X-Men: Days of Future Past was a farewell to the cast of the first X-Men trilogy, and X-Men: Apocalypse introduced younger versions of the mutants, signifying a new beginning. But did that mean that the likes of Professor X, Magneto, and Mystique would also be replaced by other characters? Well, the fans might want the X-Men movies to focus on other heroes and relationships, but it appears that Simon Kinberg (who penned X-Men: Dark Phoenix) doesn't want to let go of the past.

Michael Fassbender’s return as Magneto is all but officially confirmed. The character had quite an interesting arc in the previous trilogy (beginning with First Class). And we can certainly expect James McAvoy to return as the leader of the X-Men, although possibly in a more minor role. Nicholas Hoult's Beast might return, as well, despite the fact that Hoult’s contract has lapsed (Fassbender and McAvoy also had three-movie contracts that ended with Apocalypse).

Jennifer Lawrence also signed a three-picture contract that ended with X-Men: Apocalypse. The actress has been quite vocal about reprising her Mystique role, and has even said on various occasions that she didn't want to do so. But producer Hutch Parker has said that all three characters might be back:

I'd rather not confirm any of those officially, but yes, the current story that we're working on has that group (Magneto, Professor X, and Mystique) involved, as well as some of the younger characters that we introduced last time (Cinema Blend).

This is in no way a confirmation, but it’s clear that Fox will start courting Jennifer Lawrence in the near future, as it’s likely that X-Men: Dark Phoenix will begin shooting late this summer.