THE CONSPIRATOR star James McAvoy has signed on to play the young Charles Xavier (Professor X) in X-MEN: FIRST CLASS for FOX. Patrick Stewart played the role in the original X-MEN trilogy.

X-MEN: FIRST CLASS tells the origin story of Charles Xavier and Eric Lensherr, before they became bitter archenemies Professor X and Magneto. The film will chronicle the growing rift between the once-close friends and classmates. So far, audiences have made blockbusters of the three X-MEN films that detail the power struggle between these two men. The role of Eric Lensherr/Magneto has not yet been cast.

Matthew Vaughn (KICK-ASS, LAYER CAKE) is set to direct and Bryan Singer (X-MEN, X2) will produce alongside Laura Shuler Donner and Simon Kinberg.

The film will begin production in London this summer and is set for a June 3, 2011 release.