Bryan Singer Talks X-MEN: FIRST CLASS and Why He Came Back to the Franchise

Last week we learned that Bryan Singer would be returning to the X-Men franchise to direct the prequel X-Men: First Class.  To this, there was much rejoicing.  Singer explained to Variety that it would be about the formation of the X-Men and the dissolution of the relationship between Charles Xavier and Magneto.  Speaking with Heat Vision, Singer elaborated that First Class may supersede the planned Magneto spinoff as his film would “explore that relationship between a young energetic professor and a disenfranchised victim of the Holocaust.”

As to his plans to return to the franchise, Singer says it’s been in the works for some time, explaining, “It started with a conversation between (Fox co-chairman) Tom Rothman and I some time ago. We not only concluded a deal, but I’ve written a pretty concise treatment. There’s a story that I really want to tell.”  He also explains that why there was frustration over his decision to do Superman Returns and not X-Men 3, that frustration has passed.  Additionally, Singer feels that since it’s been ten years since the first X-Men movie and, “this is a nice opportunity to look back at the origins of that universe.”

Hit the jump for Singer talking Jack the Giant Killer, Battlestar Galactica, and Excalibur.

Here’s what Singer had to say about Jack the Giant Killer:

Heat Vision: Would you do “Jack the Giant Killer” first?

Singer: Right now that is the plan. Unless there’s a problem in the development process. There is a script for “Jack”; we’re in visual development. We’ve got artwork and pre-viz that we are doing. But you never know how things go.

And here’s what Singer had to say about Battlestar Galactica and Excalibur:

We just concluded a deal for “Battlestar Galactica,” and we’re looking for a writer. And for “Excalibur,” we’re still in negotiations. Those are the  four directorial projects that I and my company are involved in.

Click over to Heat Vision to read the full interview.