X-Men: First Class is gearing up nicely. Fresh from his success with the seriously enjoyable Kick Ass, newly minted king of comic-adaps Matthew Vaughan has taken the directors chair of the mutant prequel. Joining him on the ride is long-time confident and writer Jane Goldman.
Goldman’s involvement in the project has been confirmed by her motor-mouthed hubby Jonathan Ross meaning that the pair behind Stardust and Kick Ass are back in business for Professor Charles Zaviers original class of super-powered superhumans. Thor writers Ashley Miller and Zack Stentz are also adding their considerable comic-book knowledge to the script.
The prequel is expected to centre on the relationship between Xavier (aka. Professor X) and close friend Erik Lehnsherr (Magneto), and the foundation of Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. The lineup is certain to include a young Scott Summers (Cyclops), Jean Grey and Ororo Munroe (Storm), along with others that we may not have seen on screen before.
With writing under way casting should begin in short stead. Quite who will play the younger mutants and whether Ian McKellan and Patrick Stewart return is still a matter of speculation at this juncture. The film is set for a June 3rd, 2011 release.