Halle Berry’s X-Men Line: The Scene That Refuses to Die
Halle Berry’s delivery of a notorious line in the original X-Men film has become legendary for its awkwardness. Even Joss Whedon, who wrote the line, admits it might have worked with a different approach. Decades later, the moment still sparks debate.
It seems the early 2000s era of comic book adaptations is enjoying a renaissance, with familiar faces like Chris Evans returning as the Human Torch, Tobey Maguire donning his Spidey suit once more, and Jennifer Garner stepping back into Elektra’s shoes. If Garner can reconcile with a role that nearly derailed her career, perhaps anything is possible. With Marvel now holding the rights to the X-Men, speculation is rife about whether Halle Berry might reprise her role as Storm, one of the franchise’s most recognisable figures.
Berry, an Academy Award winner, portrayed Ororo Munroe—better known as Storm—across the first three X-Men films produced by Fox. While she was never the central protagonist, her character played a crucial part in the ensemble, wielding weather-manipulating abilities and sporting a couple of memorable hairdos. She made a brief return in X-Men: Days of Future Past, but has largely stayed away from the franchise since. Perhaps the memory of the studio’s tactics during X-Men: The Last Stand lingers, or maybe it’s the shadow of a particularly infamous moment from her first outing as Storm that keeps her at bay.
The Line That Launched a Thousand Memes
Towards the climax of the original X-Men film, Storm confronts Toad, one of Magneto’s less celebrated henchmen. After setting up for a dramatic finish, Berry’s character poses the question: “What happens to a toad when it’s struck by lightning?” The audience might expect a witty retort or a clever pun—perhaps something along the lines of ‘it croaks’—but instead, Berry delivers the now-legendary response: “The same thing that happens to everything else.”
The author of this puzzling exchange is none other than Joss Whedon, who would later become known for his work on The Avengers. Whedon was brought in to revise much of the film’s final act, including this particular scene. Reflecting on the moment in an interview, Whedon remarked,
“It was supposed to be like a throwaway, and she did it like she was King Lear,”
adding,
“I was trying to explain what I had written versus the actor who played it. But all people remember is you’re the one who wrote that terrible line. I should have never told that story.”
Intentions and Interpretations
Whedon’s intention, it seems, was to subvert the typical superhero quip with a deliberately flat response—a sort of anti-joke. However, Berry’s earnest delivery, far more serious than any of her other lines, combined with the absurdity of the scene (Toad dangling from a railing by his tongue), only heightened the awkwardness. The result is a moment that feels oddly out of place, yet impossible to forget.
One could argue that director Bryan Singer might have been more attuned to the intended tone, but Berry could only work with the material provided. The seriousness with which she approaches the line, set against the bizarre context, has cemented it as one of the most memorable—and most discussed—moments in superhero cinema.
A Scene That Endures
Despite its reputation, the line has become a highlight for many viewers, something to anticipate with a mix of amusement and disbelief. It’s a testament to the unpredictable nature of filmmaking that such a brief exchange can leave a lasting impression, still prompting conversation more than two decades on.