 Selma Blair, Renee O'Connor, Lucy Lawless and Maria Bello were considered for the role of Jean Grey.Peta Wilson was offered the role of Jean Grey, but had to film the fourth season of "La Femme Nikita" (1997) instead and Helen Hunt was asked to play Jean Grey, but she turned down the role.David Hemblen, Christopher Lee and Terence Stamp were considered for Magneto before Singer cast Ian McKellen, who had acted in his previous film, "Apt Pupil".