X-Men cast ages: How old were the actors then and now?
Reflecting on the illustrious careers of these X-Men cast members, it’s fascinating to see how their lives have evolved since their debut with the mutant team. Bruce Davison, who portrayed Senator Kelly, has shown an impressive versatility throughout his career, playing various authority figures in film and television.
Prior to the rise of the Avengers and the Marvel Cinematic Universe as major superhero entities, Marvel had been aiming to translate its most beloved comic book characters onto the big screen. As early as the mid-1980s, the concept of an X-Men film was under consideration, yet it required time to align the right team of writers, directors, and performers for the project.
The film ultimately produced came out in the year 2000. It centered around Wolverine and Rogue as they found themselves caught up with Charles Xavier’s and Magneto’s groups of mutants. However, when the Mutant Registration Act was under consideration by Congress, Magneto devised a strategy that could potentially shift the political landscape significantly within the United States.
Starting with the debut of the first “X-Men” film, a total of two immediate sequels followed, along with a trilogy centered around Hugh Jackman’s character, Wolverine. Moreover, there were four movies that served as prequels. Furthermore, films like “Deadpool” and “New Mutants” have been set within the same universe, significantly broadening the scope of the franchise.
Reflecting on it now, it’s astonishing to think about how young most of the actors were in the original film. I remember Hugh Jackman as a relatively unrecognized actor back then, while Anna Paquin wasn’t even 18 yet. It’s fascinating to consider their ages when they first brought these characters to life, how recently they’ve reprised those roles, and where they stand age-wise now, over two decades later.
Hugh Jackman as Wolverine
Born: October 12, 1968
Age when X-Men debuted: 31
Age today: 55
Hugh Jackman began his career predominantly on stage in professional theatre, making him an ideal choice for spearheading the X-Men film series. In the initial movie, Wolverine found himself as an amnesiac caretaker for Rogue, who had fled her home. During this time, he not only shielded her but also delved into uncovering his own history. This journey led him straight into the conflict between Charles Xavier and Magneto’s philosophical standpoints.
Ever since his initial debut, Hugh Jackman has portrayed Wolverine in a total of nine additional X-Men films, which includes the latest Deadpool and Wolverine movie. This means he is the lead actor in the series, as all the other major characters either didn’t appear or were replaced by different actors in subsequent productions.
Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier
Born: July 13, 1940
Age when X-Men debuted: 60
Age today: 84
By the time X-Men hit theaters, Patrick Stewart was an accomplished actor with a prominent role as Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation from 1987 to 1994. Interestingly enough, his 60th birthday fell on the day between the Ellis Island premiere and the nationwide release of X-Men. In this movie, Stewart took on the role of Professor X, who served as headmaster at Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters and led the X-Men.
Charles Xavier had intricate bonds with the principal characters within the series, and his connection to Magneto stood out as a notable aspect of the franchise. In fact, Patrick Stewart reprised this role on seven separate occasions, featuring in every movie of the original trilogy, the Wolverine series, and X-Men: Days of Future Past. Moreover, he made an appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the 2022 film titled Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Ian McKellen as Magneto
Born: May 25, 1939
Age when X-Men debuted: 61
Age today: 85
In the initial trilogy of the X-Men series, Ian McKellen skillfully portrayed Magneto, revealing both the compassionate roots and the cold-heartedness of the character. The 2000 film introduces Brett Morris’s interpretation of the character, who develops his metal manipulation abilities while being torn away from his family during the Holocaust. McKellen then effectively demonstrates why Magneto would be so distrustful of laws like the Mutant Registration Act.
Regrettably, Sir Ian McKellen had only two chances to reprise his character post the initial trilogy, with Michael Fassbender assuming the role for the prequels. Although this reduced appearance in the series is disheartening to some of his admirers, the esteemed British actor has remained active on both stage and screen right up to the present.
Famke Janssen as Jean Grey
Born: November 5, 1964
Age when X-Men debuted: 35
Age today: 59
Initially settling in the U.S. to pursue modeling, Famke Janssen soon found her acting career flourishing. Between 1992 and 1999, she accepted close to twenty roles. In 1999, she landed the part of Jean Grey, a telepath at Xavier’s School for Exceptional Students. Despite being one of the less potent characters, she played a significant role in the first movie as Wolverine’s love interest, who was annoyingly (for him) devoted to Scott Summers.
Fanny Janssen portrayed Jean Grey throughout the entire initial trilogy, reprising her role in 2013’s The Wolverine and 2014’s Days of Future Past. However, the part was later assumed by Sophie Turner for the prequel films X-Men: Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix. Since her time in the X-Men series, Janssen has gained significant recognition for her roles as Olivia Godfrey in Hemlock Grove and Susan Hargrave in The Blacklist, as well as its spin-off.
James Marsden as Cyclops
Born: September 18, 1973
Age when X-Men debuted: 26
Age today: 50
In the “X-Men” series, James Marsden was around nine years junior to his film partner who portrayed his love interest. This role marked one of his significant debuts in movies. His character, Scott Summers (Cyclops), was deeply committed to Charles Xavier and had been involved with Jean Grey since they were pupils at Xavier’s school.
Marsden made a limited appearance in the X-Men films, primarily due to his soaring career in the mid-2000s causing scheduling conflicts. Following the initial trilogy, he only reprised his role in Days of Future Past. In contrast, Cyclops character was portrayed by Tim Pocock in X-Men Origins: Wolverine and later by Tye Sheridan in X-Men: Apocalypse, The Dark Phoenix, and Deadpool 2, making four separate appearances across the franchise.
