brett ratner to direct x-men 3

Finally, X-Men 3 has a new director -- again: Brett Ratner of the Rush Hour flicks (and a couple of Mariah music videos) is now tasked to be the helmer of the latest mutant installment, which is scheduled for filming this August. (read full story here)

Ratner will hopefully end the game of "musical director's chairs" that has been playing around this Marvel franchise, ever since Bryan Singer ditched it for Superman Returns.

Meanwhile, it has also been reported that Kelsey Grammer, Vinnie Jones, and Lost's Maggie Grace will join the original cast (or at least most of the original -- at least Hugh Jackman is still on! Whoo!) as Beast, Juggernaut, and Shadowcat, respectively.

X-Men 3 is slated to open on May 2006.