'Magneto' movie makes progress

Superhero specialist David Goyer is to develop an origin story based on the 'X-Men' villain.

Apr 30 2007

Screenwriter turned director David Goyer has been charged with the task of creating an 'X-Men' spin-off about arch-villain Magneto.

Goyer, who has previously scribbled the likes of 'Blade: Trinity' and 'Batman Begins', will use Sheldon Turner's recent script as the basis for an origin story about Magneto's friendship with Professor X, a relationship that turns nasty and culminates in their becoming mortal enemies.

In spite of the fact that 'X-Men' stars Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart were digitally 'de-aged' to play the characters in flashback in the last picture, they will not reprise the role for this spin-off, with Goyer planning to cast two actors in their twenties.

The project is in the early stages of development however, so it seems unlikely that it will hit cinemas before rival 'X-Men' spin-off 'Wolverine'.

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