Bryan Singer 'Flirting' With Directing 'X-Men: First Class'

One of the great "What If?" situations of comic book movie history centers on Bryan Singer's departure from the "X-Men" franchise. What if he hadn't abandoned the third X-film in favor of "Superman Returns"? How different would his version of the movie have been from "X-Men: The Last Stand"? And now that his days with "Superman" appear numbered, will Singer once again set foot inside of Xavier's School for the Gifted?

The answer could well be yes, if a well-hidden bit of news is any indication. At the tail-end of a Variety article detailing Bryan Singer's upcoming obligations as a director and producer, it's mentioned that the filmmaker is "flirting with directing 'X-Men: First Class,'" marking a potential return to the mutant franchise he pioneered on the big screen.

While this is far from a finished deal, it does represent several rumors and even words from the director himself about Singer's desire to return to the X-Men universe. He explicitly expressed that notion in June, calling his lack of involvement with the "X-Men" movies "a shame."

But the door remained open to Singer as far back as April of this year. Longtime "X-Men" producer Lauren Shuler Donner -- married to Richard Donner of "Superman" fame, interestingly enough -- made it known that she'd love to have Singer back in the mutant sandbox, saying that "nothing would please me more than to bring Bryan on for another movie."

If those hints weren't enough, how about the recent hiring of screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie for the "Wolverine 2" script? McQuarrie was Singer's collaborator on "The Usual Suspects," and his hiring practically heralded the director's potential return to the "X-Men" movies by way of the Hugh Jackman-starring sequel.

If Variety is on the money, then it's not Wolverine but the young adventures of Cyclops, Jean Grey and Beast that have caught Singer's eye. Whichever way he wants to slice it, Singer's return to the "X-Men" is something fans have clamored for—and something that he's at least "flirting with," as well.

What do you think, X-fans? Do you want to see Bryan Singer return with "X-Men: First Class," or would you prefer he leave the "X-Men" films alone? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section!