When given the task of creating a new X-Men movie, the writers of First Class saw that this was an opportunity to start fresh. Twentieth Century Fox didn't. Which is why there are so many more continuity errors in this one than any of the others. It was marketed as a prequel but I think it was intended to be a reboot. However, Fox knows that the general audience will go and see these movies no matter what so what do they care if their continuity makes no sense.
If you're late to the game, go to http://io9.com/5966264/8-ways-x+men-movie-continuity-is-irretrievably-fuc ked
The Wolverine wasn't terrible despite its fair share of errors throughout, most of which contradicted the movie's logic. First Class was the only one in the series I've loved. I'm excited for Days of Future Past because it's been said by Bryan Singer that it'll fix everything up and make use of all the problems I have with the franchise.
If things don't pan out for what Fox wants with X-Men, let's do something else in the vain of First Class. Maybe all the time travel brought us back to square one?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jgBchIq3Qno
The concept is loosely inspired by this fan-made sizzle reel.
John Gallagher Jr. as Scott Summers/Cyclops
Kerry Bishé or Rooney Mara as Jean Grey
Callan McAuliffe as Bobby Drake/Iceman
Jake Abel as Warren Worthington/Angel
Patrick Wilson as Beast
Bruce Greenwood as Professor Xavier
Liam Neeson as Magneto
I'm sure there's a much more original choice for Magneto out there.