What does the official trailer tell us about the next X-Men film?
The moment we've been waiting for is finally here. The first official trailer for X-Men: First Class finally premiered. People have pretty much been bashing the movie based on the very few images that have been released. With this official trailer, let's see if that will change.
Let's break down this trailer to see what it finally tells us.
== TEASER ==
BEFORE HE WAS PROFESSOR X
The opening shot reassures us they haven't forsaken the X-Men's history. With a lot of the crazy stuff we've been hearing, they could have easily changed things completely and simply disregard where everyone is suppose to end up (like they do on TV's Smallville). Charles Xavier will end up in a wheelchair, just not right now. Cut to the shot of a Patrick Stewart-looking X-Men says that there just might be a connection to the previous X-Men films.
When we first see James McAvoy as a younger Charles Xavier, it looks like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. We know that most of this footage will be mixed around. It appears he's standing sullen in a park but for some reason it makes me think he's in a cemetery, despite no visible tombstones.
BEFORE HE WAS MAGNETO
We know things won't end well between Magneto and Professor X. The first shot we see gives us an ominous view of Magneto's helmet and gloves. This is then followed with another reminder that there are other X-Men movies. More reassurance that maybe they are not going to simply wipe everything out.
When we see Erik (before he became Magneto), he doesn't look like the most cheerful guy around. From the room he's in, I imagine this is during a discussion with Charles about the fate of mutantkind. This could be the beginning of the falling out between the two.
After we see the Marvel logo (reminding us that this is based on Marvel characters even though Marvel Studios is not putting it out).
For those unaware, John F. Kennedy's speech informs us that this is taking place during the 60s around the time of the Bay of Pigs. Then we get a look at what I imagine is the Xavier Institute (I can't recall how it looked in the previous X-films since it's been a while since I've watched those).
During the speech, Charles and Moira watch with the First Class standing behind him. We see Erik, Havok, Mystique, Beast (?) and one other (is that Sean Cassidy, aka Banshee?). JFK's speech talks about the possible nuclear attack from Russia. What we can get from this is they are not only concerned with events directly involving mutants but we're also seeing their reaction to events that could have an impact on the world.
Anthony Petten asked, via Twitter, why Erik was holding a gun in those two shots. Since he and some of the boys are wearing sweats and they're at a school, I say they were doing some track and field. Maybe the gun is a starter's pistol.
Yesterday we saw an image of Magento standing in a weird looking room. This shot of Emma Frost shows her in that same room. Because she is being observed we have to wonder why she is apparently being held in custody. Previous images have shown January Jones with James McAvoy so it hasn't been clear if this Emma will be good or bad. Sebastian Shaw and the Hellfire Club will come into the movie so we'll have to wait and see what Emma's motivations are.
When we see Angel Salvadore, it's a little creepy. She appears to be in a Gentlemen's Club setting and clearly has her shirt off. Who is it that is getting this private show behind the red curtains? It's Charles and Erik, doing a little male bonding. What creeps me out over this is I think of her as a teenage girl. I could be wrong about the situation here and her age in the movie (why not since she wouldn't have even been born in the 60s in the comics) but it seems weird thinking about Charles and Erik hanging out like this, sitting on a bed. Maybe they're just going undercover to try to infiltrate the Hellfire Club, right?
Next we get a look at several of the mutants. The first, I think is Hank McCoy (who shows up later as Beast). Then we see Havok followed by Darwin. Finally we see Mystique lying in bed transforming into her familiar form from the previous X-Men films. Why is Mystique lying in bed, apparently with no clothes under the sheets? If you know your X-Men history and the fact that a certain teleporting character is in the movie (and shows up later here), you might have an idea. I really hope we won't be seeing Nightcrawler's conception.
Back in December we saw some images leaked online of a crashed Blackbird. Based on the speech and the threat of a nuclear attack, it appears that the X-Men are taking matters into their own hand. As the Blackbird flies over some battleships, the hatch opens, revealing Charles and Erik, dressed in the yellow and blues.
"Are you ready for this?" "Let's find out."
It's great to see Charles and Erik ready to make a last stand against what they see as a big threat. Erik wearing yellow and blue is weird and makes you wonder where this scene takes place in the movie? How much of the story of the fallout are we getting? We know Erik will change into Magneto before it's over. Those ships they're flying over don't really appreciate that they might be trying to help. Either that or it's the enemy firing upon them. This most likely is what causes the Blackbird to crash.
