New York Comic Con is a place where fans gather to celebrate their love for all things comic-related, and occasionally, it becomes the stage for shocking revelations and untold stories from the entertainment industry. One such revelation came to light when Matthew Vaughn, renowned for his work on films like “Kick-Ass” and the “Kingsman” series, took the stage and shared a remarkable anecdote about his involvement with the X-Men franchise. Vaughn explained how he walked away from directing “X-Men: The Last Stand” in the mid-2000s due to a fake script that an executive allegedly planned to use to trick Halle Berry into starring in the movie.
The Shocking Encounter
Matthew Vaughn’s journey into the X-Men universe began when he was hired to helm “X-Men: The Last Stand” after Bryan Singer exited the project to work on “Superman Returns.” Vaughn was excited about the opportunity to bring the beloved mutants to life on the big screen. However, little did he know that his time on the project would be marked by deception and a moral dilemma.
Vaughn recounted a pivotal moment during his tenure as director, saying, “I went into one of the executive’s offices and I saw an X3 script, and I immediately knew it was a lot fatter.” This was the beginning of a revelation that would ultimately lead to his departure from the film. He sensed that something was amiss, and as a responsible director, he couldn’t ignore it.
The Deceptive Script
Upon discovering the mysterious script, Vaughn inquired about its contents, only to be met with vague responses from the executive. Suspicion mounting, he decided to take matters into his own hands and investigate further. He flipped open the script and was met with a surprising and morally questionable storyline. The script began with the word “Africa,” and as Vaughn continued reading, it unfolded a plot involving Storm (Halle Berry’s character) using her powers to save children dying of thirst in Africa.
The Deception Unveiled
The shocking twist? This script was presented as if it were Halle Berry’s vision for her character, Storm, in the film. The implication was clear: the studio was planning to use this deceptive script to entice the Oscar-winning actress to reprise her role. Vaughn was appalled by this unethical approach and couldn’t stand by quietly.
Taking a Stand
In response to this deception, Matthew Vaughn took a bold and principled stand. He recalls his reaction: “I was like, ‘Wow, you’re gonna do that to an Oscar-winning actress who plays Storm? I’m outta here.’ So, I quit at that point.” Vaughn’s decision to walk away from the project was a testament to his integrity and his unwillingness to participate in a scheme that disrespected a talented actress and misrepresented her intentions.
Aftermath
Following Vaughn’s departure, Brett Ratner stepped in to direct “X-Men: The Last Stand.” The film did eventually come to fruition, though it received mixed reviews from fans and critics alike. Vaughn would later find his way back into the X-Men universe, directing “X-Men: First Class,” which explored the origins of the mutant team. His contribution to the franchise was well-received and showcased his unique storytelling abilities.
Matthew Vaughn’s revelation about his departure from “X-Men: The Last Stand” sheds light on the sometimes murky waters of Hollywood and the ethical dilemmas that can arise in the pursuit of a successful film. Vaughn’s decision to stand up against deception serves as a reminder that principles and integrity should never be sacrificed for the sake of a project, no matter how big or iconic it may be. His story also underscores the challenges and complexities of filmmaking behind the scenes, adding another layer to the intriguing world of superheroes and mutants in Hollywood.
Source: THR
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