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X-Men Cast - July 11, 2000
X-Men Director Bryan Singer and X-Men cast members Anna Paquin ("Rogue"), Tyler Mane ("Sabretooth") and Ray Park ("Toad") helped make The X-Men a huge box-office success.

Bryan Singer: Hello!

Jubulee: Bryan what gave you the idea to make this movie?

Bryan Singer: My producing partner introduced me to the world of X-Men by setting up a meeting between myself, Stan Lee and the people at Marvel.
Bryan Singer: To prepare for that, I read many of the books and studied the history of the X-Men universe.
Bryan Singer: And after the meeting I tried to figure out a way to approach the story.
Bryan Singer: After coming up with something that satisfied me, I agreed to go ahead and do it.

DarthPyromaniac: Mr. Singer: How did you choose which X-Men would appear in the film?

Bryan Singer: After thoroughly saturating myself in the universe, I chose the X-Men characters I felt would best introduce X-Men and the concept of being a mutant to the audience.
Bryan Singer: I chose between characters that both intrigued me and that also had evolved as incredibly popular characters over the past 38 years.

Lurch: Were you a fan of the X-Men or other comic books when you were younger?

Bryan Singer: No...but I've become a fan over the past three and a half years.

maverikblur: Bryan, why did you choose Toronto for the shoot?

Bryan Singer: For reasons of budget and also the fact that X-Men, or at least this particular story, was set in the Northeast in places like Westchester, Alberta, Washington, D.C.
Bryan Singer: And I felt Toronto was a great location.
Bryan Singer: I do recognize that Alberta is not technically part of the great Northeast!

DownwardSpiral: Bryan, was there any time that you considered not working on the movie?

Bryan Singer: When I was first approached by Twentieth Century FOX, I knew nothing of the X-Men, so I was skeptical.
Bryan Singer: But after developing the project and working hard on it, I was relatively unstoppable.

cupofsoup321: Bryan, I'm sure you're asked all the time what your favorite part of making the X-Men was, so what was your LEAST favorite part of making the X-Men movie?

Bryan Singer: Worrying about finishing the film by July 14th.
Bryan Singer: That was a frustrating obstacle.

julsnice: Hi Bryan. We all know about Wolverine's healing ability in the movie, but did you include his animalistic powers such as his keen sense of smell?

Bryan Singer: Yes.

mikachu: Bryan, any good outtakes that you can tell us of?

Bryan Singer: There's a couple of nice scenes...probably one for each character that didn't quite make it to the film.
Bryan Singer: And a nice character beat between Sabretooth and Logan on the Statue of Liberty. I'll try to put it on the DVD.

lostboy: Mr. Singer, I heard rumors that various other X-Men will be making cameos, such as Shadowcat and Iceman. Is that true?

Bryan Singer: Yes.

tochi83: Bryan: We all know the X-Men and awesome characters, but what happened to Gambit?! Are you gonna save him for the sequel? =-]

Bryan Singer: Gambit and Beast were two mutants I was very depressed about not being able to include.
Bryan Singer: And hopefully in future films...yes!

DownwardSpiral: Bryan, is there anything that you'd like to have changed about any character in the movie?

Bryan Singer: I did alter some characters. I made Toad a little less of a jester.
Bryan Singer: And a little more deadly.
Bryan Singer: And also made Rogue a bit younger.
Bryan Singer: But no, I seemed to like the characters the way they are. That's what makes them cool.

bbbb: Bryan: Who's Your Favorite Character?

Bryan Singer: I've fallen in love with Wolverine while making the film, naturally. But I still have to say that Professor X is my favorite...
Bryan Singer: ...because he's in charge!

LittleDDDee: Mr. Singer, how did you know when you got the right actors to play which part?

Bryan Singer: As I was finishing the film. Just joking!
Bryan Singer: As we started to shoot, I got the feeling that we had made all the right choices.
Bryan Singer: But you never really know until you put it all together.

yuk_mistress: Bryan, was it hard not doing everything exactly like the comics? I know it would be impossible. Do you think you will have to deal with angry fans?

