The cast of X-Men: Days of Future Past and director Bryan Singer made a surprise, epic appearance at San Diego Comic-Con 2013 on Saturday.

Virtually the whole cast was there in Hall H, walking on stage to thunderous applause from the crowd who had heard murmurs of a surprise appearance being possible.

Low-res version of the panel is available via Youtube:

In addition to treating attendees to the first Days of Future Past trailer that had a monumental feel and featured virtually everyone, the cast each spoke about coming back to the series and working with such a large group of people in the mutant universe.

X-Men: Days of Future Past cast members who attended included Jennifer Lawrence, Evan Peters, Peter Dinklage, Sean Ashmore, Nicholas Hoult, Michael Fassbender, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Halle Berry, Anna Paquin, and Ellen Page.

Dinklage confirmed that his character is Bolivar Trask, as we reportedly recently after photos surfaced of him in costume.

When saying hello to the crowd, McKellen voiced his support of the recent Propostion 8 decision in California. The law was removed from the state last month, thus allowing gay marriage once again. “I feel safe back in California now that you’ve gotten rid of Proposition 8,” he said. “I’m now looking for a husband… hello, Michael Fassbender.” Naturally, the crowd ate it up. The actor had been in New Zealand working on The Hobbit.

Producers were very excited by the fan reaction. One was ready to cry that she was so happy by how well-received the panel was in Hall H.

“I’ve never seen a better cast assembled in any thing at any time,” added another producer.

The first fan who got to ask a question was left breathless when he received the microphone, running out of air when he told the cast “There are so many of you here…” He managed to eventually ask if Deadpool will ever join the film universe. Singer said that there’s a lot of room for growing and expanding the film canon in time. “Some people could have their own movies, combined movies, because obviously we’ve seen them work.”

Another fan asked if the cast could play another X-Men character, who would it be? Lawrence happily pointed out that she could play anyone – which brought huge applause as she smiled warmly.

“Look at this panel. I’m turning up to work every day not only working with the future but the past, with an incredible ensemble. I’m grateful every day,” said Jackman.

When asked about Quicksilver popping up everywhere recently, Singer explained, “It took a while to find the right actor for this role. Making it work was fantastic. I can’t speak to The Avengers, but our character – Evan you describe the character.”

Peters answered, “He’s very fast. He’s quick – he talks quick, he moves quick, everyone is very slow compared to him. It’s like he’s always at a ATM waiting for the bastard in front of him to finish.”

“He’s got excellent genes,” added Fassbender proudly.

Another fan asked what could be next for Wolverine’s career, and someone suggested Wolverine: The Musical. That led Jackman to do an improvised song: “I’m going to slice ’emmmmm! I’m going to dice ’emmmmm!” The crowd loved it.

Continuing with the question about what other character they’d like to play in X-Men: Ian McKellen would play “the younger Magneto.” Halle Berry said Mystique. Anna Paquin said Wolverine. Ellen Page said Bishop. For Patrick Stewart: “I would like to play any female character in any X-Men movie because then I may stand a chance of winning the Academy Award.”

The cast received a second standing ovation before leaving. X-Men: Days of Future Past hits theaters May 23, 2014.