Comic book movie fans will be disappointed to hear that Sir Patrick Stewart will not reprise his role as Professor Xavier in the upcoming "X-Men: Apocalypse," which is slated for release in 2016. What's more, he is not the only one from the original cast who will be leaving.
According Hollywood Life, Patrick said in an interview with Larry King last Jan. 22 that it is likely that he would not be appearing any longer in the new film as the sequel would focus more on the earlier lives of their characters.
In an equally shocking revelation, Patrick said that Sir Ian McKellen, who played Magneto in the past films, would also not be returning to the next "X-Men" franchise.
And it seems that young bloods are taking over the film sage.
James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender played the young Professor Xavier and Magneto, respectively, in the latest installment, "X-Men: Days of Future Past." Along with Jennifer Lawrence, Evan Peters and Nicholas Hoult, they would reprise their roles in "X-Men: Apocalypse."
Cinema Blend reports that Fox stated that "X-Men: Apocalypse" will have a release date of May 27, 2016, which will coincide with the release of "Alice in Wonderland 2."
The next installment of "X-Men" will continue that storyline of "X-Men: Days of Future Past." The superheroes would now go face-to-face with the formidable Apocalypse, who was shown in a brief clip in the end-credits sequence of previous film. Apocalypse, whose given name is En Sabah Nur, uses his powers to manipulate the Great Pyramid in ancient Egypt. This suggests that he might be the first mutant in existence.
The film will be directed by Brian Singer, with screenplay by Simon Kinberg.
In an article posted on Vox, Singer announced that Tye Sheridan, Alexandra Shipp, and Sophie Turner will join the next X-Men film. They will play Cyclops, Jean Grey, and Storm, respectively.
Widely known for playing Sansa Stark on HBO's "Game of Thrones," 18-year-old Turner will be playing Jean Grey, who has the power of telekinesis. Meanwhile, Shipp was known for playing the R&B singer Aaliyah, who tragically died plane crash in the Bahamas in 2001, in a biopic aired on Lifetime. She will essay the role of Storm (a.k.a. Ororo Munroe), who can manipulate the weather.
Sheridan's breakout role was when he played Steve in Terrence Malick's "The Tree of Life" (2011), which was nominated for three Oscars, including best picture. He will take over the role of Cyclops, which was played by James Marsden in the earlier installments.