Bryan Singer: I certainly hope not.
Bryan Singer: I think fans will like it.
Bryan Singer: But, yes, it is a challenge to respect the history of the comic and the characters, while at the same time, tell a story that will appeal to many people.
Bryan Singer: But it was an obsession of mine. And fortunately I had collaborators who were die-hard X-Men fans...
Bryan Singer: ...whom I consulted with daily through the entire process.
Bryan Singer: And as I said, I, too, am a big fan.

Kain: Did you get a lot of input from the Marvel writers and artists?

Bryan Singer: Not directly, though I did have early conversations with Stan Lee and Chris Claremont.
Bryan Singer: But I relied on my own team of designers and film collaborators.

Miracleman: Mr. Singer: Do you feel that this film will help provoke people to examine prejudice and bigotry in real life?

Bryan Singer: I can't imagine it wouldn't in some way...that is at the core of X-Men and the film.

mutant: Bryan--I heard your movie is the biggest thing since Star Wars! The collector's items will be worth a fortune! What does it feel like knowing this movie will become a huge part of pop culture history? I heard you can get replicas of the dog tags, that are admission tickets to the premiere at www.xmenclub.com and Tower Records. They will be worth a fortune.

Bryan Singer: Yes, I heard about those. I think they're cool!
Bryan Singer: I think that idea is somewhat exciting, but I must attribute it to an amazing and wonderful comic universe.
Bryan Singer: However, only one guy has the real dog tag...
Bryan Singer: ...and that's me!
Bryan Singer: And I'll be holding on to it.

CATS: For Bryan...whose idea was it to come up with the darker costumes than the colorful ones that they use in the comics?

Bryan Singer: That was mine.
Bryan Singer: I was concerned that in tests I'd done, looking at multi-colored costumes in a live-action motion picture...
Bryan Singer: ...I found them not translating well. The characters were starting to look like cheerleaders.
Bryan Singer: So I opted for something uniform, durable, practical and a little sexy.

AlEcyler: If you could have a mutant power, what would you have?

Bryan Singer: I would probably want to fly.

gambler: Bryan, How did shooting such a special effects-laden film like this compare to your earlier works, i.e. Usual Suspects (which by the way is one of my personal favorites)?

Bryan Singer: Thank you!
Bryan Singer: It wasn't very much different. The only real difference is that visual effects take more time.
Bryan Singer: So I was shooting for many more days, long days.
Bryan Singer: And that becomes an endurance test.

yuk_mistress: Brian, I would like to say that I am a fan of yours and a HUGE X-Men fan and I think that this movie will ROCK, my question is how much did you work with Stan Lee and do you think that you captured the essence of the X-Men and what they stand for?

Bryan Singer: Stan and I basically just hung out a few times before shooting.
Bryan Singer: Apart from that, he trusted me a great deal. And with the exception of a brief cameo he does in the picture, he was not very involved.
Bryan Singer: However, I very much hope he likes it. Because it was his personal and overwhelming enthusiasm that got me involved in the first place.

Condor: Brian, in the FOX special you said that the variances in the characters throughout the series of comics forced you to make some difficult decisions in what you wanted out of them...can you name some of your most difficult choices?

Bryan Singer: I think making Rogue younger and more vulnerable than perhaps she is portrayed in the comic was a decision, a tough decision, but one that was very important to serve the story.
Bryan Singer: However, the comic characters have gone through so many changes over the decades that I felt comfortable in making certain changes as long as I maintained and respected the essence of the characters.
Bryan Singer: And I also regretted not having Beast. I love Beast!

FOX.com Host: We now have been joined by Anna Paquin, who plays Rogue!

Angelous: Bryan, Rogue has the ability to steal the powers from another being temporarily, but was her flying ability and super strength that were in the comic included in the movie too?

Bryan Singer: No! For this story, I need Rogue to be in her earlier stages of development.
Bryan Singer: I needed her vulnerable and young.
Bryan Singer: To have all that power for this movie would eclipse the other characters.

FOX.com Host: We have to say goodbye to Bryan now!

Bryan Singer: Thanks a million everyone! Enjoy the movie! And enjoy Anna Paquin.
Bryan Singer: Ask her really tough questions!!

