The X-Men franchise has always had a special part in the hearts of fans of the superhero genre. Over the years, the mutants have become a symbol of inclusion, rightly so. The entire credit of bringing these fan-favorite comic characters to life goes to none other than filmmaker Bryan Singer who is responsible for films like X-Men and Days of Future Past.
However, before Bryan Singer could bring these films to the screen, writer Chris Claremont had a different idea about what an X-Men film should look like. In his dream film, he would have loved to have renowned filmmaker James Cameron as the producer. In fact, Chris Claremont had a completely different casting for both Wolverine and Storm in his mind.
X-Men Writer Wanted Angela Bassett as Storm
For four of the X-Men films, out of which three had the involvement of Bryan Singer, the character of Storm was played by none other than Halle Berry, who received mixed to negative reviews for her portrayal of the fan-favorite character.
However, if it was up to comic book writer Chris Claremont who has written countless X-Men comics, there would be another actress in the shoes of Storm – Angela Bassett. Speaking with The Wrap, Claremont stated that his idea for the perfect film based on the mutants would’ve looked a bit different.
For starters, James Cameron would be the film’s producer and Kathryn Bigelow would be the director instead of Singer. As for Wolverine and Storm who were played by Hugh Jackman and Berry, Claremont would’ve chosen Bob Hoskins and Bassett. In fact, Stan Lee even pitched an X-Men film to Cameron with Bigelow to direct. However, it never came to fruition.
He stated,
“James Cameron, Bob Hoskins, Angela Bassett — ahhh. Fanboy heaven. I would have been happy as a clam. Just think about this for a minute: James Cameron’s X-Men. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow. That’s what we were playing.”
“Fanboy heaven” just might be the right term to describe this film that unfortunately never became a reality.
Angela Bassett Has Always Been a Fan Favorite for Storm
While Bassett got her chance to play a fierce woman in the superhero universe through Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Black Panther, fans would have loved to see her play Storm, at least once. Even after years, fans couldn’t help but wonder how the actress would have brought the character to life and they are almost certain that she would’ve done a groundbreaking job.
Take a look at what some hardcore fans of the X-Men franchise and Storm have to say about Bassett as Storm:
Imagine if Angela Bassett had been Storm at some point. Like, shit would’ve been fire af. pic.twitter.com/MignvOZd9f
— Afro-Namekian (@DJTreG) March 20, 2024
Seeing this makes me wish all the more we lived in the timeline where we got an Angela Bassett Storm in live action. https://t.co/L7rKU3NXtk
— kenny and the jets (@TheNoirNerd) March 20, 2024
It is a crime that we’ll never get to see Angela Bassett play her she would’ve brought Storm to life on the big screen https://t.co/tPjh4QRK4V
— 🌸Kayana Maree🌸 (@kayanamaree) March 21, 2024
I just know Angela Bassett would EAT as Storm. Though I know we’ll never see it 😫
— MarcWill (@MarcWillMade_It) March 20, 2024
The fact Angela Bassett isnt cast as storm in a live action X-men movie is a crime to humanity. #XMen97 #MCU #Marvel
— Stoney Stark (@TheStoneyNerd) March 15, 2024
Angela Bassett was born to play Storm. We were all robbed.
— Eric Ansley Diaz 🏳️🌈 (@GeekBoyEric) March 21, 2024
It looks like despite the X-Men franchise having been launched on the big screen all the way back in 2000, some wounds are just too deep to completely heal.
You can stream X-Men on Disney+.
