Marvel Studios is reportedly in early discussions with director Jake Schreier to helm the upcoming X-Men film for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This development follows the success of Schreier’s recent film, Thunderbolts, which has grossed over $177 million worldwide and received critical acclaim for its character-driven storytelling and fresh take on the superhero genre .(Polygon, Wikipedia)
The X-Men project is set to be a significant addition to Phase Six of the MCU, marking the formal introduction of mutants into the franchise. Michael Lesslie, known for his work on The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and Assassin’s Creed, is attached as the screenwriter, with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige producing .(Polygon)
Marvel has been gradually laying the groundwork for the X-Men’s integration into the MCU, with subtle hints in recent shows and cameo appearances by former X-Men actors such as Patrick Stewart and Kelsey Grammer. The momentum continues with Avengers: Doomsday, which will feature returning X-Men actors like Ian McKellen and Rebecca Romijn, capitalizing on nostalgia for the 2000s X-Men era .(Polygon)
While casting details for the new X-Men team remain under wraps, Marvel is expected to introduce fresh faces to the franchise, setting the stage for integration with other major MCU teams like the Avengers and Fantastic Four. Schreier’s potential involvement suggests Marvel’s confidence in his ability to handle ensemble casts and complex narratives, as demonstrated in Thunderbolts .(Polygon, Business Insider)
This move aligns with Marvel’s strategy to revitalize its cinematic universe by bringing in new creative talent to lead its next phase of storytelling. If finalized, Schreier’s direction could offer a fresh perspective on the X-Men, blending emotional depth with dynamic action sequences.
