Any fans of Wizard Magazine? Check out their picks for X-Men casting almost 20 years later!
In the 1995 issue of Wizard Magazine the staff gave their choices for an X-Men film. At the time, discussions had just ended between Stan Lee and James Cameron to make an X-Men film due to the bankruptcy of the independent studio holding the rights. After that, X-Men was acquired by Fox and then Wizard published their casting choices for a future X-Men film. Now almost 20 years later, how would their 1990s actor picks stand up against today’s picks? Would these actors in their prime measure up to today’s choices? Take a look at Film Fad’s assessment below.
Professor X
Wizard’s Choice: Patrick Stewart
Actual Choice: Patrick Stewart
Film Fad’s Decision: Patrick Stewart (Obviously)
It seems like Patrick Stewart was destined to play the role of Professor Charles Xavier. The fans, Wizard, and the studios all picked Stewart for the role of Professor X so there was little surprise and much rejoicing when he was first cast for the role. I don’t think that there is anyone that fits the role as perfectly as Patrick Stewart does and that’s why he was chosen and why I 100% agree with the casting choice.
Colossus
Wizard’s Choice: Dolph Lundgren
Actual Choice: Daniel Cudmore
Film Fad’s Decision: Dolph Lundgren
Daniel Cudmore was an acceptable Colossus and that may be because of the character’s limited screen time. He didn’t have that towering presence that we imagine with Colossus nor did he have that signature accent. When Wizard chose Dolph Lundgren he just seemed fitting for the role. He is both massive and muscular and had his share of experience with a Russian accent (“Rocky IV”). While some may argue against his acting abilities, the same could be said for the fresh young Daniel Cudmore. If it was between the two actors in their prime, I would have to say that Dolph Lundgren would be very entertaining to see as the X-Men’s powerhouse character.
Bishop
Wizard’s Choice: Michael Dorn
Actual Choice: Omar Sy
Film Fad’s Decision: Omar Sy
Michael Dorn, better known as Worf on “Star Trek TNG,” sounds like an adequate pick for Bishop. As Worf he had that warrior code that would seem fitting for a version of Bishop. Despite his strong fanbase and proven acting abilities, I would still say that I enjoyed Omar Sy’s version of Bishop in “X-Men: Days of Future Past.” Sy is a very strong actor and even though his role as Bishop was brief, I think his portrayal was more than acceptable and had me very intrigued. I would be interested to see more of Omar Sy’s version of Bishop and for that reason accompanied with others, he would be my choice for the better casting.
Cyclops
Wizard’s Choice: Michael Biehn
Actual Choice: James Marsden
Film Fad’s Decision: Michael Biehn
I like James Marsden and I think he did great as Cyclops but Michael Biehn in his prime seemed to fit the role almost like Patrick Stewart did as Professor X. Throughout his roles, Michael Biehn has proven himself as a militant, cunning leader. He has that militant persona that demands respect and still leaves room for emotional depth with many of his characters. He has rugged good looks that give him the clean cut appeal that Marsden has while also making him a formidable opponent when entering a Wolverine stare down. I am quite disappointed that Biehn had passed his prime by the film’s release because he would have been an amazing choice.
Click below to the next page to see the pick for Gambit!
Gambit
Wizard’s Choice: Jean-Claude Van Damme
Actual Choice: Taylor Kitsch/Channing Tatum
Film Fad’s Decision: Jean-Claude Van Damme
We’ve seen Taylor Kitsch and we have yet to see Channing Tatum but Jean-Claude Van Damme almost seemed like a real life Gambit in his prime. Sure some of his films were over the top during the 1980s and 1990s, but that fit the action film period. Van Damme has the looks, the martial arts skills, and an accent that could easily pass for a suave New Orleans resident. Add that to his repertoire of action films where he’s played hero, villain, and even walking the line for both, and we’ve got just about everything we’d want from the Cajun X-Man. If you need a bit more persuasion, then check out the film “Hard Target” and then argue your case against Jean-Claude Van Damme.
Storm
Wizard’s Choice: Iman
Actual Choice: Halle Berry
Film Fad’s Decision: Halle Berry
Supermodel Iman versus an Oscar winning actress, I think that the choice is clear. While Halle Berry didn’t have the theatrical dialogue that some hoped for with Storm, she did take ownership of the role. Iman may have more of the complexion of Storm but I don’t think that she could bring the depth to the character that Halle Berry did. This is an example of a role that may not fit the comic book profile exactly but captures the essence of the character.
