of Wolverine. Marsden appeared in the originalX-Mentrilogy and returned for a brief cameo inX-Men: Days of Future Past.
Since his time as Cyclops, Marsden has remained a busy actor. In 2024, he is appearing inSonic the Hedgehog 3, continuing his role as Tom Wachowski in the popular family franchise. Marsden also appeared in Jerry Seinfeld’s comedyUnfrosted. In 2023, Marsden was a main cast member in theinnovative and well-received seriesJury Duty, where he played a fictionalized version of himself, blending reality TV with scripted comedy.
7Halle Berry Played Storm
Berry Has Several Movie Credits For 2024
Halle Berry brought the character of Storm, the weather-controlling mutant, to life in theX-Menfranchise. As one of thefew prominent Black superheroes at the time, Berry’s portrayal of Storm was groundbreaking and an inspiration to many. She played Storm throughout the original trilogy and appeared memorably inX-Men: Days of Future Past.
Berry has continued to build an impressive career post-X-Men. In 2024, she appeared inThe Union,which sparkedspeculation she would appear inDeadpool & Wolverineafter she shared a photo of her haircut that resembled Storm’s iconic look. Additionally, Berry starred in the survival horror movieNever Let Go, for which she also served as an executive producer. Berry made her directorial debut in 2020 with the sports dramaBruised, further expanding her talents in the film industry.
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6Anna Paquin Played Rogue
Paquin Is Appearing In A Bit Of Light With Ray Winstone
Anna Paquin played Rogue, a young mutant whose ability to absorb the powers and memories of others made her one of the most relatable and sympathetic characters inX-Men. Rogue served as the audience’s conduit into the world of mutants, as she navigated her own struggles while joining the X-Men team. Paquin’s performance waspraised for its emotional depth,and she appeared throughout the original trilogy and inX-Men: Days of Future Past.
Paquin has continued to have a successful career in film and television. She stars opposite Ray Winstone in 2024’sA Bit Of Light, for which shealso served as a producer. In 2023, Paquin appeared in Netflix’s biographical dramaTrue Spirit, which tells the inspiring story of a young sailor’s journey around the world.
5Tyler Mane Played Sabretooth
Mane Reprised The Role In 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine
Tyler Mane brought the menacing Sabretooth to life in the firstX-Menmovie, playing the hulking, feral mutant with a deep-seated rivalry with Wolverine. Mane’s physical presence and background as a professional wrestlermade him a perfect fit for the role, though Sabretooth’s character was later recast in subsequent films. After retiring from wrestling, Mane transitioned fully into acting.
Most notably, Mane reprised his role asSabretooth inDeadpool & Wolverine. This return revisits the intense rivalry between Sabretooth and Wolverine ina thrilling, albeit brief, scene. Mane’s other credits include roles in horror films such asHalloween(2007) and its sequel, where he played the iconic Michael Myers.
4Ray Park Pkayed Toad
Park Has Fewer Acting Credits In Recent Years
Ray Park, a martial artist and former stuntman, played Toad inX-Men, bringing hisphysical skills to the role of the agile and deadly mutant. Toad’s fight scenes, particularly with Storm, showcased Park’s talents, though the character had a relatively small role in the film. In recent years, Park has had fewer acting credits, but he remains a notable figure in the world of action and stunt work.
In 2021, Park appeared inCity Limits, though the filmdid not receive widespread attention.Park was rumored to reprise his role as Toad inDeadpool & Wolverine, but this did not materialize. Similarly, there were rumors that he would return as Darth Maul, a character he famously portrayed inStar Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, in theObi-Wan Kenobiseries. However, this also did not come to fruition.
3Rebecca Romjin-Stamos Played Mystique
Romijn-Stamos Stars In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
Rebecca Romijn-Stamos played Mystique, the shape-shifting mutant who served asa formidable and beguiling presencein the originalX-Mentrilogy. Romijn’s portrayal of Mystique became one of the most iconic images from the franchise, embodying both the beauty and danger of the character. Since her time as Mystique, Romijn has continued to work steadily in both film and television.
Rebecca Romijn-Stamos has voiced Lois Lane in several animated DC movies,bringing another famed comic book character to life. From 2022 onwards, Romijn has had a main role inStar Trek: Strange NewWorldsas Number One. Romijn’s work onStar Trekhas been well-received, allowing her to explore new facets of her acting abilities while continuing to be a part of high-profile sci-fi projects.
