When Does the Film "X-Men" (2000) Take Place?
"X-Men" is a political superhero film written by David Hayter with Ed Solomon, Christopher McQuarrie, Tom DeSanto, and Bryan Singer [loosely adapting "X-Men" #1 (1963) by Stan Lee] that released July 14th, 2000. So when is "X-Men" set?
It takes place on an alternate timeline of the fictional Marvel Cinematic Universe in the year:
We know this because early on Professor Charles Xavier says, "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." to Logan/Wolverine and he's had amnesia since events in the climax of "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" (2009), which takes place in March of 1979 AD.
1993 AD
We know this because early on Professor Charles Xavier says, "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." to Logan/Wolverine and he's had amnesia since events in the climax of "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" (2009), which takes place in March of 1979 AD.
3.1,979 + 14 = 3.1,993.
Also, in "X2" (2003), which probably takes place in March of 1994 AD, ?.
(HOWEVER, in "X-Men: Apocalypse" (2016), which takes place in mid to late 1983 AD in an altered timeline, Logan is seen disoriented, escaping a secret base, and running into the woods, implying this is the beginning of his amnesiac wanderings. This would make it currently 1998 AD.
1,983 + 15 = 1,998.)
(Yes, the main action begins with a time and place setting title card reading "MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI The not too distant future" and the film released in July of 2000 AD implying the mid-2000s AD or later but this is contradicted by the dialogue and references as explained above.)
Additionally, the movie begins with a short prologue depicting an experience of Erik ?/Magneto’s during . Furthermore, there is a specific time setting title card telling us it is "POLAND 1944" so presumably it is 1944 AD at this point.
Finally, when Logan interacts with Jean Grey there are a few very quick flashbacks to the events of "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" (2009), which take place in 1979 AD. So these quick shots must take place in 1979 AD.
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