“X-MEN: APOCALYPSE” REIGNS SUPREME AT THE PHILS.BOX-OFFICE PHP 230 MILLION ON OPENING WEEKEND

20th Century Fox’s “X-Men: Apocalypse” reigns supreme at the box-office with its PhP 230 million opening weekend (first five days) in the Philippines in 476 screens. It also dominated and opened number one on its first day of release (opened May 18) in the country with PhP 45 million in box-office receipts.

In the Philippines, “X-Men: Apocalypse” has taken the franchise to new heights with its strong box-office results. It now holds as the Biggest Fox Opening Weekend All-Time, tracking 131% higher than “X-Men: Days of Future Past.” It is also now the Biggest Non-Holiday May Opening Weekend All-Time. Ultimately, “X-Men: Apocalypse” records show that it is now the Biggest Opening Weekend in the X-Men franchise.



In addition to its opening weekend box-office results, it has become the Biggest Fox Opening Day All-Time, Biggest Non-Holiday May Opening All-Time and the Biggest Opening Day in the X-Men franchise. “X-Men: Apocalypse” also cemented its apocalyptic power on Philippine soil as it now stands as the 2nd Biggest Opening Weekend for the year, after “Captain America: Civil War.”



“X-Men: Apocalypse’s” powerful presence recorded strong box-office receipts from the following top twenty (20) cinemas: SM MEGAMALL (11million), SM MALL OF ASIA (10.1M); TRINOMA (8.1M); SM NORTH EDSA/THE BLOCK (8M); GLORIETTA (6.2M); POWERPLANT (4.3M); SM CEBU (4.3M); GREENBELT 3 (4.1M); GATEWAY CINEPLEX (3.99M); ALABANG TOWN CENTER (3.95M); BONIFACIO HIGHSTREET (3.8M); AYALA CEBU (3.6M); THEATREMALL (3.6M); SHANG CINEPLEX (3.38M); MARKET!MARKET! (3.31M); EASTWOOD (3.25M); ROBINSON’S MAGNOLIA (3.15M); SM AURA (3.13M); UPTOWN (3.03M); NEWPORT (2.7M).



Indeed record-breaking, “X-Men: Apocalypse’s” Phil. box-office feat is also cited in major news organizations as one of the top performing markets in international territories. As reported in www.Variety.com "The launch featured the biggest Fox opening weekend ever in half a dozen markets including Philippines ($4.9 million), India ($3.5 million), Indonesia ($3.1 million), Singapore ($3 million), Thailand ($2.7 million) and Colombia ($1.9 million).”

Bryan Singer’s return at the helm of the franchise in “X-Men: Apocalypse” along with beloved mutant characters pitted against the most powerful of their kind has generated coherent rave buzz among its fan base round the globe despite polarizing reviews from some critics. “X-Men: Apocalypse” brings returning and new characters on the big screen led by James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Evan Peters and Rose Byrne with young and equally powerful mutants played by Sophie Turner, Ben Hardy, Tye Sheridan, Alexandra Shipp. Kodi Smit-McPhee and Oscar Isaac. In the movie, the invincible and immortal Apocalypse is set free after being entombed for several millennia. Enraged that his kind are no longer treated as gods, Apocalypse assembles a team of powerful mutants, including a disheartened Magneto, to destroy humankind and create a new world order, over which he will reign. To end Apocalypse’s path of global destruction, Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) and Professor X (James McAvoy) lead a team of young X-Men in an epic showdown with a seemingly unstoppable enemy.



“X-Men: Apocalypse” is now showing in cinemas across the Philippines from 20th Century Fox distributed by Warner Bros. Available in 2D, 3D, 4D and IMAX screens nationwide.

“X-MEN: APOCALYPSE” MIDNIGHT SCREENINGS ON MAY 18 – Wednesday

The most awaited epic battle of mutants in “X-Men: Apocalypse” is about to unfold on the big screen on May 18, Wednesday in (midnight screening) selected cinemas – Alabang Town Center, Greenbelt 3, Glorietta 4, Trinoma, SM Aura, SM BF, SM Fairview, SM Light Mall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Marikina, SM Marilao, SM Megamall, SM Molino, SM North Edsa, SM Southmall, SM Clark, The Block, Century Mall, Commerce Center, Eastwood, Evia, Newport, Starmall Taguig, Uptown, Abreeza Davao, SM Cebu, SM Lanang and Gaisano Davao.


