In an L.A. Times exclusive yesterday it was announced that actor James McAvoy will play psychic mutant Professor Charles Xavier in X-Men: First Class. Matthew Vaughn (Layer Cake, Kick-Ass) will direct the pre-quel capturing the early years of the X-men comic book team. Obviously this cast will be peopled with younger actors. Xavier is the father of the team and he recruits young mutants for the greater good. He was previously portrayed by Patrick Stewart in the other live action X-Men films, which were Bryan Singer’s X-Men and X2 and Brett Ratner’s X-Men: The Last Stand (Gavin Hood’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine is also a part of the franchise and future additions may include Wolverine 2 and spin-off Deadpool).
We first brought the news of X-Men: First Class in early May. The film’s anticipated release date is June 3, 2011. Look for more casting decisions to follow! My only question now is, will McAvoy have to shave his head?
