Not long ago, we heard word that Bryan Singer was interested in directing another X-Men movie. Singer had moved on from the series after X2 to make Superman Returns, then the Tom Cruise vehicle Valkyrie.

Now, it's been confirmed that Singer has signed on to direct X-Men: First Class. First Class is the next in the series of "Origins" films for the comic franchise, which Singer says will look at the early days of Xavier and Magneto.

"This is the formative years of Xavier and Magneto, and the formation of the school and where there relationship took a wrong turn," Singer said. "There is a romantic element, and some of the mutants from X-Men will figure into the plot, though I don't want to say which ones. There will be a lot of new mutants and a great villain."

It would seem Fox is anxious to reboot the fairly young X-Men franchise along the same lines as JJ Abrams' Star Trek. As Xavier and Magneto will be young here, it's a foregone conclusion that Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan won't be playing them this time.

"Whether it's 'Batman,' 'Lord of the Rings' or 'Star Trek,' if the characters are good, you want to see them on their journey even if you know their destiny," Singer said. "I put myself in the fan's position, and I think this story is something I would want to see, and so will they."