In “X-Men: Apocalypse,” we find our favorite group of mutants in 1983, dealing with more than just the fashions of the time. An ancient, powerful and extremely angry creature named Apocalypse has awakened after millennia spent slumbering, decided that our civilization is too corrupt to survive and must be destroyed so he can restore proper order. Charles Xavier must rally his young students for the fight of their lives against not just Apocalypse, but also his powerful Four Horsemen, one of which just happens to be Erik “Magneto” Lensherr.



Opening on May 18 nationwide directed by Bryan Singer, “X-Men: Apocalypse” stars James McAvoy as Charles Xavier/Professor X, Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique/Raven, Michael Fassbender as Erik Lensherr/Magneto, Oscar Isaac as Apocalypse, Olivia Munn as Psylocke, Alexandra Shipp as Storm, Ben Hardy as Angel, Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, Tye Sheridan as Scott Summers/Cyclops, Nicholas Hoult Hank McCoy/Beast, Evan Peters as Quicksilver, Kodi Smit-McPhee as Nightcrawler, Lana Condor as Jubilee and Rose Byrne as Moira McTaggert.

JENNIFER LAWRENCE BACK IN BATTLE FORM AS MYSTIQUE IN “X-MEN: APOCALYPSE”

It has been 10 years since the heroes of “X-Men: Days Of Future Past” saved humanity and themselves from threats within and without. Now, in “X-Men: Apocalypse,” things are – at least for people like Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) – a little more settled. Humanity is aware of the mutants living among them and relations have been, for the most part, peaceful. But all that changes when the ancient, incredibly powerful mutant known as Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac) awakens in the early 1980s and begins to destroy the world as we know it, convinced that he can create civilization again the way he thinks it should be. With Bryan Singer once more directing, “X-Men: Apocalypse” promises a huge global adventure and another thrilling mission for the world’s favorite mutants.

The world of 1983 also has undergone upheavals in the treatment of mutants. This next stage of human evolution is now accepted by most—but not all—of humanity, thanks to the heroism of Raven/Mystique, who (as seen in “X-Men: Days of Future Past”) prevented the assassination of the U.S. president and a war between mutants and humans.

Jennifer Lawrence is back as Raven aka Mystique, a blue-skinned shapeshifter, is seeking her true purpose, as well as elusive self-acceptance. In the years leading up to “X-Men: Apocalypse,” she had tried to stay hidden from the world, shunning her celebrity as the face of hope and change for the new, mutant-integrated world. She resists bearing the weight of that label, and feels much of her past doesn’t warrant the world’s perception of her as a hero.

Now, Raven is living by her own code and working independently as an underground mutant savior, to fight against the remaining instances of human exploitation of mutants and save those still being persecuted.



“The character is more ‘Raven’ than ‘Mystique’ in this story because she cannot be her true mutant self in a world that she feels is still not as mutant-friendly as it’s perceived to be,” says Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence, who first played the role in “X-Men: First Class” and then reprised it in “Days of Future Past.” “That’s why she has basically been Raven since the events of the previous films, so no one would know she’s that mutant. When we meet her in this film, she’s been living a covert life as Raven.” Raven’s mission to help mutants where she can culminates in her leading the X-Men in a massive battle with Apocalypse. But first she is reunited with the two men with whom she is closest, and with whom she shares a complex and evolving history: Charles Xavier (aka Professor X) and Erik Lensherr (Magneto). Raven and Charles have a long history together and were part of the original X-Men team. In the subsequent years they grew apart, separated by both distance and philosophies.



Costume designer Louise Mingenbach drew upon the resources and inventory of numerous costume rental houses in the U.S. and Montréal and scoured retail vintage stores across North America to find thousands of wardrobe items needed to dress performers in 1980s apparel from Cairo, East Germany, and the U.S. For Jennifer Lawrence, Mingenbach took into account Raven’s modus operandi: “She’s fighting for a cause and is not particularly concerned with how she looks,” says the designer. She found Lawrence a “Chrissie Hynde type” studded leather jacket and an old rock-‘n-roll t-shirt. “1983 was the great era of the rocker chick,” says Mingenbach, “and that kind of look reflected Raven’s rebellious nature.”



It’s mutants vs. mutants when “X-Men: Apocalypse” opens May 18 in cinemas nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros. (also available in 3D and IMAX)

MOST VISUALLY AMBITIOUS CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE IN “X-MEN: APOCALYPSE” ON MAY 18

Set a decade after the events of “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” the latest “X-Men: Apocalypse” that will open on May 18 in Philippine cinemas finds the mutants in 1983 living their own lives. Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) has his school for gifted youngsters up and running, and has some promising new students he’s guiding as they figure out their lives. Erik “Magneto” Lensherr (Michael Fassbender) is living a quiet family life in Poland, while Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) is eschewing her mutant side, worried that humanity still doesn’t completely accept them. Their world is thrown into chaos when an incredibly powerful, ancient mutant named Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac) awakens and decides that the world has taken a turn for the worse and decides to destroy civilization and create it again in his own image.

