At the end of
X2: X-Men United, the dam at Alkali Lake is about to burst because of the structural damage caused earlier by a brainwashed Cyclops (James Marsden). Everyone is in a mad dash to escape. Members of the X-Men hop onto their X-Jet but the plane isn't functioning correctly so they can't lift off right away. As the dam finally bursts and the water rushes toward them Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) decides to sacrifice her life by leaving the X-Jet and putting a protective barrier around her and her friends. She then uses her powers to get the X-Jet working properly and once her friends are safe she allows the water to engulf her. Jean dies and the Phoenix is born. Scenes involving the dam and the X-Jet were created with the help of miniatures. McCune Design explains:
For the picture’s exciting climax filmed on McCune’s Lot, a 65' wide by 20' high breakaway dam set was built complete with a 15,000 gallon dump tank to feed the rupture of the dam face as it collapsed. Hundreds of solenoids, pumps and valves were utilized for control of this complex water effect. McCune Design also replicated an entire electrical generating station in 1/4 scale to match the British Columbia location. The interior included breakaway generators and high-pressure flood valves. It was filmed on the McCune Design Insert Stage. - McCune Design
The evolution continues in the next thrilling adventure in the X-Men saga. In the wake of a shocking attack on the President, the X-Men face their most dangerous mission ever. They must stand united with their deadliest enemies to combat a menace that threatens mankind... and mutantkind.
Actors: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry & Famke Janssen
Director: Bryan Singer * Screenwriters: Bryan Singer, Dan Harris, David Hayter & Michael Dougherty
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