Jake Schreier Eyed for New X-Men Film Direction

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is gearing up to introduce the X-Men into its expansive multi-phase storyline, with Thunderbolts director Jake Schreier reportedly in discussions to helm this eagerly awaited project. According to Deadline, Schreier is in early talks with Marvel Studios to direct the new X-Men film. Although the specifics of these negotiations remain undisclosed, Schreier is currently at the top of Marvel's list to bring the mutants to the MCU.

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. Kevin Feige, the architect behind the MCU, is set to produce the film. Details such as the cast, release date, and the film's integration into the broader MCU narrative are being kept under wraps.

Since *Avengers: Endgame*, the MCU has been subtly building anticipation for the X-Men's introduction. Through various multiverse-centric films like *The Marvels*, *Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania*, and *Deadpool & Wolverine*, Marvel has teased 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 in the MCU will be significant in Avengers: Doomsday, as evidenced by the recent cast reveal featuring veteran X-Men actors. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are all confirmed to appear, hinting at a major role for the mutants. Grammer, who played Beast in the Fox X-Men franchise, made his MCU debut in The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart, as Professor X, appeared in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. However, McKellen, Cumming, Romijn, and Marsden have yet to make their MCU debut, raising speculation about whether Avengers: Doomsday might serve as an Avengers vs. X-Men narrative.

Marvel has been actively planning an X-Men film for the MCU. Kevin Feige hinted last year that fans could expect to see the X-Men in "the next few movies." Additionally, THR reported that Ryan Reynolds has been advocating for a Deadpool-meets-X-Men film. While no official release date for an X-Men movie has been announced, given the pace at which the MCU is moving, fans won't have to wait long to see their favorite mutants in action.

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View 12 ImagesSchreier recently directed Thunderbolts, which has enjoyed a successful opening weekend, grossing $173,009,775 globally (Box Office Mojo). The film has also received positive reviews, boasting an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7/10 rating in our review.

As we await further updates on Schreier's negotiations with Marvel, fans can engage with the online buzz surrounding a potential Nightcrawler/Mister Fantastic showdown in Avengers: Doomsday, sparked by a leak from Alan Cumming himself.