FOX.com Host: And welcome to Anna Paquin!

AnnaPaquin Rogue: Hi!

TomServo: So Anna, how was Bryan as a director compared to other directors you've worked with?

AnnaPaquin Rogue: Bryan is amazing!
AnnaPaquin Rogue: But that doesn't mean that I have found my previous directors to be any less wonderful to work with.

dreamer24: Anna: How familiar were you with the X-Men stories?

AnnaPaquin Rogue: I was not familiar with the stories but I had heard of the comic books.

X_Men_Fan: So Anna, what was it like playing the role of Rogue?

AnnaPaquin Rogue: I had a really good time because the role of Rogue gave me the opportunity to play both a character that is an action hero and also one that allowed me to explore a wide range of emotions.

Nemo: I think Anna is good-looking and I'd like to be the boy she kissed!

AnnaPaquin Rogue: Does he realize what happens to guys that kiss Rogue?

RogueFan: Miss Paquin, I'm very proud that you're Rogue.

AnnaPaquin Rogue: Thank you!

comma: Anna--you were gorgeous on The Daily Show last night! Are you going to be on any other talk shows?

AnnaPaquin Rogue: On a show Friday morning, but I am not sure which one.

nightscream: Anna Paquin how has it been going to school and doing movies at the same time?

AnnaPaquin Rogue: To be honest, it is a lot of hard work, but it is definitely worth it because I love acting and would hate to think that I was doing it at the expense of my education.

Subhuman: To Anna Paquin, why did you choose to play the character of Rogue?

AnnaPaquin Rogue: Because I thought it was an amazing opportunity that I wouldn't necessarily get again to be in a movie that is both action-packed, while getting to work with such a talented director as Bryan Singer.

NateGrey: Anna's got an ACCENT in the movie!!! YAY!

Artemis: Was Doing Rogue's accent difficult?

AnnaPaquin Rogue: No, it wasn't.

YoungTrek: Question for Anna if she's here: How would you feel about them bringing in Gambit as a love interest for Rogue in the sequel?

AnnaPaquin Rogue: I would feel great, I would love to see Rogue have a love interest in her life that accepts her as completely as Gambit does in the comic book.

basic_black: Anna, what did you do to prepare for the part of Rogue, reading comics?

AnnaPaquin Rogue: I read a lot of comics, but that's about it.

The_Micker: Anna, how would you describe Rogue's character in one sentence?

AnnaPaquin Rogue: I think that Rogue's character is so complex that one sentence would not adequately sum it up for this movie. Some of the elements that make up her character include hostility and vulnerability.

Darkelf: Hello Anna...are you pleased on what the movie has turned out to be?

AnnaPaquin Rogue: I am very proud of this movie!

dragonfire: Anna, how does it feel to be a part of the most awaited movie of the year?

AnnaPaquin Rogue: I am happy that you see it as the "most awaited movie of the year," and that makes me excited to be a part of it!

APOCALYPSE2K: HI ROGUE YOU ARE THE COOLEST MUTANT IN THE X-MEN MOVIE.

Matty: YOU ARE VERY BEAUTIFUL!

Rogue: Anna Paquin I love you!

AnnaPaquin Rogue: Thank you, everyone! You are so kind!

FOX.com Host: We have to say goodbye to Anna now, so start sending in your questions for Tyler Mane!

AnnaPaquin Rogue: Goodbye. Thank you for chatting with me! Enjoy the film!

FOX.com Host: I'd like to welcome Tyler Mane now -- aka Sabretooth!

TylerMane Sabretooth: Well, hello, everybody!

Jafo: Tyler, in the preview, your role as Sabretooth looks menacing. I heard you were once a professional wrestler. What name did you go by and what federation did you wrestle in?

TylerMane Sabretooth: I wrestled as Big Sky and Nitron. I wrestled in the WCW, the UWF, Japan, Germany, Austria, England, South Africa, Mexico, Puerto Rico.
TylerMane Sabretooth: I wrestled for 11 1/2 years!

steve: Is it true that Sabretooth only speaks with a lion growl and no real words in the movie?

TylerMane Sabretooth: They will have to go to the movie on July 14th and find out!

