While most videogames based on movies simply follow the action of the flick, the X-Men: The Last Stand game -- which Activision is releasing as X-Men: The Official Game on Xbox, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, GameCube, PC, DS, and GBA -- is actually set up as a prequel to the film. What makes this even more interesting is that the game explains why Nightcrawler, the German-accented, all-blue teleporter played so well in X2: X-Men United by actor Alan Cumming, isn't in the new movie. Though according to Cumming, who does the blue boy's voice in the game, there's another reason as well.

GameSpy: You filmed X2 about three years ago. How long did it take you to get Nightcrawler's accent back?
Alan Cumming: I just watched a couple of scenes from the movie and had a little think about what it felt to be him. Then, the accent bamfed back into my head!
GameSpy: How did the voice sessions for this game compare to those you did for your upcoming animated movies Cat Tale and The Ant Bully?
Alan Cumming: This was easier as the character was already established, and really it was just about getting the tone right for each particular part of the game. On Ant Bully and Cat Tale each session was very much about developing the voice and forming the character. The common thing is that you're alone in the studio with a lot of people looking at you through the glass.

GameSpy: As I understand it, the game is set up as a prequel to the movie, and to explain why your character, Nightcrawler, is not in the movie. But why aren't you doing the movie?
Alan Cumming: The studio did not pick up my option. I was contractually obliged to do the movie should they wish to have me in it, and for a long time I was told I was to be in it. But, at the last minute, the script -- and the budget -- dictated otherwise.
GameSpy: Have you had a chance to see how Nightcrawler looks in the game?
Alan Cumming: I saw some of the game when I was recording my voice and it looked pretty amazing. I have to say I think my action figure looks really like me though. Most action figures look like Barbie or Ken with different clothes or hair stuck on them, but the technology now is so advanced that they can scan your face and make a pretty accurate doll.
GameSpy: If you had his teleportation power, where would you teleport... besides work when you're late?
Alan Cumming: I'd teleport to your office and whack you for asking such dopey questions.