Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen join X-Men: Days of Future Past

Director Bryan Singer (Superman Returns) has confirmed that the forthcoming X-Men: Days of Future Past will feature cast members from the original X-Men films, namely Sir Ian McKellen (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey) and Sir Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: The Next Generation), who are set to reprise their roles as Magneto and Professor X.

Singer took to his Twitter account to reveal the news, stating that he was thrilled to announce the two veteran actors will be joining the upcoming sequel. He went on to say that Nicholas Hoult (About a Boy) will be back as Beast alongside Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games) as Mystique. Michael Fassbender (Shame) and James McAvoy (Wanted) are also returning to play the younger versions of Magneto and Professor X.

The director also left a teaser by saying there was "more to come..." so, could he be referring to rumours that Hugh Jackman (Real Steel) is also set to join the cast as Wolverine?

Singer returns to the X-Men franchise after directing the first two films before handing over to Brett Ratner (Rush Hour 3) for the third installment, X-Men: The Last Stand, while Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass) took over for last year's franchise reboot / prequel, X-Men: First Class.

X-Men: Days of Future Past is set to be released in cinemas on July 18th, 2014.