Bryan Singer to only Produce X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, not Direct
Last week week we discussed the possibility that Bryan Singer might not end up directing X-Men: First Class even though he was already attached to direct the project. It was revealed that 20th Century Fox was actively on the search for directors to take over Singers spot due to the fact he's going to be completely focused on his next film Jack and the Giant Killer. It looks like Fox didn't want to wait around for Singer's schedule to open up to direct the X-Men: First Class because Singer is no longer attached to direct.
Deadline reports that 20th Century Fox has officially changed his role on the film from director to producer on X-Men: First Class. I'm kind of bummed out that Singer wont be taking on the directing duties for this film. I was excited to see him jump back in the franchise and deliver the fans the first solid X-Men film since X2. There is an upside to all of this though, Fox thinks the script that Jamie Moss wrote from Singer's treatment is so fantastic that the studio wants to get the film into production as soon as possible, they see it as the first part of a trilogy, and they hope is to have it ready for a 2011 release date.
So Fox is still on the hunt for a new director, they've talked to several of them and are currently in the process of putting together a shot list of directors to chose from. Due to the fact that that Fox is moving the project forward without Singer so fast proves to me that this will be the next X-Men project we see hit the big screen. I think that First Class is going to get made before Wolverine 2 and Deadpool.
The quality of this next X-Men movie all depends on who they bring in to direct it. Just because Singer is producing doesn't mean it will end up being good. Remember, Fox is behind the film and the fact they want to rush into the project without Singer kinda worries me. But who know, maybe they'll get a really good director to helm the project.
What are your thoughts on the X-Men: First Class film project now?