Jake Schreier Eyed for New X-Men Movie Direction

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is set to expand its universe by integrating the X-Men into its multi-phase plans, with Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier in early discussions to helm this exciting new chapter. According to Deadline, Schreier is at the forefront of Marvel Studios' list to direct the upcoming X-Men film, although the specifics of the negotiations remain undisclosed.

The 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, is also on board as a producer. Details such as the cast, release date, and the film's integration with the broader MCU are being kept under wraps, adding to the anticipation and mystery surrounding this venture.

The MCU has been meticulously building up to the X-Men's introduction since the post-Avengers: Endgame era, with subtle hints and nods in films like The Marvels, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and Deadpool & Wolverine. These movies have hinted at potential crossovers with iconic X-Men characters such as Wolverine, Beast, and Professor X. While fans eagerly await The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July, the X-Men's presence has been notably absent—until now.

The X-Men are confirmed to play a significant role in Avengers: Doomsday, as revealed by last month's cast announcement. Veteran actors from the Fox X-Men franchise, including Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden, will reprise their roles. Grammer, who played Beast, made his MCU debut in The Marvels' post-credits scene, while Stewart, as Professor X, appeared in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. This ensemble suggests that Avengers: Doomsday might secretly be an Avengers vs. X-Men film, sparking intrigue and speculation among fans.

Marvel has been keen on introducing the X-Men into the MCU, with Kevin Feige promising their debut in "the next few movies." Additionally, THR reports that Ryan Reynolds has been advocating for a Deadpool-meets-X-Men movie. Although no official X-Men film has been slated yet, the MCU's rapid pace suggests that fans won't have to wait long to see their favorite mutants join the fray.

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View 12 ImagesSchreier, who recently directed the successful Thunderbolts*, is making waves with the film's global earnings of $173,009,775 (via Box Office Mojo). The anti-hero ensemble has also garnered critical acclaim, boasting an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7/10 in our review.

As we await further updates on Schreier's negotiations with Marvel, fans are buzzing about the potential for a Nightcrawler/Mister Fantastic showdown in Avengers: Doomsday, a possibility teased by Alan Cumming himself.