it is the key to our evolution.
It has enabled us to evolve into the dominant species on the planet.
This process normally takes thousands and thousands of years.
But every few hundred millennia, evolution leaps forward.
Niagara Falls,
up the Canadian Rockies,
and then it's only a few hundred miles to Anchorage.
- Won't it kinda be cold? - Well, that's the point, stupid.
Otherwise it wouldn't be an adventure.
And when are you gonna do this?
I don't know.
After high school. Before college.
- Marie! - I don't know what happened.
- David? - I don't know... I just touched him.
- I didn't mean... - Call an ambulance!
We only touched. Just get away from me!
- Will you call an ambulance? - Don't touch me!
We are now seeing the beginnings of another stage of human evolution.
These mutations manifest at puberty, often triggered by periods of emotional stress.
Thank you, Miss Grey. It was quite educational.
However, it fails to address the issue that is the focus of this hearing.
Three words: are mutants dangerous?
That's unfair, Senator Kelly. The wrong person driving a car can be dangerous.
- We do license people to drive. - Yes, but not to live.
Senator, mutants who've come forward and revealed themselves publicly
have been met with fear, hostility, even violence.
It is because of that hostility
that I am urging the Senate to vote against mutant registration.
- To force mutants to expose themselves... - Expose themselves?
What do mutants have to hide that makes them so afraid to identify themselves?
- I didn't say they were hiding. - Let me show you what is being hidden.
I have here a list of names of identified mutants...
living right here in the United States.
- Senator Kelly... - A girl in Illinois who walks through walls.
What's to stop her from walking into a bank vault? Or into the White House?
Or into their houses? And there are even rumours of mutants so powerful
that they can enter our minds and control our thoughts,
taking away our God-given free will.
The American people deserve the right to decide whether they want their children
to be in school with mutants. To be taught by mutants.
Ladies and gentlemen, the truth is that mutants are very real.
And they are among us. We must know who they are,
and, above all, we must know what they can do.
Eric.
What are you doing here?
Why do you ask questions to which you already know the answers?
- Don't give up on them, Eric. - What would you have me do, Charles?
I've heard these arguments before.
It was a long time ago. Mankind has evolved since then.
Yes... into us.
Are you sneaking around in here, Charles? Whatever are you looking for?
I'm looking for hope.
I will bring you hope, old friend. And I ask only one thing in return.
Don't get in my way.
We are the future, Charles, not them! They no longer matter.
This is it.
Where are we? I thought you said you were gonna take me as far as Laughlin City.
This is Laughlin City.
Gentlemen, in all my years I've never seen anything like this.
Are you gonna let this man walk away with your money?
No!
I'll fight him!
Ladies and gentlemen,
our saviour!
Don't hit him in the balls.
- You said anything goes. - Anything goes, but he'll take it personal.
You idiot!
Ladies and gentlemen, tonight's winner and still King of the Cage,
the Wolverine.
You want something new, honey? Or are you sticking with water?
I'll have a beer.
Ellis Island, once the arrival point for American immigrants,
is opening its doors again.
Preparations are nearly completed for the United Nations World Summit.
The event promises to be the largest single gathering of world leaders in history.
Leaders will discuss issues ranging from the world's economy and weapons treaties,
to the mutant phenomenon and its impact on our world stage.
American legislators contend that debate over mutant issues
should be the primary focus of what is, on the surface at least, a diplomatic affair.
- You owe me some money. - Stu, let's not do this.
No man takes a beating like that without a mark to show for it.
- Come on, this isn't worth it. - I know what you are.
You lost your money. You keep this up, you lose something else.
Look out!
Get outta my bar, freak!
- What the hell are you doin'? - I'm sorry. I needed a ride.
- I thought you might help me. - Get out!
- Where am I supposed to go? - I don't know.
- You don't know or you don't care? - Pick one.
- I saved your life! - No, you didn't.
You don't have anything to eat, do you?
I'm Rogue.
Were you in the army? Doesn't that mean you were in the army?
- Wow! - What?
- Suddenly my life isn't bad. - If you prefer the road...
No! It looks great.
It looks cosy.
Put your hands on the heater.
- I'm not gonna hurt you, kid. - It's nothing personal.
It's just when people touch my skin, something happens.
What?
I don't know. They just get hurt.
Fair enough.
When they come out, does it hurt?
Every time.
So what kind of a name is Rogue?
I don't know. What kind of a name is Wolverine?
My name's Logan.
Marie.
- You should wear your seat belt. - Look, kid, I don't need advice on...
You all right?
- Kid, are you all right? - I'm stuck!
