Director Brett
Ratner has been hired to replace Matthew Vaughn as director of the anticipated
third sequel in the "X-Men" film series.
Vaughn dropped
the project less than a week ago for personal reason.
A comic book fan,
Ratner appeared eager to take the helms of such a huge film. He was ironically
among the viable candidates considered to direct the first "X-Men,"
which was ultimately given to Bryan Singer.
"Ever since
I was a small kid I read comic books," Ratner told AllHipHop.com. "Directing
‘X-Men 3’ is a dream come true!"
According to Variety, the
original "X-Men" stars have been signed on to shoot the third installment
of the film, in addition to Kelsey Grammar, Vinnie Jones and Maggie Grace, who
will play new mutant characters.
"Singer…set
the standards very high," said Ratner. "It will be a huge challenge
for me. But I am confident because of the excellent script I was given."
"X-Men 3"
is scheduled to open in theaters during Memorial Day weekend 2006.
Ratner was also
reportedly assumed to take on "Rush Hour 3" after directing the first
two installments of the film starring Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan.
Tucker’s reluctance
to sign his $20 million deal promptly has delayed the film’s production, and
Ratner’s hiring is expected to further hold up the film, which is likely to
miss New Line Cinema’s expected fall start and summer 2006 release dates.
Ratner rose to
prominence while a student at NYU. He was hired by Russell Simmons to direct
a video featuring Run-DMC.
In the 1990’s,
Ratner directed videos for such stars as Heavy D., Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Mariah
Carey and the Wu-Tang Clan.
Ratner has also
directed such flicks as "After the Sunset," "Rush Hour"
and "Red Dragon." Ratner also helped produce Roc-A-Fella films classic
Hip-Hop drama, "Paid in Full," the story of a Harlem drug gang.