Jean Grey
Wizard’s Choice: Nicole Kidman
Actual Choice: Famke Janssen
Film Fad’s Decision: Famke Janssen
Nicole Kidman, during her redhead days, would have made a beautiful Jean Grey but honestly Famke Janssen just nailed it. With Jannsen there was always that dark edge that came through and foreshadowed the coming of the Phoenix. With Nicole Kidman, that would not have been as apparent even though she has the capabilities as an actress and the looks to play the part. While I think that both actresses would have made a beautiful and well portrayed Jean Grey, I have to give Famke Janssen the edge.
Wolverine
Wizard’s Choice: Glenn Danzig
Actual Choice: Hugh Jackman
Film Fad’s Decision: Hugh Jackman
Glenn Danzig may have shown his own type of berserker rage as a heavy metal musician but Hugh Jackman revolutionized the role of Wolverine. Despite being taller than most of the cast, Jackman was easily welcomed by fans as Wolverine and has continued to prove himself. Hugh Jackman has now played the role of the ageless Wolverine for almost 15 years and he still manages to make the character seem fiercely youthful. Being a seasoned actor and having a strong dedication to peak fitness, Hugh Jackman has proven that he is willing to do whatever it takes to properly portray everyone’s favorite (arguably) X-Man!
Click below to the next page to see the final picks!
Magneto
Wizard’s Choice: Rutger Hauer
Actual Choice: Ian McKellen
Film Fad’s Decision: Ian McKellen
I like Rutger Hauer but Sir Ian McKellen fits well into the role of Magneto for many reasons. Outside of his distinguished abilities as an actor and gentleman-like accent, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart have an onscreen chemistry that keeps their frenemy relationship strong throughout the X-Men series. I could see Rutger Hauer playing the villainous side of Magneto but establishing the conscience that is frequently tested due to friendship would be a daunting task for Hauer. McKellen and Stewart belong on the big screen together and I have loved McKellen’s portrayal of Magneto.
Sabretooth
Wizard’s Choice: Clancy Brown
Actual Choice: Tyler Mane/Liev Schreiber
Film Fad’s Decision: Clancy Brown
Professional wrestler Tyler Mane looked great as Sabretooth and Liev Schreiber developed the connected rivalry between Sabretooth and Wolverine. While both actors added their own attributes to the character, neither encompassed the character as a whole. Clancy Brown (“Highlander,” “Shawshank Redemption”) has the acting chops and towering height that would have fit well with the role of Sabretooth. This actor would be more than believable standing next to Hugh Jackman and calling him “runt.” It’s disappointing that Clancy Brown is far past his prime because he would have made a more than fine Sabretooth.
Juggernaut
Wizard’s Choice: Vader (Professional Wrestler)
Actual Choice: Vinnie Jones
Film Fad’s Decision: Vinnie Jones
Vader as Juggernaut? He’d be closer to playing the Blob. While I think that neither of these stars are great choices, Vinnie Jones is still a better choice than Vader. Jones didn’t portray the character as the hulking locomotive that we know from the comics but he did prove himself as somewhat of a powerhouse. His accent didn’t help to further the character development of Juggernaut but to his defense, it was the worst film of the X-Men franchise. I would pick Vinnie Jones but that’s only because he’s the lesser of two evils.
Emma Frost/White Queen
Wizard’s Choice: Rebecca De Mornay
Actual Choice: January Jones
Film Fad’s Decision: Rebecca De Mornay
January Jones is classically beautiful and has all of the physical features to make her a great Emma Frost based on appearance. What she lacked with her portrayal was that dangerous, two-faced confidence. Emma Frost is composed of sexiness, confidence, and deception. All of these traits we have seen from Rebecca De Mornay throughout her career in films like “Risky Business” and “The Hand that Rocks the Cradle.” While she may be a little too old to portray the role today, in her prime she would have been spot on to play the part. Outside of the apparent beauty of both of these ladies, I would have to say that my choice would be Rebecca De Mornay.
View Comments (2)
Apparently no one knows how to cast characters! The only ones that were good were Patrick Stewart, Iman, Vader, and Tyler Main. Redo! The movies sucked beyond words!
Man, Vader would have been an awesome Juggernaut. The guy is massive and yet in 1995 had the speed and agility of someone a third his size.