Who exactly is the Man in Black?
The Man In Black runs a super secret division of the CIA devoted to investigating the application of mental telepathy and paranormal power in military defense. He has long been a laughing stock of the Agency because of this. His department is known as 'Division X'.
How does your character fit into the mutant universe?
When Charles and Mystique become ensnared with the Agency, the Man in Black diverts them to his division with a deft bureaucratic sleight of hand. Erik soon joins them and The X-Men flourish under MIB's protection.
What was your favorite part of making this movie?
The best part of the movie was working with the cast; McAvoy, Fassbender, Jenn, Rose. Working with John Dykstra, one of the seminal figures of modern special effects. Hanging with my old buddy K Bacon in London even though we didn't get to work together.
In the comics Moira MacTaggert has been the love interest of both Charles Xavier and Sean Cassidy (Banshee) Are these relationships explored in the script?
We explore the relationship of Moira and Charles but not with Banshee - at least not yet!
Moira didn't have the accent in Last Stand, so I can only assume she won't be having it in First Class?
No, Matthew Vaughn was adamant she be American - despite James McAvoy's slight disappointment as he is Scottish.
Will we get a chance to see Muir Island?
Sadly no, not in this installment.
Were you a little jealous that your character is the only one of the main characters without superpowers?
I was not when we were shooting as I didn't have to get picked up at 2:30am like Jennifer Lawrence. But I am sure I will suffer post-traumatic mutant envy when I see Angel being able to fly.
What type of preparation and research did you do to prepare for your role as Dr. MacTaggert?
I researched the Cold War, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the CIA in 1962 as this is when the film is set. Production organized a brilliant X-Men expert to come and talk to us when we wanted. He came with a folder 20 pounds heavy with every comic and known fact on Moira McTaggert collated so I devoured that as well.
Are we going to see Moira really involved at Xavier's school? Perhaps as a teacher or creator of Cerebro?
We will see - I hope so. She truly devoted her entire life to the cause so it would only make sense.
X-Men: First Class is set to be released on June 3, later this year!