In an absolutely inspired piece of casting 20the Century Fox have confirmed that James McAvoy is set to play Professor Charles Xavier in X-Men: First Class.
With Patrick Stewart unfortunately too old to play Professor X and director Matthew Vaughan obviously uncomfortable with the “unaging” process that was used to provide a younger Xavier in X-Men: The Last Stand, the call went out to Wanted star McAvoy.
Vaughan is currently working with Kick-Ass co-writer Jane Goldman on the script that will show the early days of Xavier and close friend Erik Lensherr (later to become Magneto), their subsequent rift and Xavier’s formation of a school for mutant children.
Production is due to start this summer so expect further casting news soon. Fox is looking at a June 2011 release.
