Going the way of Wolverine (only more so), the next movie in the ever expanding X-Men franchise; X-Men: First Class; will not be a sequel to the original X-Men trilogy but a prequel set in the 1960s, and has just had its first official trailer released online (which is available to view below, and followed by images from the film).
Obviously being based on the same Marvel comics as the original trilogy, X-Men: First Class will follow a number of characters from the trilogy; the most important of which being Professor Charles Xavier (the crusading leader of the X-Men played in the previous films by Patrick Stewart, and known affectionately as Professor X) and Erik Lensherr (the metal controlling mutant known as Magneto; and previously played by Ian McKellen; whose campaign for mutant rights takes a much more aggressive stance than Xavier’s).
Wanted’s James McAvoy will be portraying the younger version of Xavier (replacing Patrick Stewart), whilst Michael Fassbender (Centurion) will be appearing as the young Magneto (replacing Ian McKellen), in the film which will not only tell the origin story of the X-Men group, but illustrate how the deep and lasting friendship between Charles and Erik became so irreparably fractured; sending them on very different paths in their attempts to ultimate secure the same goal.
Also appearing in the Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass) directed prequel will be Kevin Bacon (Hollow Man); as Sebastian Shaw (a powerful adversary of the X-Men); Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone); as the shapeshifter Mystique; Nicholas Hoult (Clash of the titans, 2010); as Beast; January Jones (Anger Management); as Emma Frost (a witty telepath known for her revealing white clothes); Jason Flemyng (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels); as Azazel (Nightcrawler’s teleporting, shapeshifting, father); and Rose Byrne (Knowing); as mutant expert Moira MacTaggert; as well as Oliver Platt (2012), and Ray Wise (Robocop).
Once again being developed by a story from previous X-Men writer/director Bryan Singer, and written by Jane Goldman (Kick-Ass) X-Men: First Class (which Vaughn hopes will only be the beginning of another successful franchise) is due to be released on June 2nd in the U.K., and the following day (June 3rd) in the U.S.
