X-MEN: FIRST CLASS Sequel May Not Shoot Until January (Or June) 2013

The Hollywood Reporter reveal that 20th Century Fox have set a January start date for the X-Men: First Class sequel. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-chair Rob Friedman apparently pressed Fox to film next year rather than in the Fall in return for allowing the rival studio to handle some of the overseas distribution on Catching Fire. However, the fact that Fox were insistent on The Hunger Games sequel finishing filming by December 20th may be what ultimately led to Gary Ross deciding not to direct (as he felt he could not accommodate that schedule with an August start date).

While Fox was willing to delay shooting by a few weeks, this still wasn't enough for Ross, and existing friction between the two studios caused by the fact that Lionsgate would not free up Lawrence to attend the X-Men: First Class premiere during filming of The Hunger Games didn't help matters. However, other sources are said to be "sceptical" that Fox will end up shooting as soon as January. Their deal with Lawrence reportedly allows them a six month starting period, meaning filming may not commence until as late as next June! Stay tuned for further updates and sound of with your thoughts below.