With X-Men: Dark Phoenix to start shooting later this year, now comes a big update on the next outing for the main X-Men franchise.

As per The Hollywood Reporter, Jessica Chastain in is in talks to play the ‘big bad’ of Dark Phoenix – with the Zero Dark Thirty actress lined up to play Lilandra. For those not too familiar with the comic book world, Lilandra is the Empress of the alien Shi’ar Empire. That particular race have often found themselves involved in hunting down the Phoenix Force; the cosmic force that will find a host in Sophie Turner’s young Jean Grey.

In addition to this, Deadline adds that, after much speculation, Simon Kinberg has finally signed on to direct the movie. Kinberg, of course, has been involved in the series as a writer and producer as far back as X-Men: The Last Stand. He’ll also produce again alongside Lauren Shuler Donner and Hutch Parker this time out.

This week has seen some confirmed cast returns, too, with James McAvoy to return as Professor X, Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique, Nicholas Hoult as Beast, Alexander Shipp as Storm, Tye Sheridan as Cyclops, and Kodi Smit-McPhee as Nightcrawler.

Of course, the whole Phoenix element was previously seen in X-Men: The Last Stand, with Famke Janssen’s Jean being taken over by the all-powerful Phoenix Force. In X-Men: Apocalypse, we saw a glimpse of Turner’s Jean battling her own demons.

Whilst The Last Stand did indeed feature the Dark Phoenix as a plot point, it was largely used as a side dish to the film’s greater story. In this next movie, it’s believed that the Phoenix will be the main focus of the film. Given how the Phoenix is seen as one of the most powerful characters in the entire Marvel comic book world – having actually defeated the world-eating Galactus at one point – it’s about time the character is given the full spotlight.

At present, X-Men: Dark Phoenix is set for a November 2nd, 2018 release.