Weren't you supposed to bring someone back with you?
- What happened? - They knew.
Charles...
- Where is the mutant now? - With them.
I have made the first move. That is all they know.
Come, the UN summit is approaching. Time for our little test.
Where's he going?
Where are you going?
Over here!
- Where are you going? - This way!
He's over there.
Let go! What's your hurry?
Over here!
Good morning, Logan.
So, I'd like your definitions of weak and strong anthropic principles on Wednesday.
That'll be all.
- Bye, Professor. - Bye, Kitty.
Physics.
I'm Charles Xavier. Would you like some breakfast?
- Where am I? - Westchester, New York.
You were attacked. My people brought you here for medical attention.
- I don't need medical attention. - Yes, of course.
- Where's the girl? - Rogue's here. She's fine.
Really?
Ah. Logan, I'd like you to meet Ororo Monroe, also called Storm.
This is Scott Summers, also called Cyclops.
They saved your life.
I believe you've already met Dr Jean Grey.
You're in my school for the gifted. For mutants. You'll be safe here from Magneto.
- What's a magneto? - A very powerful mutant,
who believes a war is brewing between mutants and the rest of humanity.
I've been following his activities for some time.
The man who attacked you is an associate of his called Sabretooth.
Sabretooth?
Storm.
What do they call you? Wheels?
This is the stupidest thing I've ever heard.
And Cyclops, right?
You wanna get outta my way?
Logan, it's been almost 15 years, hasn't it?
Living from day to day, moving from place to place,
with no memory of who or what you are.
Shut up!
Give me a chance. I may be able to help you find some answers.
- How do you know? - You're not the only one with gifts.
- Where are you going? - Where's he going?
Over here!
What is this place?
Anonymity is a mutant's first defence against the world's hostility.
Hey, no powers!
To the public, we're merely a school for gifted youngsters.
Cyclops, Storm and Jean were some of my first students.
I protected them, taught them to control their powers
and, in time, teach others to do the same.
The students are mostly runaways - frightened, alone.
Some with gifts so extreme they're a danger to themselves and those around them.
Like your friend Rogue.
Incapable of physical human contact, probably for the rest of her life.
And yet here she is with others her own age, learning, being accepted,
not feared.
- John! - Sorry.
I'm Bobby.
- What's your name? - Rogue.
- What'll happen to her? - That's up to her.
Rejoin the world as an educated young woman, or stay on to teach others.
To become what the children have affectionately called "X-Men".
Welcome to Mutant High.
But the school is merely our public face.
The lower levels, however, are an entirely different matter.
When I was a boy I discovered I had the power to control people's minds.
Make them think or do whatever I wanted.
When I was 17 I met a young man named Eric Lensherr.
He, too, had an unusual power. He could create magnetic fields and control metal.
Believing that humanity would never accept us, he grew angry and vengeful.
He became Magneto.
There are mutants out there with incredible powers, Logan.
And many who do not share my respect for mankind.
If no one is equipped to oppose them, humanity's days could be over.
I'll make a deal with you.
Give me 48 hours to find out what Magneto wants with you,
and I give you my word that I will use all my power
to help you piece together what you've lost, and what you're looking for.
Senator, you favour gun registration, yes? Some of these so-called children
possess more than 10 times the destructive force of any handgun.
No, I don't see a difference. All I see are weapons in our schools.
Well, that's fair enough. All right.
So?
It's gonna be close. A vote this loaded is always close.
What about the UN summit? The world will be watching.
- Maybe you could use it to your advantage. - We're Americans, Henry.
Let the rest of the damn world deal with mutants in their own way.
You know this situation? These mutants?
People like this Jean Grey? If it were up to me, I'd lock 'em all away.
It's a war.
It's the reason people like me exist.
Where the hell are we?
Pilot!
People like you are the reason I was afraid to go to school as a child.
I'm sorry.
- For what? - If I hurt you.
So... couldn't wait to get my shirt off again, huh?
The metal is an alloy called adamantium.
Supposedly indestructible. It's been surgically grafted to his entire skeleton.
How could he have survived a procedure like that?
His mutation. He has uncharted regenerative capability
which enables him to heal rapidly.
This also makes his age impossible to determine.
He could very well be older than you, Professor.
- Who did this to him? - He doesn't know.
Nor does he remember anything about his life before it happened.
Experimentation on mutants. It's not unheard of.
But I've never seen anything like this before.
What do you think Magneto want with him?
I'm not entirely sure it's him Magneto wants.
Toad has a wicked tongue, Senator.
Just like you.
Who are you people? Where's Henry?
