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

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is finally set to introduce the iconic X-Men into its expansive, multi-phase narrative, and Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier is reportedly in the running to bring this long-awaited project to life. According to Deadline, Schreier is in early talks with Marvel Studios to helm the new X-Men movie. While details of the negotiations are still under wraps, Schreier is said to be Marvel's top choice for the role.

The X-Men film, which is in the early stages of development, will feature a script penned by Michael Lesslie, known for his work on The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Marvel's Kevin Feige is also attached as a producer. Key information such as the cast, release date, and the film's integration into the broader MCU remains closely guarded.

Since the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame, the MCU has been steadily building anticipation for the X-Men's introduction. The ongoing multiverse storyline, seen in films like The Marvels, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and Deadpool & Wolverine, has included subtle hints about potential crossovers with characters such as Wolverine, Beast, and Professor X. While fans will meet the MCU's version of the Fantastic Four in The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July, the X-Men's presence has been notably absent until now.

The X-Men are set to make a significant impact in Avengers: Doomsday. Last month's cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday featured several veteran X-Men actors, including 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, known for his portrayal of Charles Xavier/Professor X, appeared briefly in the MCU in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. McKellen, who portrayed Magneto, along with Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops), have yet to appear in the MCU. This has led to speculation that Avengers: Doomsday might secretly be an Avengers vs. X-Men movie.

Marvel has been eager to introduce an X-Men film into the MCU. Kevin Feige announced last year that fans could expect the X-Men to debut within "the next few movies." Additionally, THR reported that Ryan Reynolds has been quietly advocating for a Deadpool-meets-X-Men film. Although no official X-Men movie has been slated yet, given the pace at which the MCU is moving, fans won't have to wait long to see these beloved characters join the fray.

The Most Surprising Avengers and Marvel Characters Not Announced for Doomsday

View 12 Images

Jake Schreier, who recently launched Thunderbolts into theaters, is off to a strong start with the film grossing $173,009,775 globally so far, according to Box Office Mojo. Thunderbolts has also received positive reviews, boasting an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7/10 from our review.

As we await further updates on Marvel's negotiations with Schreier, fans can delve into the internet's reaction to a potential Nightcrawler/Mister Fantastic showdown in Avengers: Doomsday, as hinted by Alan Cumming himself.