If that was indeed Hank McCoy earlier, things get pretty hairy for him by this point in the movie. He appears to be piloting the Blackbird and obviously, has turned blue and furry. Let's hope he has what it takes to pilot the jet. After a whole bunch of missiles targeting the Blackbird and a shot of Charles swimming for shore, we see Erik using his powers in what I assume is Cuba. When a guard approaches him, Erik uses his powers to make the guard stab himself in the gut. This doesn't seem like the type of behavior Charles would condone. There has to be a reason Erik is here alone. Why doesn't he have on his yellow and blue jacket? Does this scene take place at a different point from when they were on the jet? Did Erik grab some other poor guards jacket to provide a disguise (why go on a mission wearing a bright yellow jacket?)? Because Erik and Charles are friends throughout the movie, we have to assume that Erik wouldn't necessarily be so quick to kill. Is Charles being held somewhere or is there another reason for Erik to resort to violence so quickly?
Now we see some growing pains. The problem with most trailers is they don't show us everything sequentially. Here's that kid again and it does indeed appear that this is Hank McCoy. The needle he was holding earlier could have been the serum that caused him to further mutate into his blue and furry self. It doesn't look like it feels too great. I would imagine the transformation is sort of like what we see in werewolf movies where the bones actually transform during the change.
Kevin Bacon makes his appearance as Sebastian Shaw. Taking more liberties with the characters, Emma is seen transforming into her diamond form, something she isn't able to do until much later in her life.
The big question is, if they're trying to tie this movie to the previous ones, what does Emma's appearance here mean for her appearance in X-Men Origins: Wolverine?
Now we see Havok using his powers to do some serious blasting. I know we need to let go of the change in continuity but I still find it odd for Alex Summers to be part of the X-Men team before his older brother Scott (Cyclops).
Charles is seen in with an early version of Cerebro. It's far from as sleek and sexy as the previous movies (and that tiny glimpse at the beginning). It's nice to see the old computers and equipment in the background to ensure it has a 60s feel to it (reminds me a little of LOST). When he first activates it, it's not a pleasant experience. Charles has most likely been using his powers for a while but not at this level. Opening his mind like this to the world is probably like touching your skin after you get a scrape. There's that feeling of rawness until you get used to it.
This can't be good news. Azazel, the father of Nightcrawler, is hanging out with Sebastian Shaw. When he grabs this poor man's hand in a gesture to help him up, he teleports him away. The red puff of smoke is reminiscent of Nightcrawler's teleportation in X2. Later he's seen dealing with some armed guards in a way similar to Nightcrawler's attack in the White House.
We know this is going to happen. Erik is going to go form being a BFF with Charles into the red-helmet-wearing Magneto. And there's that room again. Is someone standing in front of him.
Erik shows he's not messing around. Right before this, Charles tells him, "Killing will not bring you peace." Erik's reply was, "Peace was never an option." We can also see that the battle ships here are waving Russian flags.
The trailer does show us quite a bit but (thankfully) there are still loads of questions. I may have some doubts over certain aspects of the direction they've chosen with this but bottom line, I liked it. I enjoyed the music used to pump up the scenes. There clearly will be enough action to keep us on the edge of our seats. Who we don't see is Oliver Platt as The Man In Black.
Okay, now it's time to tell me, what did I miss? Was there anything shown that surprised or impressed you. There's been a lot of negativity before this trailer landed, do you still feel the same or has this turned things around for you?
And of course, here's the trailer again if you haven't seen it or want to see it one more time.
" Here's that kid again and it does indeed appear that this is Hank McCoy."
The "kid" is Nicholas Hoult..who signed on as Hank McCoy..so there isn't really any question here as to whom it is we keep seeing..
I'm still very against Kevin bacon as Sebastian Shaw..last time I checked Sebastian Shaw didn't look like even Dazzler could deck him..he's just not convincing at all for me..I've always though Shaw was scary..I'm scared of Kevin Bacon..but for very different reasons..
As for the Wolverine: Origins diamond girl..don't care what they put in the credits that was not Emma Frost. PSYCHIC SEX BOMB or GTFO! I'm willing to overlook second mutation blah blah blah..I can't expect X-Men films to do justice to any character anymore..poor poor Rouge..and the general public really thought that was what she was like..those bastards..
And as for you Azazel..and Angel Salvatore..go back to obscurity and starve please..especially you fly girl..I didn't like you in the comics..I can honestly tell you I'm not suddenly going to like you in the films..
My partner is going to hate sitting through this movie with me and my muttering of hate and my perpetual glare of scorn..and yet I will pay to see it the day it comes out..damn you Marvel!
