Has Benjamin Walker Been Expelled from X-Men: First Class?

Originating from the UKs Daily Mail, rumor has it Benjamin Walker has been handed the pink-slip from X-Men: First Class. The actor was set to play the young Hank McCoy in 20^th Century Fox's fast-tracked, Matthew Vaughn-helmed prequel.

Assuming this is legit, what the Hell happened? Long story short, his age is viewed as a hindrance – especially standing next to co-stars James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender as Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr/Magneto. They’re playing McCoy's teachers, but putting them next to each other they look like they should be sharing a beer together instead. So it was off with Mr. Walker despite the studio's love for the actor.

That is until three unnamed thespians recently screen-test for the role. None of them were said to be particularly good. So now the tide's quickly turned and Fox might actually go back to Walker with a new deal.

First Class has a June 3, 2011 release locked with an August start-date looming. Everything has to be pushed to the 11 in order to make that date. Thus even the most rational of people might lose their composure to get this done on time. This sounds crazy enough to be true actually.

Whether Walker accepts this new offer (He's already being paid for his original deal) remains to be seen.