AlEcyler: Tyler, if you could have one power what would it be?

TylerMane Sabretooth: It's hard to pick just one.
TylerMane Sabretooth: I want 'em all, but if I had to pick just one...
TylerMane Sabretooth: ...it would have to be the ability to morph into anything I wanted to...much like the power of Mystique.

Ryosuke: As Sabretooth, did you like wearing all that clothing and the contact lens, and also the teeth? I bet it was good for you in the cold, but what about in the HOT?

cleopatra: Mr. Mane, how long does it take to put on your makeup and costume?

TylerMane Sabretooth: Well, I took approximately four hours to get into all the makeup and prosthetics, and then getting into the leather suit.
TylerMane Sabretooth: In cold, the leather part helped. But my prosthetic hands, they would sweat and when I went outside to shoot the Canada road scene...in Canada...my fingers turned into popsicles.
TylerMane Sabretooth: And in the studio it would get extremely hot. But it was well worth the discomfort to achieve the look of Sabretooth.
TylerMane Sabretooth: And I hope everyone is happy with the way the costume has turned out.
TylerMane Sabretooth: Along with the portrayal of Sabretooth.

Griffin: Sabretooth, how was it working with Sir Ian McKellen and how long is the movie?

TylerMane Sabretooth: I believe the movie is an hour and a half, somewhere in that time range.
TylerMane Sabretooth: And working with Sir Ian McKellen was a very interesting learning experience.
TylerMane Sabretooth: And I hope I get the pleasure to work with him again in the not-too-distant future.

Maverick: Mr. Mane, does the movie deal with Sabretooth's history with Logan during the Weapon X program?

TylerMane Sabretooth: There is so much information to be covered in the movie that they are just starting the history...
TylerMane Sabretooth: ...and I'm sure in the sequels to follow there will be more background between Wolverine and Sabretooth.

Legion: Mr. Mane, (your name is cool) was it difficult playing a psychotic killer in this movie?

TylerMane Sabretooth: I played the bad guy for 11 1/2 years in the professional wrestling ring. And I just relied on that same mentality transferring it over to Sabretooth. And just had a lot of fun with it.

Ballin02: Tyler, do you think you're anything like Sabretooth?

TylerMane Sabretooth: Only when I'm hungry.

Fitz: Tyler you rule!!!!

MetalEdgemon: YES!!! Sabretooth forever!

TylerMane Sabretooth: Wow! Thank you!

FOX.com Host: Tyler, thank you so much for joining us tonight!

TylerMane Sabretooth: Thank you for chatting with me!
TylerMane Sabretooth: And we'll see you at the movies.

WeaponX: SABRETOOTH IS GOD!!!

TylerMane Sabretooth: Thank you very much for writing in, and I greatly appreciate all the comments and compliments.

RobK: SABRETOOTH IS BETTER THAN GOD!

TylerMane Sabretooth: When I get to chat again, please write in. I have a Web site--www.tyler-mane.com. I will have that Web site up and running as soon as I become computer-literate.

FOX.com Host: We have now been joined by Ray Park, who plays Toad!!!

HeyHowsItGoin: Ray, I loved you in Star Wars! I have your signature. I cannot wait to see you in X-Men. You're a great actor. Will I be seeing any good stunts in the movie? What should I expect?

RayPark Toad: I think for myself that there is some cool stuff that I haven't done in movies and some cool stuff from all the other guys as well.

sublimemutant06: Ray--was Toad easier to play than Darth Maul, or harder?

RayPark Toad: Different, it was a challenge because there were no limits on how far you can take Toad.

krissy1028: Ray, what was the best part about playing Toad?

RayPark Toad: Getting to have a long tongue and playing with it.

sublimemutant06: Is your tongue your only super power, and climbing on walls?

RayPark Toad: I had the tongue and the ability to run up walls and to stick on ceilings.
RayPark Toad: And superhuman strength.
RayPark Toad: And toxic spit.

sublimemutant06: Ray--was Toad a physically straining character?

RayPark Toad: No, I am physically fit myself so all the elements I used with Toad, I used from my martial arts background.

