The X-Men: First Class prequel trilogy is a semi-reboot of the comic book movie franchise. Naturally a film that takes place decades before the original trilogy would mean that we would see younger versions of classic characters. With X-Men: Apocalypse taking place 20 or so years before the events of the first X-Men, director Bryan Singer is now tasked with finding suitable actors to play young Jean Grey and young Scott Summers.
Now a new report reveals a shortlist of possible of actors who could be playing younger versions of Phoenix and Cyclops. Hit the jump to find out who they are.
Chloe Moretz (Kick-Ass), Elle Fanning (Maleficent), and Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit) are the three actresses who are up for the role of Jean Grey aka Phoenix. Looking at the kinds of names the studio is aiming for, the Jean Grey role must be a pivotal one. As for Cyclops, the actors are more up-and-coming than their female counterparts.
Ben Hardy (East Enders), Charlie Rowe (Never Let Me Go), and Timothee Chalamet, who played young Tom in Interstellar, are the three actors up for Scott Summers aka Cyclops. While they may not be household names, they have had roles in some great films.
Given the nature of these shortlists, it could be that none of the actors get the role at all. The Wrap reports that no official offer has been made as of yet, and there are other actors in consideration for the respective roles.
It would be interesting to see who does get the role of Jean Grey though, as she would be fighting for screen time against Jennifer Lawrence‘s Mystique.
Students of the Unusual™ comic cover used with permission of 3BoysProductions
The Mercuri Bros.™ comic cover used with permission of Prodigal Son Press