The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is set to introduce the X-Men into its expansive narrative, and Jake Schreier, the director of *Thunderbolts*, is reportedly in early discussions to helm the new X-Men film. According to Deadline*, Schreier is at the top of Marvel Studios' list, though the details of the negotiations remain undisclosed.
The upcoming X-Men project, still in its early stages, will feature a screenplay by Michael Lesslie, known for his work on The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Kevin Feige, the mastermind behind the MCU, will produce the film. Specifics such as the cast, release date, and its integration into the broader MCU are currently kept confidential.
The MCU has been steadily building anticipation for the X-Men's entry since *Avengers: Endgame*. Through various multiverse-themed films such as *The Marvels*, *Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania*, and *Deadpool & Wolverine*, Marvel has teased potential crossovers with characters like 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 school for mutants has yet to make its mark.The X-Men will undoubtedly feature prominently in Avengers: Doomsday. The recent cast reveal for the film included several veteran X-Men actors: Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden. Grammer, who portrayed Beast in the Fox X-Men films, debuted in the MCU through The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart, as Charles Xavier/Professor X, made a brief appearance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Meanwhile, McKellen, Cumming, Romijn, and Marsden, who played Magneto, Nightcrawler, Mystique, and Cyclops respectively, have yet to appear in the MCU. This raises speculation about whether Avengers: Doomsday might secretly be an Avengers vs. X-Men film.
Marvel has been eager to bring the X-Men into the MCU, with Kevin Feige promising their debut within "the next few movies." Additionally, THR reported that Ryan Reynolds, known for his role as Deadpool, has been advocating for a Deadpool-X-Men crossover. Although no official X-Men movie has been scheduled yet, given the MCU's pace, fans may not have to wait long to see these beloved characters in action.
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Schreier recently directed *Thunderbolts*, which has enjoyed a successful opening, grossing $173,009,775 globally according to Box Office Mojo. The film has also received positive feedback from critics, earning 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, take a look at the internet's reaction to the potential Nightcrawler/Mister Fantastic showdown in Avengers: Doomsday, as hinted by Alan Cumming.