Taking the cinematic experience to the highest level this time, “X-Men: Apocalypse” will also be available in 3D and IMAX screens where director Bryan Singer brings the X-men in an epic showdown with their most powerful unstoppable enemy.

Given Apocalypse’s vision of global destruction, it’s no surprise that this is the most visually ambitious of X-Men pictures. “We’re not only traveling the world, we’re talking about the potential end of the world, and perhaps the end of the universe,” says director of photography Newton Thomas Sigel, who previously collaborated with Singer on DOFP, X2, and X-MEN, among other films. Adds Oscar Isaac, who plays the seminal figure: “The stage is set for an epic mutant versus mega-mutant war. The battle between the X-Men and Apocalypse is insane!”

Apocalypse’s 5,000-year slumber began when civilization was at its peak; his sleep ends when it’s arguably at its nadir. Having grown up in eighties, producer Simon Kinberg understood how it was marked by excess, as seen in the hair styles, fashion, and automobiles. “In 1983, Apocalypse rises from the perfection of ancient Egyptian culture into an over-populated, polluted, nuclear-threatened culture,” he says. “So his motivation is understandable, though his methods and goals are extreme.”

Oscar Isaac, who took on the role of Apocalypse following his star turn as the heroic pilot Poe Dameron in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and the avant-garde artificial intelligence creator in “Deus Ex Machina” calls the character nothing less than “the creative/destructive force of this earth. When things seem like they’re no longer evolving—like they did in the 1980s—he destroys those civilizations.”

The character’s makeup effects included a forehead piece, a nose and cheek piece, a jaw and chin piece, a headpiece, a neck piece and even a helmet. “The only body part that wasn’t covered was Isaac’s eyeballs,” jokes specialty makeup designer Brian Sipe. “With a head dress and neck piece, as well as a twenty piece costume, the entire process was “like a giant jigsaw puzzle,” he adds. One of the prominent features in the Apocalypse design is the metallic-looking “dreads.” The challenge was making the suit “look heroic on a normal man’s body while allowing the actor to maintain mobility and conform,” says Sipe. They also had to keep Isaac cool in hot and humid Montreal summer weather. “We used a system called Cool Shirt,” Sipe continues. “It’s a cooling system similar to what race car drivers use; Oscar was plugged into ice water whenever he wasn’t filming to maintain a comfortable temperature.”

Prepare for a war like no other when “X-Men: Apocalypse” opens May 18 in cinemas from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

THE FOUR HORSEMEN UNLEASHED IN THIS YEAR’S BIGGEST BATTLE SPECTACLE “X-MEN: APOCALYPSE”

The critically hailed blockbuster “X-Men: Days of Future Past” was a tough act to follow. Following his acclaimed work, director Bryan Singer takes the franchise to new heights with “X-Men: Apocalypse,” in which the X-Men battle the original and most powerful mutant -- Apocalypse.

 Staged in 1983, the invincible and immortal Apocalypse is set free after being entombed for several millennia. Enraged that his kind are no longer treated as gods, Apocalypse assembles a team of powerful mutants, including a disheartened Magneto (Michael Fassbender), to destroy humankind and create a new world order, over which he will reign. To end Apocalypse’s path of global destruction, Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) and Professor X (James McAvoy) lead a team of young X-Men in an epic showdown with a seemingly unstoppable enemy.

Once again fueled by rage and revenge, Magneto is vulnerable to Apocalypse’s offer to join him as one of his newly-reformed Four Horsemen. Inspired by the biblical vision of Four Horsemen, who unleash a divine apocalypse upon the world, Apocalypse’s Four Horsemen are minion mutants who, says Fassbender, “are living on the margins and have been ostracized or bullied.”

Apocalypse’s Four Horseman, circa 1983, are: Magneto, Psylocke (Olivia Munn), Angel (Ben Hardy) and Storm (Alexandra Shipp). Psylocke is a powerful telepath and trained ninja assassin. Introduced as the bodyguard for Caliban, an underground mutant tracker, Apocalypse senses Psylocke’s power and persuades her to join his cause. “She’s a fascinating character,” says Munn. “Unlike many of her fellow mutants, who kill only when they must, Psylocke has always enjoyed killing, or at least she has no problem doing it.”

