Since the turn of the millennium, superhero films have gone from strength to strength, and seeing as we’re really spoiled for choice nowadays, it’s easy to forget one of the genre’s earliest successes. We’re talking about X-Men, of course.
Way back in time, before the MCU, and before Tobey Maguire donned the iconic red spandex of Spider-Man, the comic film landscape was completely different to what it is today. The genre was pretty much viewed as something for children, really. The only notable successes from the previous decade were Tim Burton’s Batman and the first Blade. But X-Men was able to change all of that. You could argue that we have this film to thank for opening the door for all the future adaptations that would lead us to where we are right now.
It did well because it stripped away a lot of the more comic-booky elements and told a somewhat more grounded story. This decision led to a lot more moviegoers taking the film seriously and giving it a chance. The whole thing is a masterclass in how to adapt a comic book right down to the very last scene, which is arguably, one of the coolest moments in the genre’s history. If you don’t remember the interaction between Xavier and Magneto, then give it a watch.
Particular praise was thrown at David Hayter, known to many as the screenwriter for the film. Although he’s likely more known for his voice acting work on the Metal Gear Solid series; that’s right, Solid Snake himself wrote this scene. The composer, John Ottman, also came through with his iconic score that kicks in at just the right moment to truly make the scene. And, of course, we can’t forget Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen’s fantastic performances as Professor X and Magneto. It all comes together to make a pretty epic ending that hints at what’s to come.
“BRO. I watch this ending scene over and over. And the score by John Ottman during this??? 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥”
“Ottman’s score for X1 and 2 don’t get enough love man. That damn theme is ICONIC.”
“I still can’t comprehend these two juggernauts being in a superhero movie long before superhero movies became very popular.”
All in all, it’s a pretty great conclusion to a pretty great movie, and it was the start of a franchise that would go on for another two decades, and perhaps even longer as characters from the original movies are rumored to be appearing in the MCU. We’ve already seen Stewart reprise his Professor X role in Doctor Strange 2. The word on the street is that Halle Berry, James Marsden, and Famke Janssen are all set to reprise their roles in the upcoming Deadpool 3.