20th Century Fox have today officially announced that they are indeed bringing another X-Men film to the screens – and it will be the Dark Phoenix saga.

Deadline has reported that plans have been “formalised” for X-Men: Dark Phoenix as the next installment in the franchise, which will be the fourth film to feature the cast of characters first set up in X-Men: First Class, as well as some exciting new recruits. Simon Kinberg, writer and producer throughout much of the franchise as well as films such as Deadpool and its sequel, Fantastic Four and The Martian, is to make his directorial debut with the film after years of service to the series.

Next, the studio has confirmed that all of the previous cast will be returning for the new film, which may or may not be their final appearance in the X-Men suits. James McAvoy (Professor X), Michael Fassbender (Magneto), Jennifer Lawrence (Mystique), Nicholas Hoult (Beast), Alexandra Shipp (Storm), Tye Sheridan (Cyclops) and Kodi Smit-Mcphee (Nightcrawler) as will Sophie Turner as Jean Grey who will become the Dark Phoenix in the film.

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And finally in what could be big news on the villain front, it is reported that talks are ongoing with Academy Award Nominee Jessica Chastain (Miss Sloane, Molly’s Game) to play the big-bad in the film, Shi’ar Empress Lilandra – but it seems that a deal should be done very soon.

With Josh Boone’s New Mutants set for release early next year, which stars Anya Taylor-Joy and Maisie Williams amongst others, and the long-awaited release of Deadpool 2, featuring Ryan Reynolds and Josh Brolin as Cable, next year could be a big year for Fox.

X-Men: Dark Phoenix is set for release on November 2nd, 2018, a slightly different release from the usual summer spot the films have taken thus far.