X-Men Getting “First Class” with Josh Schwartz as Scribe!
Josh Schwartz is making a name for himself in Hollywood right now and this is just one of the big projects I am sure he will start developing. Schwartz, the creator behind hit shows like, The O.C., Chuck and Gossip Girl is teaming up with 20th Century Fox to adapt a new and younger X-Men franchise titled, X-Men: First Class.
According to the article in the Hollywood trade, Variety, Schwartz is:
“expected to inject a next-gen sensibility into the superhero series, which has earned $1.2 billion worldwide.”
Not much is being said about the details of the project but the article speculates that,
“the resulting film would likely draw from elements of the Marvel comic of the same name, launched in 2006, and enlist such characters as Iceman, Rogue, Angel, Colossus, Jubilee and Shadowcat, who have appeared prominently or made cameos in prior pics. Given Hollywood’s penchant for reboots with new actors playing familiar roles, the pic could also reintroduce characters. The Comic book revolves around the Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Beast, Iceman, Angel and Professor X.”
X-Men 2 and 3 scribe, Zak Penn was once attached to the script and was who spurred Fox’s interest in adapting a young X-Men movie. However, Schwartz was then attached to this project last May but nothing official came from the studio, except that they did file the project’s title in July with Production Weekly.
I think that this is a cool idea and certainly Schwartz is adept at adapting material to attract the Gen-Y demographic as all 3 of his shows have been hits with the 18-49 group. As a former fan of The O.C. Schwartz’s comic book knowledge and love came out through his character of Seth Cohen. I totally could see new actors in the roles but I also interpret “First Class” to mean the first mutants to be taken in and educated by Professor X. I would assume that this film would focus on a young Jean Gray, Scott Summers, Aurora Monroe, etc. but at the same time I am aware there is a comic book of the same name that was created by Jeff Parker and Roger Cruz revolving around the Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Beast, Iceman, Angel and Professor X.
Lastly, I could see Schwartz going after some of his show’s alum such as Benjamin McKenzie or Adam Brody (Ryan and Seth in The O.C.) to star in the vehicle [I could see McKenzie playing Scott Summers]. Anyway I am sure this is just the start for Mr. Schwartz’s career in developing stuff for the big-screen.
