‘X-Men: Supernova’ Cast: James McAvoy Teases Return As Professor X In ‘X-Men 3’

A major shift is going to happen soon in the "X-Men" movie universe. Hugh Jackman is about to hang up his claws as he makes "Logan" his last outing as Wolverine. There's also going to be a "New Mutants" film, and potentially a big X-Force debut in "Deadpool 3." More prominently, the X-Men team is going to focus more on the younger squad spearheaded by Sophie Turner's Jean Grey.

Following the release of "X-Men: Apocalypse," the "X-Men" movie universe was at a crossroads as to how they were going to proceed with the story. At that time, lead stars Jennifer Lawrence, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Nicholas Hoult have reached the end of their three-picture contract with Fox, putting into question their characters' fate in the franchise. However, McAvoy recently teased that he will be back as Professor X in the upcoming "X-Men: Supernova," which is said to be based on the "Dark Phoenix" arc in the comics.

According to Screen Rant, McAvoy shared a photo on his Instagram with producer Simon Kinberg and co-star Patrick Stewart. He also captioned, "Can't wait for the summer." It is presumed that McAvoy will reprise his role as Charles Xavier in "Supernova" and "New Mutants."

Interestingly, during the press tour for his movie "Split," McAvoy openly spoke about his future in the "X-Men" franchise, saying he would consider returning if the material is good.

"If they offer me a really good part, I'm in! If it's not a really good part... I'll think about it," McAvoy told Fandango. "But I love playing Charles, and I've always had pretty interesting things to do as Charles. So, if that continues, then, yeah of course I'd love to take part."

Aside from McAvoy, fans are optimistic that Lawrence, Fassbender and Hoult would still be on board.

"X-Men: Supernova" will take place in the 1990s. The film is expected to complete the franchise as it connects the more recent "X-Men" films with the first "X-Men" movie directed by Bryan Singer in 2000. Production is expected to begin in Montreal, Canada in May 2017. The movie will film simultaneously with "The New Mutants."