Kelsey Grammer joins 'X-Men 3'

Posted Friday, May 20, 2005 at 4:30 PM Central

by John Couture

Marvel Studios President and CEO Avi Arad confirmed this week that Kelsey Grammer will play Beast in X-Men 3. Beast, aka Hank McCoy, is a super-intelligent Ph.D who mutates into a blue, furry beast-like creature who is aligned with the good mutants.

Avi also confirmed that Angel and Kitty Pryde will join the good mutants, while Juggernaut will make his on-screen debut for the evil mutants. Interestingly, Juggernaut is Professor Charles Xavier's (Patrick Stewart) brother according to the mythology spelled out in the long running comic book series.

Vinnie Jones has been cast as Juggernaut and Maggie Grace is rumored to be circling the Kitty Pryde role.

X-Men 3 is set to start shooting at the end of July with a May 26th, 2006 release date in mind.