Magneto and Professor Charles Xavier won't return for "X-Men: Apocalypse" -- at least the older versions of them.
Yahoo Movies reported the news, saying that the information was confirmed by Patrick Stewart in a recent interview on "Larry King Now." According to the actor, his character, Professor Xavier, would not make an appearance in the upcoming "X-Men" film. Ian McKellen (Magneto) would not return for the sequel, too.
"I was learning quite a lot more about it last night, and it is going to be looking very much at the earlier lives of all our characters. And so I don't think we'll be making an appearance," Stewart told Larry King, as quoted by the news outlet.
The question whether the two actors would return for "X-Men: Apocalypse" has long plagued fans of the popular comic book movie franchise, Yahoo Movies noted. Stewart and McKellen were last seen portraying their individual roles on "X-Men: Days of Future Past," along with their respective younger counterparts, James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender.
Even though Stewart confirmed his absence on "X-Men: Apocalypse," it doesn't mean that he won't make an appearance in the franchise's other installments. According to Yahoo Movies, the actor hinted that Professor X could be in an "X-Men" spinoff, most probably Channing Tatum's "Gambit" or Ryan Reynolds' "Deadpool."
'X-Men: Apocalypse' Latest News
"X-Men: Apocalypse" is slated to release in theaters on May 27, 2016. In the comics, Apocalypse (a.k.a. En Sabah Nur) is the Earth's first mutant and will seek the assistance of the Four Horsemen in taking over the world. The X-Men will do everything in their power to stop the villain's evil plans, Yahoo Movies explained.
According to IGN, Bryan Singer will serve as the director of the upcoming film, with Simon Kinberg writing the screenplay. "X2: X-Men United" writers Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris will also be returning.
Confirmed recurring cast members include Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique and Nicholas Hoult as Hank "Beast" McCoy. Oscar Isaac will portray the villain Apocalypse, Digital Trends reported.
"X-Men: Apocalypse" is rumored to be set in the 1980s, iDigitalTimes noted. Kinberg has stated that the upcoming installment will take the hit movie franchise in a new direction. Furthermore, the film "will highlight Magneto's romance with Mystique, putting stars Michael Fassbender and Jennifer Lawrence front and center, which is right where Fox -- and audiences -- want them," according to The Wrap.