Halle Berry as Storm
Born: August 14, 1966
Age when X-Men debuted: 33
Age today: 58
In the pulsating ’80s, I kicked off my acting journey and gradually gained recognition during the mid-to-late ’90s. By the time the world was introduced to X-Men in 2000, I had already made a name for myself, with my fame escalating steadily. Stepping into the shoes of Ororo Munroe (Storm) in the X-Men universe, I portrayed a character who held her mutant identity with immense pride, occasionally advocating views that leaned towards Magneto’s, despite being aligned with Charles Xavier’s team.
Similar to many other actors from the initial movie, Berry carried on portraying her character in the first three films and X-Men: Days of Future Past. Alexandra Shipp took over the younger rendition of the character in X-Men: Apocalypse, Deadpool 2, and Dark Phoenix. Apart from her acting ventures, Berry is renowned for her activism and her position as an executive producer.
Anna Paquin as Rogue
Born: July 24, 1982
Age when X-Men debuted: 17
Age today: 42
In the X-Men series, Anna Paquin was the youngest cast member, reaching adulthood just weeks after the movie’s debut. She had started acting at a tender age, winning her first Oscar at 11 years old. In this role, she portrayed a young character whose mutant powers prevented physical contact with others without absorbing their identities and abilities. Known as Rogue in the storyline, she fled from home, encountered Wolverine, and later emerged as a significant piece in the conflict between Charles and Magneto.
In the remainder of the initial trilogy, Rogue stood out among her peers, grappling with finding a semblance of normal teenage life while possessing powers capable of causing harm to those around her. Anna Paquin reprised this role in “Days of Future Past,” but was absent from any other X-Men films as the subsequent movies were all prequels. Outside of the franchise, she is likely most recognized for portraying Sookie Stackhouse in True Blood.
Rebecca Romijn as Mystique
Born: November 6, 1972
Age when X-Men debuted: 27
Age today: 51
Rebecca Romijn initially embarked on a modeling career before transitioning into acting, gaining more prominence through her character in X-Men. In this series, she portrayed Mystique, a shape-shifting lieutenant of Magneto. Unlike other characters under his command, Mystique was known for her lively character, often teasing those around her and enjoying her unique powers.
I, a dedicated gamer, stepped back into the X-Men universe for the following two movies, and even made brief appearances in X-Men: First Class. Later on, Jennifer Lawrence assumed the role for the prequel films, sharing screen time with me in First Class and carrying the torch solo in Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse, and Dark Phoenix. Outside of my X-Men adventures, I’ve also lent my voice to Lois Lane in various DC animated universe movies, played Eve Baird in The Librarians, and taken over the Number One role across multiple Star Trek series.
Shawn Ashmore as Bobby Drake
Born: October 7, 1979
Age when X-Men debuted: 20
Age today: 44
Prior to becoming part of the X-Men film series, Shawn Ashmore had played smaller roles on television and in TV movies. One of his most notable roles was that of Jake in the Animorphs series. Yet, it was a minor role in the first X-Men movie that would pave the way for greater opportunities. At first, Bobby Drake in X-Men mainly functioned as Rogue’s love interest and sidekick; however, his character grew more substantial in subsequent films.
Ashmore has portrayed Bobby Drake in the second, third, and also the fourth X-Men films, including X-Men: Days of Future Past. More recently, he has taken on roles such as Mike Weston in The Following and Wesley Evers in The Rookie.
Bruce Davison as Senator Kelly
Born: June 28, 1946
Age when X-Men debuted: 54
Age today: 78
In the X-Men series, instead of Magneto and Charles Xavier being the first antagonists that come to mind, it was actually Senator Kelly who served as a significant adversary in the initial movie. As a vocal opponent of mutants, pushing for the Mutant Registration Act, he became a target for Magneto, thereby teaching him an important lesson about what it meant to be a mutant in the world of X-Men.
Despite being featured exclusively in the initial movie, Bruce Davison indeed reprised his role in X2, portraying a transformed character. Later, he secured various acting opportunities across films and TV shows, often playing characters in high-ranking roles like doctors, judges, and political figures.
Tyler Mane as Sabretooth
Born: December 8, 1966
Age when X-Men debuted: 33
Age today: 57
Before his role as Sabretooth in X-Men, Tyler Mane primarily made a name for himself in professional wrestling during the 1980s and 90s. Following his retirement in 1996, he transitioned into acting. In X-Men, his character was one of Magneto’s minions who posed the main physical challenge to Wolverine. His strength and feline attributes were emphasized, while aspects of his personality and character remained largely unexplored.
Because he was such a minor character in the X-Men movie series, Sabretooth only appeared in one other X-Men movie: Wolverine’s origin story. In that film, it was an alternate version of the character who was played by Liev Schreiber. However, Tyler Mane returned to the role in the recent Deadpool and Wolverine film.
Ray Park as Toad
Born: August 23, 1974
Age when X-Men debuted: 25
Age today: 50
Ray Park initially made his mark in the entertainment industry by serving as a stunt performer, benefiting greatly from his rich martial arts background. This skillset proved particularly beneficial when he took on the role of Toad in X-Men, given that the character was renowned for his nimbleness. In the movie, Toad collaborated with Sabretooth to aid Magneto in his mission to transform human politicians into mutants.
In the initial X-Men movie, Park appeared only as a character, but Toad was introduced briefly in X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Days of Future Past as well. After his debut in X-Men, Toad has since been featured in significant franchises such as taking on roles like Snake Eyes in the G. I. Joe series and Darth Maul in Star Wars.
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2024-08-29 17:32