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 project. According to Deadline, Schreier is in early talks with Marvel Studios to direct the new X-Men film, positioning him as the top choice for the role, though the specifics of the negotiations remain undisclosed.
The X-Men movie, still in its early stages of development, will feature a screenplay penned by Michael Lesslie, known for his work on The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Marvel's Kevin Feige is also on board as a producer. Details such as the cast, release date, and the film's integration with the broader MCU are currently kept confidential.
Since the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame, the MCU has been steadily building anticipation for the X-Men's entry. Through multiverse narratives in films like The Marvels, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and Deadpool & Wolverine, Marvel has subtly hinted at potential interactions between characters such as Wolverine, Beast, and Professor X with the current Avengers roster. While The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to introduce Marvel's First Family in July, the iconic school for Mutants has yet to make its MCU debut.
The X-Men's presence will be significant in Avengers: Doomsday, as evidenced by last month's cast reveal featuring veteran X-Men actors like Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden. Grammer, who portrayed Beast in the Fox X-Men franchise, made his MCU debut in The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart, known for his role as Charles Xavier/Professor X, appeared briefly in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. McKellen, who played Magneto, along with Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops), are yet to appear in the MCU, raising speculation about whether Avengers: Doomsday might be an Avengers vs. X-Men film.
Marvel has been actively working on integrating the X-Men into the MCU, with Kevin Feige promising 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. Although no official X-Men movie has been scheduled yet, given the MCU's rapid pace, fans can expect to see these beloved characters join the fray soon.
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Jake Schreier, fresh off the success of Thunderbolts*, which has grossed $173,009,775 globally and earned an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes (with our review giving it a 7/10), is now in the spotlight for the X-Men project. As we await further updates on Marvel's negotiations with Schreier, fans are buzzing about a potential Nightcrawler/Mister Fantastic showdown in Avengers: Doomsday, a rumor sparked by Alan Cumming himself.