Storm (whose given name is Ororo Monroe) is an orphan raised as a thief on the streets of Cairo. Storm possesses the ability to control all aspects of the weather. Storm can also fly, thanks to her ability to control wind currents. While she will become one of the most valued leaders of the X-Men, the Storm we meet in this film is struggling with who she is, before Apocalypse convinces her to join his team. “This Storm is more reckless and emotionally driven than the adult Storm we know from the previous X-Men films, starring Halle Berry,” says Shipp. “She’s confused about who she wants to be, and her lack of opportunity leads her to join Apocalypse as one of his modern Horsemen.”

The Fourth Horseman is Angel, whose mutation gave him large wings and the ability to fly. Angel’s agility, strength and reflexes make him a lethal hand-to-hand combatant. In “X-Men: Apocalypse,” after suffering severe damage to his wings, Angel is like an angry punk rocker. He’s a drunk, disheveled mess, and surviving out of pure instinct. Angel is approached by Apocalypse, who gives him the opportunity to channel his anger and join his Horsemen. In exchange for his allegiance, Apocalypse repairs Angel’s wings by transforming them into a techno-organic metal, which allows him to shoot deadly razor projectiles from his now indestructible wings. Ben Hardy, who takes flight as Angel, knew the character is one of the most anticipated by fans, and worked hard to bring Angel to life. That included a training regimen that was no less demanding than Hugh Jackman’s muscle-pumping workouts for his appearances as Wolverine. Hardy trained six days a week and followed a strict diet, “to look as superhuman as possible,” he says. For flying scenes, Hardy trained for and executed many complicated stunt wire-work, an often dizzying experience. “I mean, to be 30 feet in the air and swoop down was like being on a rollercoaster all day,” says Hardy.

 
The most awaited epic battle begins when “X-Men: Apocalypse” opens May 18 in cinemas nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

LEGENDARY BATTLE WITH THE MOST POWERFUL MUTANT IN “X-MEN: APOCALYPSE”

Following the critically acclaimed global smash hit “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” director Bryan Singer returns with the most awaited “X-Men: Apocalypse” that will open in cinemas (Phils.) on May 18 nationwide from 20th Century Fox. 

Since the dawn of civilization, Apocalypse was worshiped as a god. Apocalypse, played by Oscar Isaac, is the first and most powerful mutant from Marvel’s X-Men universe who amassed the powers of many other mutants, becoming immortal and invincible. Upon awakening after thousands of years, he is disillusioned with the world as he finds it and recruits a team of powerful mutants, including a disheartened Magneto (Michael Fassbender), to cleanse mankind and create a new world order, over which he will reign. As the fate of the Earth hangs in the balance, Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) with the help of Professor X (James McAvoy) must lead a team of young X-Men to stop their greatest nemesis and save mankind from complete destruction.

10 years after the events of “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” “X-Men: Apocalypse” will show Mystique, a.k.a Raven, now helping to rescue oppressed mutants, including a young Nightcrawler. When she discovers that the titular antagonist has recruited Erik Lensherr (Michael Fassbender) to his cause, she will reunite with Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) so they can help their old friend.

Facing their biggest and ultimate nemesis in “X-Men: Apocalypse,” the X-Men sees an ancient, incredibly formidable mutant awaken from thousands of years of slumber who decides that the world of the 1980s needs a giant reset.

Bringing to life this complicated, godlike figure is the talented Oscar Isaac. Since his big break in 2002’s “All About The Benjamins,” Isaac has been working consistently in film, appearing in the likes of “Body Of Lies,” “Sucker Punch,” “The Bourne Legacy,” “Inside Llewyn Davis,” “A Most Violent Year,” and in 2015 alone, made a huge impact in both “Ex Machina” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

Taking a stand to fight for what they believe that humankind is worth saving, the X-Men unite in the most awaited face-off in the heroes’ universe. Lawrence for her part considers “X-Men: Apocalypse” being the biggest scale of any X-Men film. “I’m really excited for people to see a fuller realization of the X-Men – Charles, Hank, Peter, but also Jean and Scott. This movie is like the origin of the first official X-Men, and that’s an epic story to tell on film,” Lawrence enthuses.

