More 'X3' News and a Bit About 'Fantastic Four'

By: Brad Brevet
Published: Monday, November 10th 2003 at 7:53 PM

Canadian newspaper, The Providence, published some X3 and Fantastic Four news last Friday indicating that FOX still plans to get F4 in theaters by December '04 and X3 should see production by next summer.

Below is a short excerpt of the story, click the "Source" link above to get the full thing:

"Shawn Ashmore tells us that he's optimistic that all the X-Men will be regrouping in front of the cameras to fight for the rights of mutants everywhere by next fall.

"It's a big cast to get together," notes the 24-year-old Richmond-born star, who plays Bobby "Iceman" Drake. "But I think it's pretty much everybody coming back. I can't wait to find out what the story is this time."

Sir Ian McKellen, at the British Independent Film Awards Tuesday night, said: "X-Men and its story is about mutants, about people who feel disaffected with society and whom society is hard on. It appeals most to young blacks, young Jews and young gays. That's why I did the movie and that's why I intend to do the third movie."

Backstage, however, McKellen said he would return to the X-Men series "if it happens."

"If my character is in it and if he's my age. They might bring Magneto back but it may be the young Magneto. Who knows?"

Ashmore also confirms reports that Halle Berry is up for weathering another round as Storm, as long as her hours are shortened and her role is lengthened. Berry, like Ashmore, was stuck in Vancouver for almost the entire six-month shoot even though their screen time was minimal — too many major characters competing for attention."