James McAvoy is reportedly in early talks to star in Danny Boyle's Trance.

The Scottish star is set to step in for his X-Men: First Class co-star Michael Fassbender, who had previously been attached to the role of a shady gang leader, said Variety.

The gritty thriller - which is due to start production in September - would tell the story of an auction house assistant who masterminds a heist, but things don't go according to plan.

Oscar-winning director Danny is expected to start work on Trance before taking time off to focus on his Olympic duties, where he is acting as artistic director for the opening ceremony at the London 2012 games.

James - who plays Professor Charles Xavier in Matthew Vaughn's superhero prequel - is due to start shooting British crime movie Welcome To The Punch.