Creator of THE O.C. is confirmed for X-MEN: FIRST CLASS writing duties

Back in May, Josh Schwartz, the creator of Gossip Girl and The O.C. made it slip that he was writing a new X-MEN movie based on the younger and lesser known characters of Professor Xavier's institute and although 20th Century Fox refused for months to confirm it, the story has finally been confirmed by Variety today. Schwartz is writing X-MEN: FIRST CLASS which will center on the likes of Iceman, Rogue, Angel, Colossus, Jubilee and Shadowcat. Basically, it will be like X-MEN: THE ACADEMY and is likely to involve the kind of youth relationship issues found in every episode of Schwartz's cannon. The movie will probably feature cameo's from bigger characters new and old to boost up the box office trailer. Although Schwartz has some directing experience for t.v., he has declined the offer to helm himself. Laura Shuler Donner and Simon Kinberg are producing and if the early word on X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE is anything to go by, they will keep a very close eye on this project to fit their requirements. The movie is the third X-MEN movie in production right now with X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE set to open in May. Post-that 20th Century Fox are developing X-MEN ORIGINS: MAGNETO (but seem to be waiting to see how a WOLVERINE-solo movie performs) and are hopeful for both a DEADPOOL spin-off (starring Ryan Reynolds who appears in character in WOLVERINE) and an X-MEN 4.