Donning the most fearsome villain as Apocalypse, Isaac who takes on the titular character, is a big X-Men comics fan. “I was a big X-Men comics fan! I collected X-Factor in particular, which I really liked, and which features the first appearance of Apocalypse. It’s actually because of that, because of how much I loved the character, that when I found out that they were making an X-Men movie with Apocalypse as the villain, I sought it out. I was very curious about what they were going to do with it. The film’s on a huge scale; this is the biggest one yet,” shares Isaac.

“X-Men: Apocalypse” is directed by Bryan Singer and brings together an impressive ensemble of actors starring Jennifer Lawrence as Raven/Mystique, Michael Fassbender as Magneto, James McAvoy as Charles Xavier, Rose Byrne as Moira MacTaggert, Evan Peters as Quicksilver, Nicholas Hoult as Beast, Lucas Till as Havoc, Josh Helman as Bill Stryker, Oscar Isaac as Apocalypse, Tye Sheridan as Cyclops, Alexandra Shipp as Storm, Kodi Smit-Mcphee as Nightcrawler, Ben Hardy as Angel, Lana Condor as Jubilee and Olivia Munn as Psylocke.

ULTIMATE VILLAIN RISES IN “X-MEN: APOCALYPSE” - LATEST INTERNATIONAL TRAILER REVEAL

The ultimate X-Men villain rises in the biggest battle of beloved superheroes in “X-Men: Apocalypse” as seen in the latest official international trailer reveal.

Directed by blockbuster filmmaker Bryan Singer “X-Men: Apocalypse” features returning mutants Raven/Mystique played by Jennifer Lawrence, Magneto (Michael Fassbender), Charles Xavier (James McAvoy), Moira MacTaggert (Rose Byrne), Quicksilver (Evan Peters), Beast (Nicholas Hoult), Havoc (Lucas Till) and Bill Stryker (Josh Helman). The movie also introduces up and coming actors Oscar Isaac who plays Apocalypse, Tye Sheridan as Cyclops, Alexandra Shipp as Storm, Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, Kodi Smit-McPhee as Nightcrawler, Ben Hardy as Angel, Lana Condor as Jubilee and Olivia Munn as Psylocke.



“X-Men: Apocalypse” will bring the audience into a world never-before-seen as they try to stop their greatest nemesis in his plan of global destruction. Being the first original mutant from Marvel’s X-Men universe, Apocalypse is also the most powerful who amassed many of the other mutants’ powers making him immortal and invincible. Awakening thousands of years after, he assembles his own team of mutants which he calls The Four Horsemen – War (Magneto), Death (Angel), Pestilence (Psylocke) and Famine (Storm) to help him annihilate the world. To stop Apocalypse’s path of global destruction, Raven/Mystique and Professor X must convince Magneto to abandon Apocalypse and join them and a new team of young X-Men.



An epic showdown is about to happen in cinemas nationwide this May 18 (in the Philippines) when the X-men confronts their most legendary and most powerful enemy in “X-Men: Apocalypse,” from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.



Check out the latest trailer reveal here:

Check out X-MEN: APOCALYPSE – OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL TRAILER #2

An epic showdown is about to happen in cinemas nationwide this May 18 (in the Philippines) when the X-men confronts their most legendary and most powerful enemy in “X-Men: Apocalypse,” from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros. 

"X-MEN: APOCALYPSE" FIRST FULL TRAILER REVEAL (20th Century Fox)

"X-MEN: APOCALYPSE" FIRST FULL TRAILER REVEAL

Following the critically acclaimed global smash hit "X-Men: Days of Future Past," director Bryan Singer returns with "X-Men: Apocallypse." Since the dawn of civilization, he was worshipped as a god. Apocalypse, the
first and most powerful mutant from Marvel’s X-Men universe, amassed the powers of many other mutants, becoming immortal and invincible. Upon awakening after thousands of years, he is disillusioned with the world
as he finds it and recruits a team of powerful mutants, including a disheartened Magneto (Michael Fassbender), to cleanse mankind and create a new world order, over which he will reign. As the fate of the Earth
hangs in the balance, Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) with the help of Professor X (James McAvoy) must lead a team of young X-Men to stop their greatest nemesis and save mankind from complete destruction.

"X-Men: Apocalypse" stars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Oscar Isaac, Nicholas Hoult, Rose Byrne, Tye Sheridan, Sophie Turner, Olivia Munn, Lucas Till, Evan Peters, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Alexandra Shipp, Josh Helman, Lana Condor, Ben Hardy.

