More casting news for Matthew Vaughn’s “X-Men: First Class” have been reveal. According to several sources, both Rose Byrne and Jason Flemyng will join the massive cast of the upcoming “X-Men” prequel starring James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Kevin Bacon, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult and Alice Eve.
Rose Byrne from the TV series “Damages” is currently in discussion to take on the role of Moira MacTaggert, the love interest of Charles Xavier played by McAvoy, and an authority on genetic mutation.
Meanwhile, Jason Flemyng has been cast to play Nightcrawler’s father, Azazel. When asked about the role, here’s what Flemyng had to say:
“Matthew showed me my costume just the other day. Now I swore I’d never be in heavy make-up again, but this role is going to involve it. But at least they said, “Don’t worry, we’ll add the tail in post”. I am Azazel, and I can teleport by waving my arms [gestures like a cross between a flamenco dancer and a Bollywood star].”
Both are great additions, and while I know Fox has been searching for the right actor to play MacTaggert, I think Byrne is a perfect cast and would compliment McAvoy favorably. That’s not to say I wouldn’t have preferred Rosamund Pike who had been rumored to play MacTaggert. Lastly, with the casting of Azazel (a surprise) does this mean there will also be a young Nightcrawler?
“X-Men: First Class” is tentatively slated to open on June 3, 2011.