Mr Guyrich has been dead for some time, Senator.
But I've had Mystique here keep you company. She takes so many shapes.
Whatever you do to me, you'll make me right.
Every word I've spoken will be confirmed.
Are you a God-fearing man, Senator? It's such a strange phrase.
I've always thought of God as a teacher.
As a bringer of light, wisdom and understanding.
You see, I think what you really are afraid of is me.
Me and my kind. The brotherhood of mutants.
It's not so surprising, really. Mankind has always feared what it doesn't understand.
Well, don't fear God, Senator, and certainly don't fear me.
Not any more.
- What do you intend to do to me? - Let's just say God works too slowly.
I think you'll be comfortable here.
- Where's your room? - With Scott, down the hall.
Is that your gift? Putting up with that guy?
Actually I'm telekinetic. I can move things with my mind.
Really? What kinds of things?
All kinds of things.
- I also have telepathic ability. - Like your professor?
Nowhere near that powerful. But he's teaching me to develop it.
I'm sure he is.
- So read my mind. - I'd rather not.
- Come on. You afraid you might like it? - I doubt it.
What do you see?
Scott!
Good night, Logan.
You gonna tell me to stay away from your girl?
If I had to do that, she wouldn't be my girl.
Then I guess you've got nothing to worry about, do you... Cyclops?
It must just burn you up that a boy like me saved your life, huh?
You oughta be careful. I might not be there next time.
Oh, and Logan, stay away from my girl.
Logan?
Logan! Logan, wake up.
Help me!
Somebody, help!
Scott, grab a pillow.
It was an accident.
- Logan? - What happened?
- Is she all right? - She'll be all right.
- What did she do to me? - When Rogue touches someone,
she takes their energy, their life force.
In the case of mutants, she absorbs their gifts for a while.
In your case, your ability to heal.
It felt like she almost killed me.
If she'd held out any longer, she could have.
How are we feeling, Senator? Advanced, I hope.
What the hell have you done to me?
Senator, this is pointless. Where would you go?
Who would take you in, now you're one of us?
Tommy, let it go! Tommy, please let it go!
I'm telling Mommy.
Is that a mutant?
UN summit. With the leaders of over 200 nations attending,
the Secret Service has transformed Ellis Island into a veritable Fort Knox
for tomorrow night's opening gala. Ellis Island rests less than one mile from...
Rogue!
Bobby!
Rogue, what did you do? They say you're stealing other mutants' powers.
No! I borrowed his power.
You never use your power against another mutant.
I had no choice.
- No, you have to understand... - If I were you I'd get myself outta here.
- What do you mean? - Listen, the students are freaked.
Professor Xavier's furious. I don't know what he'll do with you.
I think it'll be easier on your own.
You should go.
What are you looking for, Eric? It's strange.
There are more powerful mutants out there. Why should this one be so important to him?
- Maybe it's his way with people. - You don't like him.
- How could you tell? - Well, I am psychic, you know.
- Where is she? - Who?
Rogue.
She's gone.
Welcome, Professor.
Welcome to Cerebro.
This certainly is a big, round room.
The brain waves of mutants are different from average humans.
This device amplifies my power, allowing me to locate mutants across great distances.
- That's how I intend to find Rogue. - Why don't you just use it to find Magneto?
I've been trying, but he's found some way to shield himself from it.
How would he know how to do that?
Because he helped me build it.
Now if you'll excuse me...
Have you ever...?
Used Cerebro?
No.
It takes a degree of control and... for someone like me, it's...
Dangerous.
now boarding at track 4.
- She's at the station. - Where is it?
A few miles west of here. You can't leave the mansion.
It's the opportunity Magneto needs.
- Listen, I'm the reason she took off. - We had a deal.
She's all right. She's just upset.
Storm, Cyclops, find her. See if you can talk to her.
- What? - Where's my motorcycle?
Hey, kid.
I'm sorry about last night.
Me, too.
You running again?
I heard the professor was mad at me.
- Who told you that? - A boy at school.
- When's the last time you saw her? - She was supposed to meet me for lunch.
You look around, I'll check with the ticket agent.
Welcome, Professor.
- You think I should go back. - I think you should follow your instincts.
The first boy I ever kissed ended up in a coma for three weeks.
I can still feel him inside my head.
And it's the same with you.
There's not many people that'll understand what you're going through.
But I think this guy Xavier's one of them.
He seems to genuinely wanna help you.
And that's a rare thing.
For people like us.
OK, so...
What do you say? Give these geeks one more shot?
Come on, I'll take care of you.
- You promise? - Yeah.