"X-Men: Apocalypse" opens in Philippine cinemas May 18, 2016 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

X-MEN: APOCALYPSE – OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL TRAILER #1/ IN CINEMAS MAY 18

20th Century Fox: DANIEL RADCLIFFE GIVES HUNCHBACK IGOR A NEW TWIST AND FACE IN “VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN”

The boy who lived, Daniel Radcliffe, who is best known for his recurring successful titular role in the highly-successful “Harry Potter” movies brings the audience for another thrilling ride in his latest adult role as the hunchback Igor in “Victor Frankenstein.”  

In the movie, Radcliffe is the hunchback Igor, who lived despite the terrible treatment he’s had from the circus handlers he’s worked for and even defied death upon meeting a brilliant yet sociopath scientist “Victor Frankenstein” (James McAvoy taking on the titular role). As The Hunchback, a lowly circus clown and dogsbody in the early part of the film, who, when he meets scientist Victor Frankenstein (James McAvoy) is transformed into Igor after Frankenstein performs a simple procedure to cure his disfigurement. Igor had spent his entire life in the circus, working as a clown. Although he’s much maligned and even abused by the owner and his fellow performers, Igor has become a gifted surgeon, healing injured performers and animals.

“Victor Frankenstein is regarded as a literary gem and it has a long cinematic tradition too stretching back almost 100 years. Both the book and previous films have, at least in part, inspired the new Victor Frankenstein,” says Radcliffe.

Director Paul McGuigan was especially drawn to screenwriter Max Landis’ decision to tell the story through Igor’s eyes. That notion points to a key misperception about the character and his role in Frankenstein lore. Igor was not a character in Mary Shelley’s book, nor did he appear in most of the subsequent film interpretations. Actor Dwight Frye’s hunchbacked lab assistant in James Whale’s “Frankenstein” (1931) is the main source for the “Igor” of public imagination, though the character he played was actually named Fritz. Most moviegoers know the character through Marty Feldman’s performance in Mel Brooks’ beloved comedy “Young Frankenstein,” though Feldman’s character insists on being called “Eye-gore.”

Victor’s friendship with Igor is one of equals. Igor’s knowledge of anatomy instantly impresses the scientist, who takes Igor under his wing. Even as Igor is in many ways Victor’s first creation, Victor learns much from his friend and assistant. Notes Radcliffe: “Igor has a very rich, intellectual life and, if he’s not the academic equal of Victor, he’s certainly a partner in terms of what they’re creating.”

“Victor lifts Igor out of those horrible conditions, which sets up an interesting dynamic in their relationship,” says Radcliffe. “He has created a new life for Igor. As Igor and Victor embark on this journey together, Victor starts losing his mind, and Igor tries to pull him back from the edge of insanity. But how do you stand up to somebody after they’ve given you everything? So, there’s an imbalance and tension in their relationship that is fascinating to me.”

It’s an action adventure “thrill ride,” says the actor but it also has themes that will resonate with a contemporary audience. Victor Frankenstein, aided by Igor, sets out to create life itself – to play God – and in the process brings a monster into the world.

Like Victor, Igor is a man of action. “Igor is quite well matched with Victor, in terms of physicality,” says Radcliffe. That translated into a lot of what Radcliffe calls “chucking each other around,” including the aforementioned and vigorous hunchback-removing procedure.

“Victor Frankenstein” opens November 25 in cinemas nationwide from to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Victor Frankenstein - 30s TV Spot - Youtube

“Victor Frankenstein” opens November 25 in cinemas nationwide from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

20th Century Fox: JAMES MCAVOY REVERSES DEATH, CHALLENGES DESTINY IN “VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN”

James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe star in VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN, a dynamic and thrilling twist on a legendary tale. Radical scientist Victor Frankenstein (McAvoy) and his equally brilliant protégé Igor Strausman (Radcliffe) share a noble vision of aiding humanity through their groundbreaking research into immortality. But Victor’s experiments go too far, and his obsession has horrifying consequences. Only Igor can bring his friend back from the brink of madness and save him from his monstrous creation.

The production made creative use of the storms for one of the film’s iconic scenes, the creation of the monster, and for its most impressive set: the interior of the castle and laboratory, where Victor brings his “experiment” to life.

While inspired by Mary Shelley’s classic novel and the countless interpretations of that story, screenwriter Max Landis’ “regeneration” focuses on Victor and his best friend and assistant Igor. In fact, it’s the first story to be told largely from Igor’s perspective.

Fun and dangerous, yes, but he’s also, brilliant, obsessed – and a sociopath. As Victor walks a fine light between lightness and darkness, and between life and death, only Igor can keep him from a descent into madness from which there’ll be no return. “Victor Frankenstein” is also, notes James McAvoy, a love letter to the myriad films featuring those characters and themes. “This film has many of the familiar elements you expect to see in a Frankenstein movie, but adds unexpected dimensions of character, relationships and entertainment.”

