Film director Bryan Singer recently gave another casting update for the next installment of the "X-Men" franchise. This time, he announced that Australian actor Kodi Smit-McPhee has been tapped to portray the role of the young Nightcrawler in "X-Men: Apocalypse."
In his Instagram post on Feb. 18, the "X-Men" helmer posted the picture of Smit-McPhee, with the announcement, "Excited to welcome @kodismitmcphee to the cast of #XmenApocalypse as young #Nightcrawler."
The 18-year-old actor will take over the role from Alan Cummings, who portrayed Nightcrawler/ Kurt Wagner in the 2003-released "X-Men 2." This time, the indigo-colored Nightcrawler will be younger compared to the earlier version of the character.
Smit-McPhee is known for appearing in other notable movies in the past, including last year's "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" as Alexander, 2013's "Romeo and Juliet" as Benvolio, as well as the critically acclaimed horror-comedy animation film "ParaNorman," where he lent his voice to the lead character Norman in 2012.
Aside from the Aussie actor, Singer also earlier announced the list of new cast members for his upcoming "X-Men" film, including Alexandra Shipp as Storm, Tye Sheridan as Cyclops, and "Game of Thrones'" actress Sophie Turner who will play the role of Jean Grey.
They will join the original cast members from the trilogy's first release, "X-Men: First Class," including James McAvoy as Professior X, Michael Fassbender as Magneto, Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique, and Nicholas Hoult as Beast.
Evan Peters is also reported to reprise his role as Peter Maximoff/ Quicksilver in the upcoming installment of Singer's "X-Men" trilogy. Although 20th Century Fox still has to confirm the news, the actor recently talked about the possibility of Quicksilver's return in an interview with I Am Rouge.
"I think so, yes. I assume it as well, but I don't know what I'm supposed to say and not supposed to say," Peters said.
"Xmen: Apocalypse" is reportedly centered on the beginnings of the mutants back in 1983. It is meant to tie the loose ends in the blockbuster "X-Men" trilogy.
The film is expected to start production in April, and it is slated for release on May 27, 2016.
