The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is set to introduce the X-Men into its expansive narrative, with Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier reportedly in discussions to helm the eagerly anticipated project. According to Deadline, Schreier is in early talks with Marvel Studios to direct the upcoming X-Men film, positioning him as a top choice for the role. While the specifics of these negotiations remain undisclosed, the excitement surrounding this potential collaboration is palpable.
The X-Men movie, still in its early stages of development, will feature a screenplay by Michael Lesslie, known for his work on The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Marvel's mastermind, Kevin Feige, is set to produce, adding further credibility and anticipation to the project. Details such as the cast, release date, and its integration within the MCU are currently under tight wraps, fueling speculation and excitement among fans.
Since Avengers: Endgame, the MCU has been laying the groundwork for the X-Men's introduction, weaving multiverse elements into its storytelling across films like The Marvels, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and Deadpool & Wolverine. Subtle hints about characters such as Wolverine, Beast, and Professor X potentially crossing paths with the Avengers have been scattered throughout these films. While fans will meet the MCU's version of the Fantastic Four in The Fantastic Four: First Steps this July, the iconic school for Mutants remains a mystery.
The X-Men will make their presence 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, who previously 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. Meanwhile, McKellen (Magneto), Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops) are yet to make their MCU debuts. This raises the intriguing question: could Avengers: Doomsday secretly be an Avengers vs. X-Men movie?
Marvel has been actively working on an MCU X-Men film for some time. Kevin Feige promised last year that fans would see the X-Men debut within "the next few movies." Additionally, THR reported that Ryan Reynolds, known for his role as Deadpool, has been pushing 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, who recently launched Thunderbolts* into theaters, has seen the film perform well, grossing $173,009,775 globally so far (via Box Office Mojo). The film, featuring an ensemble of anti-heroes, has also received positive reviews, with an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7/10 rating in our review.
As we await further updates on Marvel's negotiations with Schreier, the internet buzzes with reactions to a potential Nightcrawler/Mister Fantastic showdown in Avengers: Doomsday, as teased by Alan Cumming himself.
