Ahoy, squirts! Quint here with some interesting X3 casting news broke by the good folks over at IGN. Despite my fear of this film being fumbled I have to say that I really, really like the below casting. Strong character actors can go a long way to getting me excited about a film. Bill Duke is one of those screen personas that, when used right, can be fried gold. He is absolutely wonderful in his '80s Schwarzenegger pictures, especially PREDATOR. Michael Murphy (Angel's father) is a solid actor, but has never really stood out for me in the past... I love the casting of Olivia Williams as Dr. Moira MacTaggert.
I'd also tend to believe the IGN folks have better sources about exactly what Bill Duke's character is (see below for the full story or click here to go to IGN!!!). Back in the pre-Ratner days we were both getting similar info when it came to announcing Vinnie Jones in the film. They confirmed he was a villain, we were able to get that seconded and also that he was playing Juggernaut, which they were able to get confirmed with their sources as well. So, if they're saying Bill Duke is a politician I'd go with them, although to see him as the mastermind that created the Sentinels would rock, no doubt. I'm sure we'll see Duke be badass and smolderingly creepy no matter what.
Anyway, on with the story! Enjoy!
Exclusive X-Men 3 Casting News!
The ensemble cast adds three more.
August 15, 2005 - IGN FilmForce has confirmed a Web rumor that Predator actor Bill Duke has joined the cast of X-Men 3. Movies Online claims that Duke had been cast as the scientist who created the mutant-hunting Sentinel robots but that's not accurate. Sources indicate that Duke actually portrays a politician in The President's cabinet.
Duke's other acting credits include Payback, National Security and Red Dragon, which was directed by X3's Brett Ratner. Duke has directed such films as A Rage in Harlem, Deep Cover and Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, as well as a slew of TV series.
IGNFF has learned of some other additions to the X3 cast. Portraying the role of Warren Worthington, Sr., father of Angel (Ben Foster), is Michael Murphy (perhaps best known to fanboys as the mayor of Gotham City in Batman Returns).
Murphy was the star of Robert Altman's famous political satire, Tanner '88, and his other credits include Live From Baghdad, Manhattan and Salvador.
Finally, British actress Olivia Williams has been cast as Dr. Moira MacTaggert. The Marvel Database Project reminds us that, in the comics, the Nobel Prize-winning Moira was a former lover of Professor X's who ran a mutant research center on Muir Island in her native Scotland. She also also the mother of the mutant known as Proteus. Moira died after discovering a cure for a new strain of the Legacy virus.
Williams' credits include The Sixth Sense (as Bruce Willis' wife), Peter Pan (as Mrs. Darling), Rushmore and Below.
