X-Men Bombshell: The Wild Plot to Convince Halle Berry – What’s Happening Behind Your Back?

“X-Men: The Last Stand” (2006), directed by Brett Ratner, marked the conclusion of the original X-Men film trilogy, following “X-Men” (2000) and “X-Men 2” (2003). The films starred notable actors such as Hugh Jackman, Sir Patrick Stewart, Sir Ian McKellen, and Halle Berry. Berry portrayed Ororo Monroe, also known as Storm, a mutant with the ability to manipulate weather patterns.

In 2023, Matthew Vaughn, who was initially slated to direct the film, revealed that his departure from the project was influenced by a peculiar discovery regarding how the distributor, 20th Century Fox, had allegedly “trapped” the actress into returning for the sequel.

According to Vaughn, who is also known for directing “Kick-Ass” and the “Kingsman” movies, Halle Berry was enticed to act in “X-Men: The Last Stand” by a misleading script that showcased her character prominently in the opening scene. Speaking at New York Comic-Con, Vaughn told the audience, “This is a true story, and I don’t care if I’m not supposed to reveal it. Hollywood is very political and weird. I walked into an executive’s office and saw a script for X-Men 3. It was much thicker. I asked, ‘What is this draft?’ They said, ‘Don’t worry about it.’ So, I took it and opened the first page, which read: ‘Africa. Children are dying from lack of water, and Storm creates a storm to save all these children.’ I thought it was a pretty cool idea.“

Vaughn continued, “I asked, ‘What is this?’ They replied, ‘That’s Halle Berry’s script because she hasn’t signed yet. This is what she wants it to be. And once she signs, we’ll throw this script in the trash.’“

Shocked by this bold maneuver, Vaughn decided not to direct the film under such conditions: “I thought, if you’re doing this to an Oscar-winning actress who plays Storm, I quit. I stopped right there. I felt like I was cannon fodder.“

Halle Berry eventually starred in the film, seemingly unaware of the tactics used to secure her participation. After learning about Vaughn’s statements, she recently shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) from a TikTok user discussing the situation and Vaughn’s revelations.

“You just never know the shady stuff going on behind your back! Thanks to Matthew Vaughn for bringing the darkness to light,” she wrote.

Matthew Vaughn did not end up directing “X-Men: The Last Stand,” which was a box office hit, grossing approximately $459 million worldwide. Instead, he directed “Stardust.” However, he returned to direct “X-Men: First Class” in 2011.

Fans Are Clamoring for More

Halle Berry reprised her role as Storm in “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” directed by Bryan Singer in 2014. Meanwhile, fans have expressed outrage over the revelations and quickly praised Matthew Vaughn for “doing the right thing,” with some even admitting that the movie would have been better if the discarded scene had been included.

Above all, they are now eager for a movie entirely focused on Storm, should one ever be made. Underneath Berry’s post, comments can be seen such as: “They owe us a Storm movie.“

“Halle Berry, I’m ready for a Storm movie!!!!! @Disney @MarvelStudios, it’s time!!!!“

“We’ve long needed a solo Storm movie, this should light the fire,” also commented Yons, a Grammy-winning producer, musician, and composer.

When interviewed last September about possibly returning as Storm in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Berry had stated, “I don’t know if I’m coming back. Maybe one day, we’ll see.” There remains hope.

The X-Men saga is available for streaming on Disney+.