“X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE” PREMIERE: GET YOUR CLAWS OUT!

If you live anywhere near the Grauman’s Mann Chinese Theater in Hollywood, you were sure to hear the howls (and I don’t mean from Wolverine) emanating from the street last night as Twentieth Century Fox’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” made its Hollywood debut. The stars of the film as well as celebrity supporters of the flick descended upon the Red Carpet making it known how much they loved the “X-Men.” If you are not familiar, in this installment Wolverine seeks out Victor Creed/Sabretooth for the death of his girlfriend while also defending himself as well as other mutants from those determined to rid the world of mutants all together. An epic showdown ensues-certainly a must see!

I engaged in a chat with the film’s composer, Harry Gregson-Williams, who has scored such blockbusters as “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” and “Shrek the Third.” He derived his musical inspiration from the film and said he became intensely familiar with the script. He also promised, “Even though fans think they know Wolverine, they can’t possibly after what we show them.” Oooh-I am already chomping at the claw in anticipation! Next up for Harry, “Prince of Persia: Sands of Time,” starring Jake Gyllenhaal, for which he composed the music.

The ladies of the flick didn’t disappoint. The actually seemed like tough but convivial women, especially on set. Tahyna Tozzi aka a young version of mutant Emma Frost, relayed to me that she really enjoyed doing her own stunts, even those that included explosions! She was bummed out that she didn’t get any kissing scenes with any of the strapping men on set. Maybe next time! Also, Lynn Collins who plays Hugh Jackman’s love interest in the movie, Kayla Silverfox, was decked out in a gorgeous orange Ungaro number complete with ice by H. Stern. She divulged to me that she would taunt her male costars with chocolate and candy on set as the boys were the ones on the diet! Gotta love that. Up next for Lynn is the soon to be released film, “Uncertainty,” co-starring Joseph Gordon-Leavitt from “3rd Rock from the Sun.”

Dapper Danny Huston garbed in a dark suit worked the crowd and spoke with me about his role as William Stryker, whose main mission is to rid the world of mutants-including Wolverine. Danny conferred with me that his character’s inherit flaw is that he assumes he is doing right and it is his God given priviledge to carry on as he pleases. Hmmm, sounds familiar, no? Danny has a full plate as he is co-starring with Mel Gibson (beaming as he arrived at the premiere hand in hand with new galpal, composer Oksana Grigorieva, Timothy Dalton’s ex) in the upcoming release, “Edge of Darkness” as well as taking on iconic figure Poseidon in a remake of “Clash of the Titans.” Oh that is after he, “plans to have a few drinks (this evening) and wakes up with a hangover.” Sounds like fun-is there extra room on your party bus?

Exuberant supporter of the movie, Jon Voight didn’t hide his appreciation for the “X-Men” proclaiming, “I love this series!” His family lineage was obvious when I questioned him about which superpower he would choose to have in real life. He paused for a moment, and reflectively answered, “To translate all of the evil into the world into good.” The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Also on hand for the big event were “X-Men” star Kelsey Grammer and wife Camille; the always avant garde Will.i.am (John Wraith) rocking silver space pants; Dominic Monaghan, otherwise known as mutant Bolt, was looking a long ways away from the island of “Lost;” screenwriter David Benioff accompanied by his beautiful other half Amanda Peet; director Gavin Hood; a raven haired Fergie (without handsome hubby Josh Duhamel-boo!); and Red Carpet stunner and fellow “X-Men” co-star, Halle Berry. Super-hottie Ryan Reynolds had a Scarlett-free evening, as he rolled solo down the Red Carpet posing for all of the flashing lights. Finally, a dashing Hugh Jackman, in true superhero form arrived in a blink, made a mad dash down the Red Carpet and in a flash, he was gone. Perhaps off to work on the next chapter?

“X-Men Origins: Wolverine” opens in theaters this Friday, May 1st, 2009.