I wasn't a big fan of him in the role. For that I blame Bryan and his hard on for Wolverine/Hugh Jackman. It was criminal what he also did to other characters like Storm, Rogue, and Cyclops as well. It's one of the downsides of the Bryan Singer X-men movies for me.
Maybe the benefit of Matt being cast is more of a focus on him and more shirtless scenes since he loves fitness.