Tweet
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 said. "Directing 'X-Men 3' is a dream come true!"
Reports suggested that Vaughn initially withdrew from the film about a week ago, citing that he didn't want to relocate his family.
According to Variety, however, his departure might have been the result of anxiety heading into the blockbuster movie, only his second outing.
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."
X3 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.
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 said. "Directing 'X-Men 3' is a dream come true!"
Reports suggested that Vaughn initially withdrew from the film about a week ago, citing that he didn't want to relocate his family.
According to Variety, however, his departure might have been the result of anxiety heading into the blockbuster movie, only his second outing.
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."
X3 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.