“Victor and Igor are at the forefront of scientific and medical research,” notes McAvoy. “But just because they can cheat death, should they do it? “I think Victor’s intentions are good,” he continues. “He’s looking to improve the human condition, which is very fragile. Victor is trying to make it more robust and, ideally, eliminate death, which has been a human obsession for ages.”

To McAvoy, a character with such world-changing ambitions would not be a lab rat holding course at a chalkboard. He’d be nothing less than a force of nature. “Victor just doesn’t stop moving. He’s a creator of machines, as well as of a man, plus a skilled engineer and an accomplished surgeon.”

“Every time Daniel and I had a scene together, we’d ask each other, ‘How physical and dangerous-looking can we make this? Come on, man!,’” says McAvoy. “We are similar in energy levels and physical ability, so we just kind of went at each other, 12 hours each day. Adds Radcliffe: “James is a bold actor and really hits the ground running in an exciting way. That enabled us to make some interesting choices together.”

McAvoy relates that, “Whenever somebody asked me what I was doing at the moment (during production of “Victor Frankenstein”), I would say, I’m playing Frankenstein, and they’d reply, ‘You’re a little short to be playing the monster.’ And I’d correct them and say, ‘No, no, it’s the doctor.’ So, yeah, we’re giving the name back to Dr. Vic.”

A pivotal moment for both Victor and Igor is an early scene where Victor straightens Igor’s hunchback, which McGuigan says is “a metaphor for the entire movie.” Having rescued Igor from a London circus, Victor takes him to his flat and within minutes throws Igor against the wall and produces a massive syringe with which he performs a lightning-fast medical procedure on his new “patient.” Moments later, Igor’s hunchback is corrected. “If you think you knew Victor, the first few minutes of the film will prove you don’t,” says McGuigan. “He’s dangerous and fun to watch.”



 

“Victor Frankenstein” arrives in theatres this November 25 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

20th Century Fox - GIVING DR. VIC HIS FRANKENSTEIN IN JAMES MCAVOY & DANIEL RADCLIFFE’S MONSTER OF A MOVIE N “VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN”

Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy star in “Victor Frankenstein,” a dynamic and thrilling twist on a legendary tale. Radical scientist Victor Frankenstein (McAvoy) and his equally brilliant protégé Igor Strausman (Radcliffe) share a noble vision of aiding humanity through their groundbreaking research into immortality. But Victor’s experiments go too far, and his obsession has horrifying consequences. Only Igor can bring his friend back from the brink of madness and save him from his monstrous creation.

“Victor Frankenstein” is a “Frankenstein” movie unlike any other. While inspired by Mary Shelley’s classic novel and the countless interpretations of that story, screenwriter Max Landis’ “regeneration” focuses on the relationship between Victor and his best friend and assistant Igor. In fact, it’s the first story to be told largely from Igor’s perspective. “It’s a love story between these two mean, really,” notes director Paul McGuigan. “Victor and Igor need each other; in fact, Victor needs Igor probably more than Igor needs Victor in his life.”

Moreover, the film, though set in 1860, at the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, has a contemporary sensibility. “I don’t think of it as a period film,” says Daniel Radcliffe, “but as being completely modern. Victor and Igor have cutting-edge ideas; they’re the tip of the spear. They view science as being more than just observational. They believe it could be creative and re-shape the world.

“I like the film’s irreverent tone and how it avoids being Victorian and ‘buttoned-up,’” Radcliffe continues. “Victor and Igor are forward thinking.” Adds McGuigan: “These two young men are changing the world.”

“Victor Frankenstein” is also, notes James McAvoy, a love letter to the myriad films featuring those characters and themes. “This film has many of the familiar elements you expect to see in a Frankenstein movie, but adds unexpected dimensions of character, relationships and entertainment.”

“Max Landis has done nothing less than capture the zeitgeist of all the Frankenstein movies he’s watched,” says McGuigan. “He’s cherry-picked ideas and created his own ‘monster,’ so to speak.”

McGuigan was especially drawn to Landis’ decision to tell the story through Igor’s eyes. That notion points to a key misperception about the character and his role in Frankenstein lore. Igor was not a character in Mary Shelley’s book, nor did he appear in most of the subsequent film interpretations. Actor Dwight Frye’s hunchbacked lab assistant in James Whale’s “Frankenstein” (1931) is the main source for the “Igor” of public imagination, though the character he played was actually named Fritz. Most moviegoers know the character through Marty Feldman’s performance in Mel Brooks’ beloved comedy “Young Frankenstein,” though Feldman’s character insists on being called “Eye-gore.”

