What Is X-Men Day? Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman And More Celebrate Mutants

May 13 is X-Men Day, but it might not be a day fans have marked in their calendars. The mutant celebration was created this year.

20th Century Fox announced earlier this month that May 13 would be designated X-Men Day. The date doesn’t seem particularly significant. The first X-Men comic was published by Marvel in September 1963 while the first “X-Men” film was released on July 14, 2000. However, May 13 is a good time to start ramping up promotion for “Dark Phoenix,” due out June 7, since tickets are on sale today.

While it seems to be just a promotional event, both past and present stars of the X-Men franchise are taking a moment to share their love for the films and their characters. Hugh Jackman retired from the role of Wolverine with 2017’s “Logan,” but he was sure to post a quick shoutout.

Ryan Reynolds poked fun at his first time playing Deadpool in the widely-panned movie “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.”

Shawn Ashmore (Iceman) and Kodi Smit-McPhee (Nightcrawler) also recorded messages about their experiences in the X-Men films.

Twentieth Century Fox, meanwhile, released several videos to celebrate. In addition to a new “Dark Phoenix” trailer, a clip looking back on the last couple decades of X-Men films was also released.

Many believe that “Dark Phoenix” is the end of the X-Men franchise. Though “New Mutants” is set to hit theaters next year, it isn’t going to star the superheroes fans have grown to love over the years. It’ll introduce new characters from the comics.

The franchise is likely ending because Disney bought 20th Century Fox. That means the Marvel Cinematic Universe can finally incorporate mutants, and it’s widely assumed that Marvel Studios will be starting from scratch with their mutant storyline (though the Disney-owned company is expected to keep Reynolds’ Deadpool around).

“Dark Phoenix” follows Jean Grey (Sophie Turner) after a cosmic force makes her even more powerful. As she begins to lose control, the X-Men are torn about how to handle her new abilities. The film, directed by Simon Kinberg, hits theaters June 7.