(Cover) - EN Showbiz - James McAvoy was "gutted" that he only got to "scratch his temple" while the rest of the X-Men: First Class cast were performing exciting stunts.

The actor stars in the comic-book prequel which is set for international release this month. The action adventure, based on the Marvel Comics stories, is the latest spin-off of the movie franchise, and returns to 1962 to document the meeting of James' character Professor Charles Xavier with Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto.

James, who has established himself as one of Hollywood's hottest stars following his performances in movies including Atonement and The Last King of Scotland, has joked he was disappointed to have a mind-reading power that didn't involve any action-packed scenes.

"It's not quite so physically dynamic. I was a bit gutted. I was scratching my temple while everyone else was doing cool ninja-type stuff," he explained in an interview with BBC Breakfast. "I don't get to do any action. Maybe one day."

The 32-year-old Scottish star also revealed he prefers his version of Professor Xavier because he's more adventurous and mischievous. James says the mutant character is a "fun" part to play.

"He's very different from the older Professor X. He can walk and he's got hair weirdly. He's not wise, he's randy, and he's drunk. He's more fun. He has no purpose in life. He can read the mind of Obama, Cameron and The Pope, so he could change the world," he said.

James went on to explain what he would do with a mind reading power in real life. The star would use the power to do good deeds around the world and trip up untrustworthy politicians.

"I would be a freelance... You know they do testing on athletes, I'd do that for politicians," he explained. "I'd just turn up at Westminster and sit there. You could rent me out. I'd charge a fee and give it to charity. I sound like I'm getting down on politicians now. I'm not that bad." (C) Cover Media