Despite hitches along the way, it appears that X-men First Class has begun shooting and with that we have learned a great deal about the upcoming superhero adaptation. Through a phone interview with executive producer Bryan Singer, Aint It Cool News has revealed details regarding the latest film in the X-men franchise.

One of the major aspects of the superhero prequel will be the time period it is set in. First Class is scheduled to take place in an alternative 1960's with John F. Kennedy as president, and with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X having a background role in the film. First Class will also emulate the retro-future technology of the era, similar to the 1960's James Bond films. Because of this change in time period, we will not see fan favorites Cyclops and Marvel Girl in this film.

As for plot details, the major villain has been revealed to be Sebastian Shaw, played by Kevin Bacon. Shaw will be backed up the Hellfire Club's White Queen Emma Frost, played by January Jones. However, the majority of the story will explore the relationship between Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Magneto (Michael Fassbender) and how their relationship deteriorates. It will also be revealed how Xavier became crippled.

X-men: First Class will be released on June 3, 2011.