Michael Fassbender is Magneto in X-Men: First Class

X-Men: First Class finally has its lead villain.  According to Showbiz 411, the role of the young Magneto has gone to Michael Fassbender (Inglourious Basterds).

Fassbender had his choice of Marvel vilains over the last few weeks. He was already in talks to play the lead villain in Marc Webb’s Spider-Man 4 when he was offered to play the young Erik Lehnsherr/ Magneto.

Matthew Vaughn is directing the film, from a screenplay by Jane Goldman. X-Men: First Class will focus on the relationship between the young Magneto and Charles Xavier (to be played by James McAvoy) as they learn to control their new mutant powers. While initially starting out as friends, a global threat turns them into enemies, and Charles Xavier founds the School for Gifted Youngsters while Magneto forms his evil Brotherhood.

Along with McAvoy, Fassbender also joins Benjamin Walker as Hank McCoy, better known as the Beast.

X-Men: First Class is scheduled to hit theaters on June 3, 2011.  With production starting this August in London, casting news for the other mutants, both good and evil, will be coming in shortly.  Stay tuned….