X-Men Underway

Usual Suspects director Bryan Singer has just started shooting the highly anticipated comic adaptation X-Men, reports Cinescape Online. The site received an rundown of events from an anonymous source in Toronto where principal photography began last week, marking the beginning of a five and a half month shoot. The source witnessed the first scene to be filmed and mailed a description: "The scene involves many band members (in what looks to be US marine outfits) playing a song as dignitaries from the United Nations mill about in front of the stage. The stage has the UN symbol (about 15 feet in diameter) hanging above the stage." The enterprising newshound also pestered the crew to find out if any of the films stars had arrived on set. Unfortunately for him the big names were yet to arrive, but the main players scenes are due to start this week. Ian McKellan is on board to play Magneto (left, as he appears in the comics), Episode 1's Ray Park (Darth Maul) is Toad, Patrick Stewart is Professor X, Anna Paquin is Rogue, Dougray Scott is Wolverine, Halle Berry is Storm and Rebecca Romijn plays Mystique.