A different kind of moniker mix-up accompanies Victor himself. Many people attribute that name to the monster, instead of its creator – the good doctor. “So we give the name ‘Frankenstein’ back to the scientist – to Victor Frankenstein,” says McGuigan.

McAvoy relates that, “Whenever somebody asked me what I was doing at the moment (during production of Victor Frankenstein), I would say, I’m playing Frankenstein, and they’d reply, ‘You’re a little short to be playing the monster.’ And I’d correct them and say, ‘No, no, it’s the doctor.’ So, yeah, we’re giving the name back to Dr. Vic.”

 

“Victor Frankenstein” opens November 25 in cinemas nationwide from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

REANIMATING A MOVIE MONSTER IN “VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN”

Filming a re-imagining of Frankenstein was, jokes director Paul McGuigan, rather like giving life to a movie monster. McGuigan, admirably lauded for his thrilling works in exceptional movies with A-list actors such as Bruce Willis, Josh Hartnett and Ben Kingsley in “Lucky Number Slevin,” Chris Evans and Dakota Fanning in “Push,” Tom Hardy, Paul Bettany and Willem Dafoe in “The Reckoning,” Paul Bettany and David Thewlis in “Gangster No. 1” and “Wicker Park” with Josh Hartnett and Rose Byrne and who has also directed several episodes of the acclaimed BBC television series Sherlock, which stars Benedict Cumberbatch now helms an electrifying monster of a movie in “Victor Frankenstein” starring James McAvoy (“X-Men” films) and Daniel Radcliffe (“Harry Potter” films) as loyal allies at a time when scientific breakthroughs from the period’s greatest minds are at its peak.

Mary Shelley’s classic Gothic novel about the eccentric scientist, Victor Frankenstein, and his quest to create life, was first published in 1818 and has captivated generations of readers and later, cinema audiences, ever since. At the core of this new Frankenstein story – just like with (Sherlock) Holmes and Watson – is the friendship between Frankenstein and Igor.

McAvoy plays Doctor Victor Frankenstein a brilliant scientist at the forefront of pioneering medical research. He wants to save lives and then becomes obsessed with the idea of creating life itself. Igor – a character that first appeared in movie versions of the story, but was not in the novel – is a lowly, downtrodden, disfigured clown at a travelling circus where his only friend is a trapeze artist, the beautiful Lorelei (played by Jessica Brown Findlay).

“He starts off in the script just known as ‘the hunchback’, and he works at the circus,” explains Radcliffe. “He’s grown up there, and he’s worked there all his life. His retreat, mentally, is to surround himself with medical books, medical dictionaries. He’s self-taught, very intelligent, and incredibly capable.

“One day, when there is an accident at the circus and Lorelei falls, he rushes out to treat her. Victor happens to be there and sees him performing impromptu surgery. He saves this person’s life, with Victor’s help, and that’s how they meet. At that point Victor obviously sees that he is this undervalued, abused, savant, who has been treated terribly.”

With a screenplay by Max Landis, McGuigan and his stellar ensemble cast – including James McAvoy as Frankenstein and Daniel Radcliffe as Igor – filmed their version of Frankenstein at Longcross Studios, and on location in the UK. It was, the director admits, challenging. “We have animatronics, we have action, we have electricity and lightning and, of course, we have a monster – things that are quite inventive and on paper you go ‘yeah, that would be a good idea…’ and then you have to figure out how to do it. So it’s been a big challenge, but it’s been fun, too.”

McGuigan’s says that Landis has taken the essence of the book – and elements of Frankenstein’s rich cinema history – and created a unique take on the story. “It’s taking the core themes of the book – the re-birthing idea, bringing the dead back to life and the science of that and the moral issues it brings up and all of those things – but at the same time we’ve kind of shied away from being quite heavily over wrought with melodrama, which Mary Shelley’s book was.

“We have plenty of spectacle in the film but we are not the $200 million movie that people are going to put their 3D glasses on to watch; this is done old school and a lot of the effects are done through the camera, we blow up things through the camera. And in that way it’s been quite exhausting and the boys have done their own action, which has been fantastic. When you have two great actors like this, you want to see them do this stuff and they do it. It’s great,” McGuigan reveals.

See the monster come alive in “Victor Frankenstein” when it opens November 25 in cinemas from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.