Mutants of the World Unite in X2

They are the next link in the evolutionary chain. Each was born with a unique genetic mutation, which at puberty manifested itself in extraordinary powers. In a world increasingly filled with hatred and prejudice, they are scientific oddities...freaks of nature...outcasts who are feared and loathed by those who cannot accept their differences. Yet despite society’s pervasive ignorance, the X-Men and thousands of mutants across the globe survive.

Under the tutelage of Professor Charles Xavier, the world’s most powerful telepath, these "gifted" students have learned to control and direct their respective powers for the greater good of mankind. They fight to protect a world that fears them.

From the team that brought "X-Men" to the screen, comes "X2"–the next chapter in the X-Men saga. The original summer 2000 hit, based on the best-selling comic series of all time, grossed nearly $300 million worldwide, was a video and DVD phenomenon and pioneered the current wave of comics to film adaptations.

Bigger. Better. More. "X-Men" director Bryan Singer was determined to make "X2" all that and, well, more. Singer’s ambitions for the new film came as no surprise to the studio or to the film’s producers; his respect for the comics characters–the seriousness and weight, as well as enormous fun with which he approached "X-Men"–had earned the respect of the multitudes of loyal comics fans and millions of moviegoers new to the X-Men universe.

Singer had much more in mind for "X2" than a traditional sequel. Using the formidable resources at his disposal and no longer constrained by having to introduce the characters and their powers, he wanted to delve deeper into the X-Men mythology, and into their abilities and relationships. "X2 is not a sequel,"he notes. "It’s the next adventure in a saga –an evolution from the first film. We not only follow up with the principal characters from the first picture and their respective journeys, we introduce a new generation of X-Men, as well as some new villains.

"Like any good comic book, the X-Men universe is designed to expand," Singer continues. "These stories can go on forever. This continuation of the saga has provided me with an opportunity to expand the storylines and the characters–and to have a lot more fun. X2 is edgier, darker, funnier and more romantic than its predecessor."

"X2" continues to deal with the themes of tolerance and fear of the unknown, which have been part of the X-Men universe since Stan Lee created the comics 40 years ago. "It’s still about misfits, prejudice, about being an outsider and not being understood," notes producer Lauren Shuler-Donner. Adds Singer, "The "X-Men" films pose the questions that we all have: Am I alone in the world? Why am I so different, and how am I going to fit in? These questions are universal and timeless, particularly among adolescents. We’ve all felt at times like mutants."

A new theme in "X2" is unity, as two generations of X-Men join forces with a most unlikely ally to combat a new and very human menace. As the story opens, mutants are continuing their struggle against a society that fears and distrusts them. Their cause becomes even more desperate following an incredible assassination attempt on the American President by an assailant possessing extraordinary abilities. All signs point to the work of a mutant. The shocking assault renews the political and public outcry for a Mutant Registration Act. Leading the anti-mutant movement now is William Stryker, a wealthy former Army commander and scientist who is rumored to have experimented on mutants.

Stryker’s mutant "work" is somehow tied to Wolverine’s mysterious and forgotten past. As Wolverine searches for clues to his origin, Stryker puts into motion his anti-mutant program beginning with a full-scale military offensive on Xavier’s mansion and School for the Gifted. Magneto, newly escaped from the plastic prison, proposes a partnership with the X-Men to combat their now common and formidable enemy, Stryker.

With the fates of Xavier, mankind –and mutantkind–in their hands, the X-Men and their allies stand united to face their most dangerous mission ever.

"X2" opens in Metro Manila theaters on April 30.