x-men first class

James McAvoy to Play a Young Patrick Stewart

James McAvoy (Wanted, Atonement) has signed on to play Charles Xavier in next summer’s X-Men: First Class, the X-Men origin story directed by Matthew Vaughn. The film will focus on the early relationship between Professor X and Magneto, before they grew up to become bitter enemies played by Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan. No word yet on who will play young Magneto nor whether McAvoy will be forced to shave off his lovely mane to play the bald professor. [Hollywood Insider/EW]

James McAvoy to Play a Young Patrick Stewart