Our X-MEN mini-series continues as we analyze the conclusion to the first trilogy of films, 2006’s X-Men: The Last Stand.

Anticipation was high for the follow-up to the acclaimed X2, but with Bryan Singer leaving the franchise to direct Superman Returns, leaving Fox to find a new director in a hurry. When that director ultimately left as well, they were forced to hire Brett Ratner at the last possible moment. In addition to director woes, the shooting script was leaked and reviewed poorly online, with complaints leveled against the film’s multiple storylines including its handling of the fan favorite Dark Phoenix storyline, and its mistreatment of many of its characters. Basically, 2006 was not a great time to be an X-Men fan.

Joining Nick and Scott to talk about what went wrong and why is podcasters and X3 defender, Norman Mitchell (Lord of the Rings Minute).

CONTENT WARNING: This episode features frank discussions about some of the allegations of abusive behavior against Brett Ratner, through the testimony of his victims. While there are many allegations against Ratner, we focused on the events leading to and surrounding the making of this particular film.

Send us your X-MEN-related memories, questions, or feelings and we’ll read them in the next Betweenisode! [email protected]

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Edited by Scott Tofte