The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is set to expand its universe by introducing the X-Men, and Thunderbolts director Jake Schreier is reportedly in early discussions to direct the upcoming X-Men film. According to Deadline, Schreier is at the forefront of Marvel Studios' list of potential directors, though the specifics of these negotiations remain undisclosed.
The X-Men project, still in its early stages, will feature a screenplay penned by Michael Lesslie, known for his work on The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Marvel's Kevin Feige is set to produce, but details such as the cast, release date, and its integration within the MCU are still under wraps.
The MCU has been subtly setting the stage for the X-Men's entry since *Avengers: Endgame*. With the multiverse playing a significant role in films like *The Marvels*, *Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania*, and *Deadpool & Wolverine*, there have been hints at potential crossovers with iconic X-Men characters such as Wolverine, Beast, and Professor X. While *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* is slated for a July release, the X-Men's presence has yet to be fully unveiled.The upcoming Avengers: Doomsday is set to feature a robust ensemble of veteran X-Men actors including Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden. Grammer, who portrayed Beast in the Fox X-Men films, made his MCU debut in The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart, known for his role as Charles Xavier/Professor X, appeared in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Meanwhile, McKellen (Magneto), Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops) have yet to make their MCU debut. This raises speculation about whether Avengers: Doomsday could be a covert Avengers vs. X-Men storyline.
Marvel has been eager to introduce the X-Men into the MCU. Kevin Feige hinted last year that fans would see the X-Men within "the next few movies." Additionally, The Hollywood Reporter (THR) 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 confirmed for the MCU timeline yet, given the pace at which the MCU is evolving, fans may not have to wait long to see these beloved characters in action.
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Schreier's latest film, Thunderbolts, has enjoyed a successful launch, grossing $173,009,775 globally (Box Office Mojo). The film, which focuses on an ensemble of anti-heroes, has also received 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 engage with the online buzz surrounding a potential Nightcrawler vs. Mister Fantastic showdown in Avengers: Doomsday, hinted at by Alan Cumming.