Yeah, I promise.
Come along now. I told you not to...
She's about 17, my height,
has brown hair and she...
Scream for me.
Quit playing around.
You must be Wolverine.
That remarkable metal doesn't run through your entire body, does it?
Stop!
Stop it!
- What the hell do you want with me? - You? My dear boy!
Whoever said I wanted you?
Young people!
All right, hold it! Hold it right there.
Stay where you are. Put your hands over your heads. Now!
You Homo sapiens and your guns.
- That's enough, Eric. - Let them go.
Why not come out where I can see you, Charles?
What do you want her for?
Can't you read my mind?
What now? Save the girl?
You'll have to kill me, Charles. And what will that accomplish?
Let them pass that law and they'll have you in chains with a number on your forehead.
- It won't be that way. - Then kill me and find out.
No? Then release me.
Fine!
Care to press your luck, Charles?
I don't think I can stop them all.
Still unwilling to make sacrifices. That's what makes you weak.
Goodbye, Charles.
- You said he wanted me. - I made a terrible mistake.
His helmet was somehow designed to block my telepathy.
Couldn't see what he was after till it was too late.
- Where are you going? - To find her.
- How? - The traditional way: look.
- Logan, you can't do this alone. - Who'll help me? You?
- So far, you've all done a bang-up job. - Then help us. Fight with us.
Fight with you? Join the team? Be an X-Man?
Who the hell do you think you are? You're a mutant.
The world is full of people that hate and fear you
and you're wasting your time trying to protect them. I got better things to do.
You know, Magneto's right. There's a war coming.
- Are you sure you're on the right side? - At least I've chosen a side.
I'm looking for Dr Jean Grey.
Senator Kelly.
I'm Professor Charles Xavier.
I was afraid if I went to hospital, they would...
Treat you like a mutant?
We're not what you think. Not all of us.
Tell it to the ones who did this to me.
Senator...
I want you to try and relax.
I'm not going to hurt you.
Welcome to the future.
Brother.
The machine emits radiation that triggers mutation in ordinary human beings.
But the mutation is unnatural. Kelly's body is rejecting it.
- His cells began to break down immediately. - What effect does it have on mutants?
There appears to be none. But I fear it will harm any normal person exposed to it.
- So what does Magneto want with Rogue? - I don't know.
Wait a second. You said this machine draws its power from Magneto.
- And that it weakened him. - Yes. In fact, it nearly killed him.
He's going to transfer his power to Rogue and use her to power the machine.
Is somebody there?
Yes. I'm here.
Please don't leave me!
I don't want to be alone.
All right.
Do you hate normal people?
Sometimes.
Why?
I suppose...
I'm afraid of them.
Well...
I think you've got one less person... to be afraid of.
Cyclops, you and Storm ready the jet. I'm gonna find Rogue. Get Logan a uniform.
Wait a minute. He's not coming with us, is he?
- Yes. - Sorry, but he'll endanger the mission and...
I wasn't the one who gave the station a new sunroof, pal.
No, you were the one who stabbed Rogue in the chest.
Why don't you take your little mission and stick it up...
Senator Kelly is dead.
I'm going to find her.
Settle this.
I'm sorry.
You can still hear me... can't you?
You've taught me everything in my life that was ever worth knowing.
And if anything happens...
I'll take care of them.
Jean?
Jean!
No!
Jean?
Jean.
Answer me. Please.
I know where Magneto's going.
Magnificent, isn't she?
- I've seen it. - I first saw her in 1949.
America was going to be the land of tolerance. Of peace.
Are you going to kill me?
Yes.
- Why? - Because there is no land of tolerance.
There is no peace, not here or anywhere else.
Whole families destroyed simply
because they were born different from those in power.
Well, after tonight, the world's powerful will be just like us.
They will return home as brothers.
As mutants.
Our cause will be theirs.
Your sacrifice will mean our survival.
I'll understand if that comes as small consolation.
Put her in the machine.
I'll raise it.
Magneto is here - Liberty Island.
Presumably his objective is to mutate the world leaders at the summit on Ellis Island.
He doesn't know his machine kills, and judging from what the professor saw
if Magneto gave Rogue enough power, he could wipe out everyone in New York City.
All right. We can insert here at the George Washington Bridge.
Come around the bank, just off of Manhattan,
land on the far side of Liberty Island. Here.
What about harbour patrol? Radar?
If they have anything that can pick up our jet, they deserve to catch us.
You actually go outside in these things?
What would you prefer? Yellow spandex?
Whoa.
There's the bridge. I'm takin' her down.
