Benjamin Walker Cast As Beast In X-Men: First Class
Showbiz411is reporting thatBenjamin Walker(star of the Public Theater’s “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” has been cast as r. Henry Philip “Hank” McCoy (aka Beast) inMatthew Vaughn’sX-Men: First Class. The character was played by Kelsey Grammer inX-Men: The Last Stand.
Also,Entertainment Weeklyconfirms the earlier rumors thatMichael Fassbenderis in talks to join the film in the role of Erik Lensherr, who later becomes Magneto.
Here is more information on Beast fromWikipedia:
When first introduced, the Beast — a mutant — possesses ape-like superhuman physical strength and agility and oversized hands and feet, though he otherwise appears to be a normal human being. Throughout his history, the Beast undergoes progressive transformations to his physiognomy, permanently gaining increasingly animalistic physical characteristics. These include blue fur, feline facial features, pointed ears, fangs, and claws. His physical power increases to even greater levels, as do his senses.
Despite his savage appearance, he is a brilliant man of the arts and sciences; he is a world authority on biochemistry and genetics, the X-Men’s medical doctor, and the science and mathematics instructor at the Xavier Institute (the X-Men’s headquarters and school for young mutants). He is also a mutant political activist. Fighting his bestial instincts and fears of social rejection, the Beast dedicates his physical and mental gifts to the creation of a better world for man and mutant. He also has a witty sense of humor.
Henry’s mutation more fully manifests during adolescence, providing greater strength and agility, and although his powers allow him to briefly excel in athletics during his remaining time at school, he soon attracts the animosity of his fellow students and other non-mutant humans. As he seeks refuge, he is approached by Professor Charles Xavier, who invites him to study at “Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters”. Henry recognizes the opportunities such an institution can offer him and accepts the offer. He finds the school both a fount of scientific knowledge and a place of sanctuary and is there introduced to the X-Men, who accept him into their ranks and give him the codename Beast. Alongside workouts in the Danger Room, under Xavier’s tutelage, he studies subjects ranging from differential equations to Proust. With the rest of the X-Men on their first field mission, he battles Magneto for the first time.
Walker’s work includes portraying Kinsey (at age 19) inKinsey, and Harlon Block inFlags of Our Fathers. Walker was also featured in the short-lived CBS drama series3 lbs. Walker’s theatre credits includeThe Arrangementsat theAtlantic Theatre(NYC in 2005),Spring Awakening( NYC in 2005),Lady Windermere’s Fan(Williamstown Theatre in 2005), andRomeo and Juliet(Williamstown Theatre in 2006).
Here is footage of Walker in “Andrew Jackson Does Emo Rock”
Previously:
Earlier this week it wasrumoredthatAmber Heard(The Informers, Zombieland) is in talks to play a young Mystique, andPride & Prejudice/SurrogatesstarRosamund Pikeis in talks to play Moira McTaggert. Mystique was played by Rebecca Romijn-Stamos in the original Bryan Singer films while McTaggert was played by Olivia Williams in Brett Ratner’sX-Men: The Last Stand.
It was alsoreportedthat Vaughn wantsMichael FassbenderofInglourious BasterdsandHungerfor Magneto, but the actor is also being pursued to play the bad guy in Sony’sSpider-Manreboot. The idea is that he can only do one or the other.Spider-Manshortlist actorFrank Dillanemay also be up for a role.
A couple weeks ago,Aaron Johnsonwas spotted"taking a meeting" with Vaughn and newly announced First Class starJames McAvoy, who has signed on to play young Charles Xavier (aka Professor X). The photo shows directorMatthew Vaughnhaving a meeting with James McAvoy andKick-AssstarAaron Johnsonlast week in London England. We know that a week later McAvoy joined the cast of Vaughn’s X-Men prequel… but what about Johnston? It is completely possible that he was just meeting up with Vaughn, as the two became friendly over the course of making Kick-Ass. But why would he be present during Vaughn’s meeting with McAvoy?
THR’sHeatVisionhas reported that producer Bryan Singer (who was originally supossed to directFirst Classbut was unable to due to hisJack the Giant Killercommitments) was usingGiant Killer’s casting process :as an opportunity to look for potential X-Men, vetting actors who may be qualified to play a young Cyclops or young Jean Grey." And previously it wasreportedthat Singer had met with Johnson andAndrew Garfieldabout the possible leading role in Giant Killer.Is it possible that Singer met with Johnston and sent in a recommendation for the actor to play young Cyclops? Again, just wild speculation at this point.
Matthew Vaughnbeat out eight directors to take the helm. Bryan Singer was originally attached to return to the X-Men franchise to helm this new film, but his commitment to Jack The Giant Killer at Warner Broswill prevent him from directing. Singer’s treatment was a Str Trek-style reboot/prequel, which will focus on “the formative years of Xavier and Magneto, and the formation of the school and where there [sic] relationship took a wrong turn.” Singer has previouslyadmittedthat First Class would “probably utilize some of the [planned/announced X-Men Origins:] Magneto story because it deals with a young Magneto,” and that “it might supersede” that plan because this new movie would explore “that relationship between a young energetic professor and a disenfranchised victim of the Holocaust.”
Here is the official plot synopsis:
X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, following the classic Marvel mythology, charts the epic beginning of the X-Men saga. Before Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men discovering their powers for the first time. Before they were archenemies, they were closest of friends, working together, with other Mutants (some familiar, some new), to stop the greatest threat the world has ever known. In the process, a rift between them opened, which began the eternal war between Magneto’s Brotherhood and Professor X’s X-Men.
The day afterJamie Mosshanded in his first draft, Fox head Tom Rothman fast-tracked the project. It was at this moment that Warner Bros informed Singer that they would not delay the production of Jack and the Giant Killer. Singer will still produce the project. I’ve heard the script is solid, and everyone who has read it is excited to make it.
Fox is scouting locations in West Michigan. The film is set to go into production this Summer, and the studio has set a June 3rd 2011 release date.
