Thunderbolts* Director Jake Schreier Eyed for New X-Men Movie

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is gearing up to introduce the X-Men into its expansive universe, and Thunderbolts director Jake Schreier is reportedly in early discussions to helm this much-anticipated project. According to Deadline, Schreier is at the forefront of Marvel Studios' list of potential directors for the new X-Men film, although the details of the negotiations remain undisclosed.

The script for this upcoming X-Men movie is penned by Michael Lesslie, known for his work on The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, with Kevin Feige attached as a producer. While specifics such as the cast, release date, and its integration with the broader MCU are still under wraps, excitement is building.

Since *Avengers: Endgame*, the MCU has been subtly laying the groundwork 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 hinted at potential crossovers with iconic X-Men characters such as Wolverine, Beast, and Professor X. While *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* is set to introduce Marvel's First Family in July, the X-Men's arrival has been eagerly awaited.

The X-Men's presence is confirmed in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, with the recent cast reveal featuring veteran X-Men actors such as Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden. Grammer, who played Beast in the Fox X-Men franchise, made his MCU debut in The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart, as Charles Xavier/Professor X, briefly appeared in the MCU in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. However, McKellen, Cumming, Romijn, and Marsden have yet to make their MCU debut. This significant inclusion raises speculation about whether Avengers: Doomsday might secretly be an Avengers vs. X-Men movie.

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 has been advocating for a Deadpool-meets-X-Men movie. While no official X-Men movie is on the MCU timeline yet, given the pace of the MCU's development, fans might not have to wait long to see their favorite mutants in action.

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View 12 ImagesMeanwhile, Schreier's latest film, Thunderbolts, recently hit theaters and has enjoyed a strong opening, grossing $173,009,775 globally so far, according to Box Office Mojo. The film, which focuses on an ensemble of anti-heroes, has also garnered positive 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 are buzzing about a potential Nightcrawler/Mister Fantastic showdown in Avengers: Doomsday, as teased by Alan Cumming.