The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is set to introduce the X-Men into its expansive narrative, and Thunderbolts director Jake Schreier is reportedly in discussions to direct this highly anticipated project. According to Deadline, Schreier is at the forefront of Marvel Studios' list to helm the new X-Men movie, though the specifics of the negotiations remain undisclosed.
The upcoming X-Men film, still in its early stages, will feature a script penned by Michael Lesslie, known for his work on The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Marvel's president, Kevin Feige, will also serve as a producer. Key details such as the cast, release date, and the film's integration with the broader MCU are currently under wraps.
Since the release of *Avengers: Endgame*, the MCU has been steadily building excitement for the X-Men's arrival. Through various multiverse-themed films like *The Marvels*, *Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania*, and *Deadpool & Wolverine*, Marvel has subtly hinted at potential interactions between characters like Wolverine, Beast, and Professor X with the current Avengers roster. While *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* is set to introduce the MCU's version of Marvel's First Family in July, the X-Men have yet to make a significant appearance.The presence of the X-Men will be undeniable in Avengers: Doomsday, with the recent cast announcement featuring veteran X-Men actors such as Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden. Grammer, who portrayed Beast in the Fox X-Men series, made his MCU debut in The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart, known for his role as Charles Xavier/Professor X, briefly appeared in the MCU in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. Meanwhile, McKellen, who played Magneto, along with Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops), are yet to make their MCU debuts. This leads to speculation about whether Avengers: Doomsday might serve as an Avengers vs. X-Men showdown.
Marvel has been eager to incorporate the X-Men into the MCU, with Kevin Feige promising their introduction within "the next few movies." Additionally, The Hollywood Reporter (THR) has noted that Ryan Reynolds, who plays Deadpool, has been advocating for a Deadpool-meets-X-Men film. Although no official X-Men movie has been slated on the MCU timeline yet, given the rapid pace of MCU developments, fans may not have to wait long to see these beloved characters in action.
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Schreier's latest project, Thunderbolts, hit theaters last weekend and has been performing well, grossing $173,009,775 globally according to Box Office Mojo. The film 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 are buzzing about a potential Nightcrawler/Mister Fantastic confrontation in Avengers: Doomsday, a rumor sparked by Alan Cumming himself.
