Writer Hired for 'X-Men: First Class' Sequel

With X-Men: First Class still sharp in audiences minds as one of the biggest surprises and successes of this past summer, it’s only natural a sequel would be moving forward. While Matthew Vaughn is looking to occupy his current time elsewhere, 20th Century Fox sees the $350 million box office as a big reason to get a second film going. Today, information has been released that reveals the studio has hired a writer to pen the follow up, and he has ties to past films of the franchise.

Simon Kinberg, producer of the first film and one of the writers on Last Stand, has been hired by Fox to be the sequel’s scribe. Kinberg has contributed his writing talent on Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Jumper, Sherlock Holmes, and the upcoming This Means War, and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.

There is no confirmation if Matthew Vaughn will return to direct, though he’s expressed interest in the past. It’s interesting to note that Vaughn contributed in writing First Class with partner Jane Goldman, and two others, and it’s very likely that if Fox locks Vaughn as director, he and Goldman will return to help write as well.

The cast of James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Rose Byrne, January Jones, Lucas Till, and Jennifer Lawrence have not signed deals, but have all expressed much interest in reprising their roles. Hugh Jackman, who made a brief cameo in the first film, has said he’d also like to return in some capacity as well. With Jackman, it’s a liklihood he could cameo again, as he’ll be filming as the character for his own film next year.

X-Men: First Class is now available on home video and digital download.