Cinefantastique Online

Joshua Schwartz (creature of NBC’S CHUCK) will write and possibly direct the next X-MEN features. After 3 films, the franchise currently has spin-off pics devoted to WOLVERINE and MAGNETO; the question was how to do another full-blown X-MEN flick without paying raises to all the stars. Answer may be to focus a new film on younger mutants at the Xavier Institute. From Variety:

Fox is keeping quiet on plans and declined to confirm details of the project. The studio has been considering ways to continue its successful series of “X-Men” movies after the third installment, the Brett Ratner-helmed “X-Men: The Last Stand,” collected $459 million in 2006.

Fox has been leaning toward using the younger characters introduced in the previous pics in future installments — teenagers with powers taught at the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning.

Resulting film would likely draw from elements of the Marvel comic of the same name, launched in 2006, and enlist such characters as Iceman, Rogue, Angel, Colossus, Jubilee and Shadowcat, who have appeared prominently or made cameos in prior pics.

Given Hollywood’s penchant for reboots with new actors playing familiar roles, pic could also reintroduce characters. Comicbook revolves around the Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Beast, Iceman, Angel and Professor X.

Naturally, “First Class” could also result in its own series of sequels.