Feature films

X-Men (2000)

Main article: X-Men (film)

The film introduces Wolverine and Rogue into the conflict between Professor Xavier's X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants, led by Magneto. Magneto intends to mutate world leaders at a United Nations summit with a machine he has built to bring about acceptance of mutantkind, but Xavier realizes this forced mutation will only result in their deaths.
In 1994, 20th Century Fox and producer Lauren Shuler Donner bought the film rights to the X-Men.^[3] Andrew Kevin Walker was hired to write, and James Cameron expressed interest in producing.^[4] Eventually, Bryan Singer signed on to direct in July 1996. Although he was not a comic book fan, Singer was fascinated by the analogies of prejudice and discrimination that X-Men offered.^[3] John Logan, Joss Whedon, Ed Solomon, Christopher McQuarrie, and David Hayter wrote the script, with Hayter receiving sole credit.^[3][5] Principal photography began in September 1999 in Toronto, Canada, and ended in March 2000.^[6] The film was released on July 14, 2000.

X2 (2003)

Main article: X2 (film)

In the film, Colonel William Stryker brainwashes and questions the imprisoned Magneto about Professor Xavier's mutant-locating machine, Cerebro. Stryker attacks the X-Mansion and brainwashes Xavier into locating every mutant on the planet to kill them. The X-Men must team up with the Brotherhood to prevent Stryker's worldwide genocide.
Hayter and Zak Penn were hired to write their own scripts for the sequel, which Singer would pick, with an aim to release the film in December 2002.^[7][8] Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris were hired to re-write the script in February 2002, writing around 26 drafts and 150 on set.^[9] Principal photography began in June 2002 in Vancouver, Canada, and ended in November 2002. The film was released on May 2, 2003.^[7]

X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

Main article: X-Men: The Last Stand

In the film, a pharmaceutical company has developed a suppressor of the mutant gene, provoking controversy in the mutant community. Magneto declares war on the humans and retrieves his own weapon: Phoenix, who is the resurrected former X-Man Jean Grey. A final battle between the X-Men (now led by Storm) and the Brotherhood ensues, and Wolverine must accept that in order to stop Grey, he will have to kill her.
Singer initially intended to shoot the film back-to-back with a fourth film, although he left in 2004 to direct Superman Returns.^[10][11] Penn and Simon Kinberg were hired the following month. Whedon's Astonishing X-Men story "Gifted", featuring a mutant cure, was suggested for the primary story. Matthew Vaughn came on board as director in February 2005^[12] but left due to the rushed production schedule.^[13] Brett Ratner was later hired as director in June.^[14] Principal photography began in August 2005 in Vancouver, Canada, and ended in January 2006.^[15] The film was released on May 26, 2006.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

Main article: X-Men Origins: Wolverine

The film is a prequel and a spin-off focusing on the character Wolverine and his relationship with his half-brother Victor Creed, as well his time with Stryker's Team X, before and shortly after his skeleton was bonded with the indestructible metal adamantium.
David Benioff was hired to write the screenplay for the spin-off film Wolverine in October 2004.^[16] Hugh Jackman became producer as well as star and worked with Benioff on the script.^[17] Ratner was negotiated by the studio to take the helm of Wolverine after directing X-Men: The Last Stand, but no agreement was made.^[18] In July 2007, Gavin Hood was hired as director. Principal photography began in January 2008 in Queenstown, New Zealand, and ended in May.^[19] The film was released on May 1, 200