Rose Byrne for 'X-Men: First Class'

Rose Byrne is in talks to join the cast of superhero prequel X-Men: First Class, says The Hollywood Reporter.

The Damages actress will play Moira MacTaggert, a scientist who is the love interest for James McAvoy's mutant telepath Charles Xavier. The character appeared briefly in X-Men: The Last Stand and was portrayed by Olivia Williams.

X-Men: First Class will begin production in London at the end of this month with Kick-Ass director Matthew Vaughn at the helm.

Michael Fassbender, Alice Eve, Kevin Bacon, Jennifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult are all among the cast for the comic book movie, which explores the early years of the X-Men.

Byrne recently appeared in Get Him To The Greek opposite Russell Brand and has also starred in 28 Weeks Later and Troy.