Bryan Singer Directing 'X-Men: Days of Future Past'

Bryan Singer is returning to the X-Men universe as a director.

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The filmmaker has closed a deal to helm X-Men: Days of Future Past for 20th Century Fox, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.

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Singer launched the franchise based on the Marvel mutants when he directed X-Men (2000). He went on to direct X2: X-Men United (2003) and produce 2011’s prequel, X-Men: First Class

The news comes after a report last week that First Class helmer Matthew Vaughn, who was attached to tackle the film’s follow-up, would not be returning for Days of Future Past. Vaughn will produce the sequel along with writer Simon Kinberg and longtime X-Men producer Lauren Shuler Donner.

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Days of Future Past is slated for release on July 18, 2014, and sees First Class castmembers including Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy and Jennifer Lawrence returning.

Singer’s next film, Jack the Giant Slayer, is scheduled to open March 1, 2013. The film from Warner Bros. and New Line stars Nicholas Hoult and Ewan McGregor.

Singer is repped by WME.