The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is set to introduce the X-Men into its multi-phase narrative, and Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier is reportedly in discussions to helm this eagerly awaited project. According to Deadline, Schreier is in early negotiations with Marvel Studios to direct the new X-Men film, positioning him as the top choice for the role. The project, still in its infancy, will feature a screenplay by Michael Lesslie, known for his work on The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Marvel's Kevin Feige is on board as a producer, though other specifics such as cast, release date, and the film's integration with the broader MCU remain undisclosed.
Since Avengers: Endgame, the MCU has been gradually building anticipation for the X-Men's arrival. With the multiverse playing a significant role in films like The Marvels, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and Deadpool & Wolverine, Marvel has teased potential crossovers with characters such as Wolverine, Beast, and Professor X. While The Fantastic Four: First Steps will introduce fans to the MCU's version of Marvel’s First Family in July, the iconic school for Mutants has yet to make an appearance.
The X-Men will undoubtedly make their presence felt in Avengers: Doomsday. The recent Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal included veteran X-Men actors such as Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden, confirming their significant roles in the film. Grammer, who played Beast in the Fox X-Men franchise, debuted in the MCU via the post-credits scene of The Marvels. Stewart, known for his portrayal of Charles Xavier/Professor X, made a brief appearance in the MCU in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. McKellen, who portrayed Magneto, along with Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops), have yet to appear in the MCU. This raises the intriguing question: is Avengers: Doomsday secretly an Avengers vs. X-Men movie?
Marvel has been keen to integrate the X-Men into the MCU. Kevin Feige hinted last year that fans would see the X-Men debut within “the next few movies.” Additionally, THR reported that Ryan Reynolds has been quietly advocating for a Deadpool-meets-X-Men movie. Although no official X-Men movie is currently scheduled, given the speed 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 recently launched Thunderbolts* into theaters, which has seen a robust opening with a global total of $173,009,775 (via Box Office Mojo). The anti-hero ensemble film has also garnered critical acclaim, boasting 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, fans can explore the online buzz surrounding a potential Nightcrawler/Mister Fantastic showdown in Avengers: Doomsday, which was hinted at by Alan Cumming himself.
