Jake Schreier Eyed for New X-Men Film Direction

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is set to introduce the X-Men into its expansive narrative, with Thunderbolts director Jake Schreier reportedly in discussions to helm the project. According to Deadline, Schreier is in early talks with Marvel Studios to direct the upcoming X-Men film, positioning him as the top choice for the role. The script for this eagerly anticipated movie is penned by Michael Lesslie, known for his work on The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes*, with Kevin Feige attached as a producer. While details such as the cast, release date, and its integration into the broader MCU remain undisclosed, the project is generating significant buzz.

The MCU has been steadily laying the groundwork for the X-Men's arrival since the end of *Avengers: Endgame*. Through various multiverse-themed films like *The Marvels*, *Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania*, and *Deadpool & Wolverine*, subtle hints have been dropped about potential interactions between iconic X-Men characters such as Wolverine, Beast, and Professor X with the existing Avengers team. While *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* is slated to introduce the MCU's version of Marvel's First Family in July, the X-Men have yet to make their formal entrance.

The X-Men's presence will be felt in Avengers: Doomsday, where a significant portion of the cast is comprised of veteran X-Men actors. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are all set to appear, signaling a major role for the X-Men in the film. Grammer, who played Beast in the Fox X-Men franchise, made his MCU debut in The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart, known for portraying Charles Xavier/Professor X, also made a brief appearance in the MCU via Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Meanwhile, McKellen, Cumming, Romijn, and Marsden are yet to make their MCU debuts. This raises intriguing questions about the nature of Avengers: Doomsday, possibly hinting at an Avengers vs. X-Men storyline.

Marvel's efforts to introduce the X-Men into the MCU have been ongoing, with Kevin Feige promising their debut within "the next few movies." Additionally, THR reported that Ryan Reynolds has been advocating for a Deadpool-meets-X-Men movie. Although no official X-Men movie is yet on the MCU timeline, given the pace at which the MCU is moving, fans won't have to wait long to see these beloved characters in action.

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View 12 ImagesSchreier recently directed *Thunderbolts** into theaters, where it has enjoyed a successful opening, grossing $173,009,775 globally according to Box Office Mojo. The film has also received positive critical acclaim, boasting an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7/10 rating in our review.

As we await further developments on Marvel's negotiations with Schreier, the internet is abuzz with reactions to a potential Nightcrawler/Mister Fantastic showdown in Avengers: Doomsday, a plot twist that was leaked by Alan Cumming himself.