Kelsey Grammer Joins the Cast of "X-Men 3"

Variety reports Kelsey Grammer (Dr Frasier Crane on the TV series "Frasier") has signed on to star in the third movie of the "X-Men" franchise. Grammer joins "Layer Cake" director Matthew Vaughn who will take over behind the camera after "X-Men" and "X2" director Bryan Singer left the franchise to helm "Superman Returns."

Kelsey Grammer may appear to be an unlikely choice to play the blue-colored furry mutant Beast, but producer Avi Arad explained the casting choice by telling Variety Grammer was born to play the role.

Arad told Variety, "This is a big role in the new movie, and when we met with him, you can see that Kelsey has that you'd-better-have-a-dictionary-handy intelligence."

In other "X-Men 3" casting news, director Vaughn has frequently mentioned he'd like to have Vinnie Jones join the cast. According to Variety, 20th Century Fox signed Jones up to do just that. Jones will play the mutant Juggernaut, Professor X's half-brother who weighs 900 pounds and stands 6'10" tall.

Also in talks to join the cast of "X-Men 3" is one of the stars of the popular TV series "Lost." Fox is negotiations with Maggie Grace to play Kitty Pryde, a mutant who has the ability to walk through walls.

Fox is targeting Memorial Day Weekend of 2006 for the release of "X-Men 3."

SOURCE: Variety