X-men Casting

Many actors were considered for roles in the film particularly Wolverine and Cyclops.

Patrick Stewart was the first and only choice for the role of Charles Xavier since his debut in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Terrence Stamp was in the running for the role of Magneto before Sir Ian McKellen was cast.

For the role of Wolverine, Gary Sinise, Mel Gibson, Russell Crowe, Viggo Mortensen, Aaron Eckhart, Edward Norton and Jean Claude Van Damme were all considered for the role. At one point in the 1990s, Glenn Danzig was approached to play Wolverine in ad hoc committee X-Men film, because he bore an uncanny resemblance to the character, as well as being the same height as Wolverine, and very muscular. However, he had to decline, due to the fact that the shooting for the film would force him to put a halt to touring with his band for nine months.. Dougray Scott was originally cast as Wolverine. But he was forced to pull out the project due to scheduling conflicts with Mission:Impossible II. Fox on the other hand wanted Keanu Reeves for the part.

For the role of Cyclops, Thomas Jane, Johnny Lee Miller, Eric Mabius, Owen Wilson, Edward Burns, Edward Norton and Jude Law were considered. Michael Biehn was at one point considered for the role back in 1989 when James Cameron was developing it. James Caviezel was originally cast but pulled out before filming began. Wrestler Kevin Nash was offered the role of Sabretooth but he turned down the role due to scheduling conflicts. Sarah Michelle Geller, Natalie Portman and Katharine Isabelle were considered for the role of Rogue. Angela Bassett was offered the role of Storm but she turned it down. Jada Pinkett Smith and Rachel Luttrell were considered for the role. Jeri Ryan and Maria Bello were considered for the role of Jean Gray.