Kodi Smit-McPhee cast as Nightcrawler in X-Men: Apocalypse, director Bryan Singer announces

A YOUNG Australian star has been cast as Nightcrawler in the film X-Men: Apocalypse, taking over from Alan Cumming.

Kodi Smit-McPhee in Nine's Gallipoli. Embargoed for Sunday TV guide, Feb 22.

GALLIPOLI star Kodi Smit-McPhee is set to teleport his way into the new film, X-Men: Apocalypse playing mutant Nightcrawler.

The 18-year-old, who is already an AFI award winner for his role alongside Eric Bana in Romulus, My Father, was announced by X-Men director Bryan Singer as his choice for the role, previously played by Alan Cumming.

Nightcrawler, aka Kurt Wagner, has the ability to teleport and also has adhesive hands and feet.

First Nightcrawler ... Alan Cumming starred in X-Men 2 as Nightcrawler. Picture: AFP

New Nightcrawler ... Kodi Smit-McPhee is set to further launch his Hollywood career with his appearance in X-Men: Apocalypse. Picture: Supplied.

Smit-McPhee has also starred in The Road, Matching Jack and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.

“I am humbled and honoured to be joining this incredible project and to be able to tell the story of the well respected young mutant Nightcrawler,” Smit-McPhee wrote on Instagram. “Thank you @Bryanjaysinger, and the passionate Xmen fans.”

Teleporter ... Alan Cumming as character Nightcrawler in scene from film X Men 2. Picture: Supplied

While the plot of the new X-Men film has not been announced Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine and Channing Tatum as Gambit are expected to star in the movie alongside the already confirmed names such as Jennifer Lawrence (Raven/Mystique), Michael Fassbender (Erik Lensherr/Magneto) and James McAvoy (Charles Xavier).

Smit-McPhee lives in Los Angeles with his actor sister, Sianoa Smit-McPhee, who played Bree Timmins on Neighbours.

Singer has already announced that Tye Sheridan (Mud) will take the role of Cyclops from James Marsden, Sophie Turner (Game of Thrones) will take over Famke Janssen’s role of Jean Grey and Alexandra Shipp (Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B) will be the new Storm, a role previously played by Halle Berry.

Started young ... Kodi Smit-McPhee and fellow AFI award winner Eric Bana in 2007 won for Romulus, My Father. Picture: Supplied