SK8R: Ray, I love you as an actor and I was wondering, were the stunts for this movie different from the other movies you have done?

RayPark Toad: I did more wire work, but because of my experience in movies, it made it a little more easier for me than in movies before.

Xmenfanguyperson1: Ray, How was the sticking to walls thing actually done in the movie?

RayPark Toad: Using wires.
RayPark Toad: Spitting on my hands and feet to stick to the walls.

Goldie: Ray, why isn't Toad a moron like in the comics?

RayPark Toad: Good question. Bryan and the other producers wanted Toad to be different for the movie because Toad was not elaborated on in the comic.

Wolvie700: How do you think you performed as the Toad? I mean he was supposed to be American with a very sadistic side, do you think you filled all aspects of the character?

RayPark Toad: Yes. As far as I knew, Toad's background was from England, and he has a new look for this movie.

RobK: Ray Park, what do you do to prepare for all your scenes? Mentally and physically, what do you do to "pump up"?

RayPark Toad: Make sure you have a good warm-up and stretch.

Q_PhoeniX: Ray, would you accept the chance to be a real mutant in real life?

RayPark Toad: I think that everything that can be good can have a bad consequence. I think I would like to live forever.

Blister: Do you wish you had that tongue Toad had on dates?

RayPark Toad: Yes! Sometimes, Toad has a green gooey tongue that's toxic.
RayPark Toad: But there are good points and bad points to having a long tongue.

dectora: Ray, in Star Wars you didn't have an accent, but in X-Men you do. Which is real??

RayPark Toad: In X-Men, it's the first time you will get to hear my voice.

VarkeyBabe: Why would you want to live forever? Wouldn't you get bored?

RayPark Toad: As long as my closest friends and family could live forever, I would like to see how the world would change.

Mecca: Ray, admit it, did you just love the fight scene with Halle Berry (aka Storm)?

RayPark Toad: Of course!
RayPark Toad: Halle was so sweet.

bartsz: Ray, do you think the X-Men movie will appeal to people who haven't read the comic book or seen the television series?

RayPark Toad: I think so. Yes, definitely.

moe987: Ray: What does it feel like to have several action figures modeled after you, the latest being Toad?

RayPark Toad: Quite overwhelming, especially the Toad, because on the packaging it says "Ray Park as Toad."

Sandman: Ray, you've had "The Force" and now mutant powers. Any more "superhuman" characters in the near future for you?

RayPark Toad: I hope so!

Mystics: RAY--WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST REACTION WHEN YOU FOUND OUT YOU WERE TO PLAY TOAD?

RayPark Toad: I was so excited and a bit nervous as well.

bigben2645: Did you try to go and get this role or did you have it handed to you?

RayPark Toad: I had a phone call with one of the producers and I had an audition.

Schitsofrantic: Ray, what did you gain from working with actors like Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen??

RayPark Toad: Being educated by some really fantastic actors, learning to keep my eyes and ears open.

Gekko04: RAY: Do you realize that you are making X-Men history by bringing Toad to life from one of the greatest comic books of our time?

RayPark Toad: I am beginning to realize that.

wolfsmistress: Toad rocks!

Darth_Linn: RAY: I admire your work very much and the things you have accomplished.

OdyjuRobki: Hi Ray, I love you!!

RayPark Toad: Cool, thanks!

Surefire: Ray is a machine!

moe987: RAY PARK RULES!!!!

Raymond: Yeah Ray!!!

WaveRider: TOAD'S NUMBER 1!

MegaMark: Toad's the best!

Brando: Welcome to immortality!

Trinity_23: Ray is a babe!!!

FOX.com Host: Wow! Well, we'll now say good night to Ray Park!

RayPark Toad: Good night!

mutationgirl: X-Men RULE!!

RayPark Toad: Thank you for all of your support, having faith in me.
RayPark Toad: It was really nice chatting with you guys!
RayPark Toad: Do you want to come visit me at www.raypark.com?
RayPark Toad: I feel honored and well-appreciated.
RayPark Toad: Enjoy it.
RayPark Toad: Thank you!

FOX.com Host: Thanks, everybody, for joining FOX.com in the chat tonight!

 

 

 

 
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