'Gossip Girl' creator Josh Schwartz set for new ‘X-Men’ film

Twentieth Century Fox has hired "Gossip Girl" creator Josh Schwartz to pen "X-Men: First Class" – which will give the franchise a new younger group of mutants.

"Gossip Girl" creator Josh Schwartz to bring the “X-Men” back to the screen with a younger class of mutants. © Albert L. Ortega / PR PhotosVariety reports Fox picked Schwartz to give the “X-Men” a younger feel, and the writer could be handling directing chores on the film. The “X-Men” films brought the studio an estimated $1.2 billion worldwide. The film will be produced by Lauren Shuler Donner (who handled producing chores on the first three "X-Men" films and the upcoming spin-off "X-Men Origins: Wolverine") with "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" writer Simon Kinberg.Fox has kept the details of the new film quiet, and has yet to confirm the project. A new “X-Men” film has been expected thanks to the success of "X-Men: The Last Stand" – which was directed by Brett Ratner and earned $459 million in 2006.The studio has also reportedly been interested in introducing younger characters to the franchise. The film could include Iceman, Rogue, Angel, Colossus, Jubilee and Shadowcat. If successful, the film could give Fox a new franchise with the mutants. Fox is also in development with several spin-offs from the “X-Men” franchise - including a Magneto film and a Deadpool movie.