2011 marks another point in ‘X-Men’ history

The first X-Men film directed by USC alum Bryan Singer premiered in 2000, followed by X2: X-Men United in 2003 and X-Men: The Last Stand in 2006, directed by Brett Ratner. The series of sequels then ended and gave way to the prequel X-Men Origins: Wolverine, directed by Gavin Hood. The first three films focused on the evolution and formation of the X-Men and the obstacles they faced. X-Men Origins: Wolverine, as the title suggests, focuses on the story of Wolverine and how he became the silently angry mutant of the other films.

If you own a 2011 calendar already, mark June as the fated month for the newest X-men film release. Another dose of the mutant phenomena will hit theatres in the form of yet another prequel, X-Men: First Class. This time the story follows mutants living back in the 1960s. The flick will introduce a host of other mutants and will focus on the story of mutant mentor Professor X and the foremost villain Magneto. The film, therefore, will venture further into the history of X-men, showing the meeting of Professor X and Magneto and the events that lead up to the formation of the first X-men crew.

The new prequel will feature some prominent stars including Kevin Bacon and Mad Men star January Jones. Though it does not hit theaters until a year from now, the story carries so much weight that fans yearn for details as early as possible. For now, fans can only hope the the combination of clever casting and the strength of the main characters in the film will be enough to make it yet another solid addition to the X-men film legacy.