Jennifer Lawrence has been cast as Mystique in 20 Century Fox's anticipated prequel X-Men: First Class.

Mystique, who was played by Rebecca Romijn in the original trilogy, is a shapeshifter who can mimic other people, though she cannot replicate superpowers.

X-Men: First Class will focus on key X-Men characters and archenemies Professor X and Magneto as two young men and closest of friends discovering their powers for the first time.

When they align themselves with over mutants in order to stop the greatest threat the world has ever known, a rift between them develops which begins a war that would consume the rest of their lives.

James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender have both signed on to play the key roles of Professor X and Magneto respectively.

Alice Eve has also joined the cast as Emma Frost.

Kevin Bacon has been confirmed as the films main, yet undisclosed, villain.

Matthew Vaughn (Kick Ass) will direct.

A tentative release date of June 3, 2011 is in the books.

Filming is expected to start this summer in London.

Source: Heat Vision