The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is set to introduce the X-Men into its expansive multi-phase narrative, with Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier reportedly in discussions to helm the eagerly anticipated project. According to Deadline, Schreier is currently engaged in early talks with Marvel Studios to direct a new X-Men film. Although the specifics of these negotiations remain undisclosed, Schreier is reportedly at the top of Marvel's list to direct this venture.
The X-Men movie, still in its early stages of development, will reportedly feature a script penned by Michael Lesslie, known for his work on The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Marvel's Kevin Feige is set to produce, adding his expertise to the project. Details such as the cast, release date, and its integration with the broader MCU are currently being kept confidential.
Since the release of Avengers: Endgame, the MCU has been gradually building anticipation for the X-Men's introduction. Through multiverse storylines featured in films such as The Marvels, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and Deadpool & Wolverine, Marvel has subtly hinted at potential crossovers involving iconic X-Men characters like Wolverine, Beast, and Professor X with the existing Avengers lineup. While fans eagerly await The Fantastic Four: First Steps set to introduce Marvel’s First Family in July, the X-Men have yet to make their official MCU debut.
The X-Men's presence will be felt in Avengers: Doomsday, as confirmed by last month's cast reveal, which included veteran X-Men actors such as Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden. Grammer reprised his role as Beast from the Fox X-Men franchise in The Marvels' post-credits scene, while Stewart briefly portrayed Charles Xavier/Professor X in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. The involvement of McKellen (Magneto), Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops) in Avengers: Doomsday raises the intriguing question: could this film be a covert Avengers vs. X-Men showdown?
Marvel has been actively working on bringing an MCU X-Men film to life. Kevin Feige hinted last year that fans could expect the X-Men to make their debut within "the next few movies." Additionally, THR reported that Ryan Reynolds, who plays Deadpool, has been advocating for a Deadpool-meets-X-Men movie to be produced sooner rather than later. Although no official X-Men movie has been added to the MCU timeline yet, given the pace at which the MCU is progressing, fans won't have to wait long to see these beloved characters join the fray.
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Jake Schreier, fresh off the successful release of Thunderbolts, which has grossed $173,009,775 globally (via Box Office Mojo), is now in the spotlight for the X-Men project. Thunderbolts has also received positive reviews, earning an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7/10 in our review.
As we await further updates on Marvel's negotiations with Schreier, fans can explore the internet's reaction to a potential Nightcrawler/Mister Fantastic showdown in Avengers: Doomsday, a detail leaked by Alan Cumming himself.
