In 2011, everyone’s favorite mutants will be back in action, and they’re already looking better than ever. Kick Ass director Michael Vaughn has taken on the task of X-Men: First Class, which will tell the story of Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr’s friendship back when the two teen mutants didn’t live to destroy each other. Don’t worry, however, this isn’t a X-Men Origins: Wolverine situation where there will be nary a female in sight. With the big names the film has already managed to acquire, we’re pretty much guaranteed lots of X-Women screen time.

Despite its title, X-Men has always been, with the exception of the Wolverine film, a particularly estrogen-oriented superhero franchise. Its A-list cast has previously included the gorgeous and talented likes of Halle Berry, Anna Paquin, Ellen Page, Rebecca Romijin and Famke Jansen and First Class seems to be following that trend. Although casting news has been a bit shaky lately with different actors’ names being thrown in and out of the project at light speed, it’s starting to look as though things have finally been settled.

The most recent edition to the new X-family is Mad Men’s beloved January Jones, who will be playing telepathic mutant Emma Frost. January will be joining other female leads Rose Byrne (playing genetic scientist Moira MacTaggert), Zoe Kravitz (playing the housefly-esque Angel Salvadore), and Jennifer Lawrence (playing shapeshifter Raven Darkholme/Mystique). While Emma, Moira, and Angel were not featured in past X-Men films, Mystique is a very familiar, not to mention naked and blue, presence. Rebecca Romijin previously rocked the role, but Jennifer Lawrence should have no problem filling her shoes. In fact, Jennifer’s been receiving Oscar buzz for her starring role in Winter’s Bone, a Southern indie film about a young girl who must find her father. While I haven’t been able to catch the film, I did recently see her in The Poker House with Selma Blair, and it’s undeniable: Jennifer is one of the strongest actresses around these days, and X-Men is lucky to have her.

Fans of Damages know Australian actress Rose Byrne as Ellen Parsons, but she’s also been prominently featured in several films including Sunshine, 28 Weeks Later, Wicker Park, and Marie Antoinette. While you may not know Zoe Kravitz from her films (she’s only been in a small handful), you certainly know her parents Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet. January Jones may currently be gracing televisions across America, but the Emmy and Golden Globe nominated beauty is no stranger to the silver screen, having been featured such film as Pirate Radio, We Are Marshall, and Love Actually. It’s not just the female cast that’s noteworthy, either. First Class could not be in more capable hands than those of superb European actors Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy, who will be taking on the roles of Eric and Xavier. X-Men: First Class will undoubtedly be one of 2011’s most anticipated films, and with this knockout cast, just about everyone has a reason to be excited.

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