My issue with this is FOX doesn't know what they want the movie to be. Does no one remember Hank McCoy has a cameo in X-Men 2 in his human form? FOX got confused if they were making a reboot or a prequel and its basically looking like a mess. Maybe it will have some decent action or something, but at this point anytime I hear FOX is making a MARVEL movie I just assume its going to be terrible.
I'm confused....how is there an aged Emma Frost in here and it's only a prequel. Pretty not THAT much time has passed between Wolverine and First Class. This... Is a hot *beep* wreck. They should have just done a reboot like Spider-Man.
With my ability to watch a movie as a "movie" first and "in continuity" second, I think I am going to like this. Now, if I go and try to fit it into X_Men lore, I will be sorely disappointed, I'm sure.
I didn't notice the gun Erik was holding the first time, but now that I do, I can safely say that it is NOT a starter's pistol. That's a .45.
Also, I think it's worth pointing out that January Jones is about the right age (a little older, in fact) that Emma was when her secondary mutation popped up. So really, the complaint shouldn't be that it's happening now, it's that she's still under Shaw's thumb at this point in her life.
Also, and I don't mean to get perv-y here, but based on her history, it could've been just about anyone Mystique was just in bed with... male or female.
Lastly, I think we're gonna have to accept that in the movie continuity, Havoc is Cyclops' DAD. The character here would have to have been born in the late 40's at the latest and be 25, maybe 30 years older than Cyclops was in the first movie.
All of the plot problems that can be garnered with this trailer seem to involve X3 and Wolverine. Maybe they're pulling s Superman Returns (ominous, but maybe not) and ignoring the non-Brian Singer films (like WB ignored the non-Donner Superman films). Maybe they're only considering X1-2 as canon and everything else as not. The Brian Singer X-Men movie (which is still being made, right?) could replace X3.
Or, maybe the falling out between Charles and Erik doesn't completely happen in this movie. I bet we see Charles lose his hair (maybe because of Cerebro?) and the Jean Grey thing happens right after this film. If memory serves, Erik and Charles weren't necessarily getting along the best when they went to see Jean in the flashback in X3
I realize there's a whole bunch of comic inconsistencies with these movies in general and probably my post here, but I've never followed the X-Men closely enough to really notice. They've always seemed a bit unaccessible to me.
Oh well, I'm excited for the movie. I enjoyed the other ones, so I don't know why I wouldn't enjoy this.
In the scene where magneto is standing in the weird metal plated room, i hope there is somebody standing in front of him and he uses (hopefully all) of the metal plates to kill him... at once... i mean thats what i would do :D
" What REALLY irks me is that this trailer used clips from the first trilogy... so clearly it is set in the same continuity but yet... we see the rift forming between Erik and Charles already... and in the very first scene of X-Men the last stand we see a very chummy Charles (who is walking) and Erik visiting Jean Grey's home to try to recruit her for the school they are clearly both running (Erik mentions "Are we going to have to meet all of them in person?" And Charles responds with "No, this one is special".) And don't even get me started on Emma Frost, yes the one in Wolverine Origins was Emma Frost, she was credited as Emma Frost, and she said her name was Emma Frost. Plot holes. Plot holes. Plot holes. "
Well said, sir. I honestly hadn't thought of that first one, but you're right, it doesn't make any sense... I bet you Charles will get crippled in this movie, too (or the sequels, if there are any)
It looks and sounds great just hope its better than X3: The Last Stand, that was an ok movie until they killed off Proffessor X, even though the shortlived Wolverine and the X-Men cartoon sortof killed him off but in reality in that he was just in a 20yr coma and could communicate back to the past from the future. But anyways to steel a thing from Alex and Rory I give this Trailer 4 out of a Possible 5 Puppies/Kittens!
One thing as comic readers we must come to terms with is that continuity means nothing to producers. You either take it with a grain of salt, or set yourself up to be disappointed. I am a huge X-Men fan, obviously, so I am biased, but it looks like a fun ride. Does that mean I agree with the representation of the characters? No, but I won't dismiss it either, until I have given it a chance.
... why isn't Jean there? Start of Last Stand anyone? o_O There are only three people there who are suppose to be there. And one of them doesn't even look right.
The only thing that looks good about this movie is the Yellow and Blue uniform. Story wise it appears to be something not even worthy of a What if? comic. Havok in the X-men before Cyclops is just plain ridiculous. That would mean he is as old as Profesor X and Magneto. Emma Frost in diamond form?? Secondary mutations allready?!! Beast I can understand since he was made older in the first X-men films. I would have preffered they did not even consider the first trilogy to make a prequel its absurd. Since they crapped it all up in the last X-Men film they should have just rebooted it or make a worthy spin off like New Mutants, or X-factor. Angel Salvatore, please and a half!!!!! They should have used Stacy X at least that would be sort of in her character. Do theese people even read the comics????!!!!!! I'll wait for this fiasco on dvd and while I'm watching it I'll laugh at all the people who spent hard earned cash seeing it in the theather. Actually it looks so bad they should make it a straight to DVD realese...After I finish seeing this one I'll pop "Push", and "Jumper" into the dvd to take the bad impression away; and even those were not that good but at least they do not tear appart Iconic characters we've been following for years. Damn even Fraction could have come up with a better idea, and that's a lot to say.
