Sexism, ageism behind Famke Janssen's exit from 'X-Men' series

Actor Famke Janssen says rampant sexism and ageism in Hollywood were the reasons that triggered her departure from the "X-Men" series.

The 52-year-old actor, who essayed the role of telekinetic mutant Jean Grey/ Phoenix in the first four installments of the popular series, says she wanted to stay on board the movies but the makers went in for Sophie Turner to play the younger version of her character, reports Us Weekly.

"I didn't give up, they gave up on me. There's a big difference. It was their (producers) decision, you know? It's like what happens in life. You get, well not to me thankfully. But people, just like men trade women in for a younger model version. It's like that," says Janssen.

Turner joined the series from the 2016 film "X-Men: Apocalypse" and is due to star in the next "X-Men: Dark Phoenix".

The actor adds it is ironic the film franchise allows older versions of Professor X (Patrick Stewart, James McAvoy) and Magneto (Ian McKellen, Micheal Fassbender) to coexist with the younger ones.

"In the 'X-Men' series, they've been doing this for years. Although women, it's interesting because they're replaced, and the older versions - or more mature, whatever the politically correct version of that is - are never to be seen again.

"Whereas the men are allowed to be both ages. Sexism. I think that I should be back along with my younger version and the way that we've seen it with Magneto and Professor X," she says.