Storm, some cover, please.
Toad, Mystique, stay sharp. We're not alone.
And you stay here. Once I've given my power to the girl,
I'll be temporarily weakened.
You'll be my only defence.
Sounds like a storm's comin'.
- Sorry. - You call that a landing?
The torch.
the proceedings. The first dignitaries started to arrive about an hour ago,
greeted with a garden-party atmosphere designed to entertain them
as the others traversed the rigid security.
- There's someone here. - Where?
- I don't know. Keep your eye open. - Logan...
Damn it!
- Anything? - There's someone here. I just can't see 'em.
Wait!
Back up! Back up!
Jean!
Oh, God!
Don't move.
Don't you people ever die?
Do you know what happens to a toad when it's struck by lightning?
The same thing that happens to everything else.
Logan, is that you?
The other one ain't far away.
- Come on. We have to regroup. - I know, but there's a problem.
You're not part of the group.
Hey, hey! It's me.
- Prove it. - You're a dick.
OK.
Hey!
- Everybody get out of here. - What is it?
I can't move.
Ah, my brothers.
Welcome. And you, just point those claws of yours in a safer direction.
You better close your eyes.
Storm, fry 'em.
A bolt of lightning into a huge copper conductor.
I thought you lived at a school.
For those of you not familiar with the historical significance...
Mystique?
- Mystique! - I've seen Senator Kelly.
So, the good senator survived his fall. And the swim to shore.
He's become even more powerful than I imagined.
- He's dead. - It's true.
I saw him die. Like those people down there will die.
Are you sure you saw what you saw?
I would also like to thank the President of the United States of America
for hosting this event under the lights of the great city of New York.
Why do none of you understand what I'm trying to do?
Those people down there control our fate and the fate of every other mutant!
Well...
soon our fate will be theirs.
Help! Please help me!
You're so full of shit. If you're really so righteous, it'd be you in that thing.
Help! Somebody help me!
Please!
Somebody please help me!
Somebody! Help me...
Logan!
- I'm sorry, my dear. - Don't do this.
This is mine.
You owe me a scream.
Hey, bub, I'm not finished with you yet.
- Jean. - Scott, when I tell you, open your eyes.
- No! - Trust me.
You drop something?
Now!
- Thanks. - Don't mention it.
- Gotta get her outta there. Can you hit it? - The rings are moving too fast.
- Shoot it! - I'll kill her! Storm, can you get me up?
- I can't control it like that. - Then let me go.
If I don't make it, at least you can still blast the damn thing.
All right, do it! Jean, use your power. Try to steady him.
Hang on to something.
Scott, wait!
- Jean, I have to! - Just wait!
I have a shot.
I'm taking it.
Come on...
Hey, this one's alive. Let's get him outta here.
Welcome back. I knew you'd find your way.
I had you to guide me.
How did we do?
Oh, that tickles.
Hey.
How are you feeling?
Fantastic.
That was a brave thing you did.
- Did it work? - Yeah.
She's fine. She took on a few of your more charming personality traits for a while.
But we lived through it.
I think she's a little taken with you.
Well, you can tell her my heart belongs to someone else.
You know, you and I...
How's the professor?
He's good.
Good.
There's an abandoned military compound at Alkali Lake in the Canadian Rockies
close to where we found you. There's not much left but...
you might find some answers.
- Thank you. - Are you going to say goodbye to them?
The Mutant Registration Act lost its main proponent
with the reversal of Senator Robert Kelly
who until now had provided the loudest voice in the cry for mutant registration.
I was wrong in this particular issue and I hope, in time, I may be forgiven. Thank you.
The Mutant Registration Act continues to draw support...
Mystique.
Son of a bitch.
from many parents' rights groups who feel threatened by unidentified mutants.
In a related story, the body of Senator Kelly's aide,
Henry Guyrich, was found today.
Preliminary coroner's reports seem to indicate that Guyrich was mauled by a bear.
Hey!
- You running again? - Not really.
I have some things to take care of up north.
I kinda like it.
I don't want you to go.
I'll be back for this.
Doesn't it ever wake you in the night,
the feeling that someday they will pass that foolish law, or one just like it,
and come for you?
And your children?
It does indeed.
What do you do when you wake up to that?
I feel a swell of pity for the poor soul who comes to that school looking for trouble.
Why do you come here, Charles?
Why do you ask questions to which you already know the answers?
Oh, yes. Your continuing search for hope.
You know this plastic prison of theirs won't hold me for ever.
The war is still coming, Charles, and I intend to fight it.
By any means necessary.
And I will always be there.
Old friend.