NEW YORK, July 12, 2000 — The usual platoon of limousines was nowhere to be seen. Instead, the glamorous ones stepped off the ferry plank as Hollywood rolled out the red carpet on New York’s historic Ellis Island for the gala premiere of the long-awaited “X-Men” movie.
Cast members and filmmakers look thrilled to be returning to what was a key location in the film’s climax. (Though there were no evil mutants to spoil the event.)
The stars were in high spirits, chatting with film crews from all over the world, as the “X-Men” blimp circled the island and Lady Liberty. Hugh Jackman was accompanied by his beautiful wife while Halle Berry (“Storm”) and Famke Janssen (“Jean Grey”) flashed some well-toned flesh for flustered photographers.
But the flashiest fashions flanked former stuntman Ray Park (“Toad”), who was decked out in a traditional Scotish kilt in his family’s colors. (Particularly appropriate for the evening since Ellis Island served as the nation’s major immigration station from 1892 to 1924, welcoming an estimated 17 million immigrants.)
Under the watchful eye of the Statue of Liberty, cast members Patrick Stewart (Professor Xavier), Rebecca Romijn-Stamos (Mystique), Anna Paquin (Rogue), Bruce Davison (Sen. Kelly), Tyler Mane (Sabretooth) and James Marsden (Cyclops) got reacquainted, hugged and told reporters tales of their onset adventures.
The regal Ian McKellen (on break from shooting the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy) told Hollywood.com that, as an openly gay actor, he was drawn to the character of Magneto because of the films themes of intolerance.
Director Bryan Singer looked eager to take a long break after spending every waking hour of the past few months editing the film and tweaking its sensational special effects.
Stan Lee, the movie’s executive producer and proud creator of the X-Men, told us that Singer was the key to successfully bringing his babies to life onscreen.
Cyndi Lauper, Carol Alt, David Copperfield and comic book fan John Singleton were also on hand to get a first glimpse of the film as well as the catered afterparty and a fireworks spectacular that lit up the New York harbor.
