UPDATE: 'X-Men: First Class' Starts Shooting in 2010 According to Cyclops

Late last year, we received a bit of information about the spawning of a new "X-Men" franchise in the form of some young mutants forming the first team out of Charles Xavier's School for the Gifted. As of now, the project is being referred to as "X-Men: First Class," but we haven't heard any real information about the project since Josh Schwartz (creator and exec producer of shows like "Chuck" and "The O.C.") was said to be penning the first draft of the screenplay.

Xavier - played by Patrick Stewart - was shown rescuing several young mutants at the end of "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," including Cyclops, Emma Frost and others who appeared to include Banshee and Quicksilver.

Australian actor Tim Pocock, who played the young Cyclops in "Wolverine," has hinted that "First Class" will go into production next year.

Producer Lauren Shuler Donner had already said that the next film in the series would get under way in 2010, but she didn't specify which project was at the top of the list.

Several are in development - including "Wolverine 2," "X-Men Origins: Magneto," "X-Men: First Class" and "Deadpool."

Fansite X-MenFilms.net spotted that Pocock posted a note on his Twitter page saying: "Currently shooting Australian TV series till February 2010...then X-Men: First Class ;)"

If Pocock's comments pan out, then we're likely to hear word of a director soon. News of casting could also be on the way, with Pocock as Cyclops seemingly a given and Patrick Stewart's return as Charles Xavier likely as well.

Then again, we are talking Twitter, here. Pocock's statements could well be premature, inaccurate or otherwise misinterpreted. Still, the prospect of "X-Men: First Class" lensing as early as February 2010 is nonetheless intriguing.

Are you hoping that "First Class" starts shooting soon, or would you prefer a different "X-Men" film got underway first?

UPDATE: Tim just posted the following on Twitter:

"victim of cruel prank.last tweet=NOT me.AM filming Aussie show till2010.no official word on XM:FC but am interested.please post retraction."

Is this damage control from his agent or Fox because he spoke too soon?

More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: The Geek Files, MTV News, First Showing