@DEGRAAF: Disney owns marvel now. Which i'm pissed about but at least now Fox can't fuck up any more movies. Lets just hope Disney puts as much heart into it as they did with Pirates of the Carribbean.
In regards to the silver helmet shot, I haven't gone back to read every comment about it...so apologies if someone has said this already. It looks like its being held by a guy wearing a tuxedo, standing next to a woman wearing white pants, so my best bet is that Sebastian Shaw is presenting that helmet to Erik and working on expanding the rift between him and Charles even more.
@Mr. Dead Pool: i'm with you, what i'm surprised about is that bryan singer is involved with this, and the movie is screwing up the continuity that he created
I think we're missing the point. It was said already that this is a reboot and has nothing to do with the other movies (and this seems to be Fox's plans for the oldest franchizes, like Spyderman, Wolverine and X-men) . Recently, Bryan Singer said in a interview the he wanted to start telling the story from the begginning but that they just HAD to show whatever happend between Charles and Magneto, before they would actually show X-men first formation. I think the idea is to start the actual first class (Cyclops, Jean, Beast, Angel and Iceman) in a possible sequel. If that's the idea, then I have to admit that I'm releaved since there was so mutch in the last movies that did'nt match with the comic books. Those few things that don't match in this one doesn't really bug me when I think that none of these is related to very important characters (for exemple: who cares if beast and Havok are anacronic? They aren't very important iconic characters anyway. I would be more upset if they did something like that with Jean, Cyclops ou Storm...).
I don't know why but I got the feeling that this may be a good restart for the X-Men, rather than making X4 in the way that X3 was. Who knows we can see the original x-men in the next, and storm, Wolverine and Colossus in the next after that...? Sure a fan can alway dream!
Although this doesn't stick to the comics (which i am dissapointed about dont get me wrong) I do have a good feeling about this film, i dont think it looks bad, not perfect but not bad either. Im defo going to see this when it comes out i actually cant wait!
Also casting Kevin Bacon as Sebastian Shaw.,, niceeeeee. however they should have given him darker hair. I cant wait to see what him and emma are like on screen :) xxx
I just hope despite using it for the trailer that by the end of this trilogy they do not have it tied into their old continuity any longer because it simply makes no sense.
I thought this was just going to be the original five Xmen: Cyclops, Jean Grey, Angel, Iceman, and Beast. However, if they did this, the movie would have to sever all ties with the other movies. In spite of this, I believe this movie will still be good.
It looks really interesting and at least it has EMMA in it. I wouldve liked to have seen more of my favorites like POLARIS for instance but i'll give it a watch when it comes out.
"I know we need to let go of the change in continuity "
No, no we don't let go of it, we raise hell until they stop pulling this shit. We write letter after letter, article after article, blog post after blog post, youtube video after youtube video, and just bitch and refuse to give them one more red cent until they stop hiring people who don't give a shit about the story they're adapting, and put someone on the projects who will legitimately try to create a faithful adaptation instead of taking the original story, pulling his pants down, squatting over it and letting out a big smelly turd. A First Class turd. When they stick with continuity we get Sin City, when they ignore continuity we get Catwoman. I think the choice is clear.
I'm really looking forward to this movie but I really hope that this movie focuses on the stories as well as the characters becasue in previous X-Men films they either chose one or the other!!!!!!!
I'm not going to judge it until I see it. I think people are being too harsh with movies nowadays. Just enjoy it for what it is, a movie. Even if it's not 100% faithful to the comics, it's a movie and it's meant to entertain. Just enjoy it.
I'm a very big fan of the comics, X-men is my favorite only after Batman. But people?
THE MOVIE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE THE SAME AS THE COMICS
Accept that this can be something different, and let the film play. I don't expect great things from this movie, but it looked okay and like something I want to see. And I care a bit more to it working with the movieverse timeline, but I'm also okay if this is a bit different.
I would start in on you people who are so negative (I'm not expecting much yet, still something I'll see through the library aka for free. But y'all take it way too far!) but it's the people whining about being different from the comics that make me want to punch something :/
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