The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is finally set to introduce the X-Men into its ambitious multi-phase plans, and it appears that Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier is at the forefront of this exciting development. According to Deadline, Schreier is in early discussions with Marvel Studios to direct a new X-Men movie. Though the details of these negotiations are currently undisclosed, Schreier is reportedly the top choice for the project.
The upcoming X-Men film, still in its early stages, is penned by Michael Lesslie, the writer behind The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Marvel's mastermind, Kevin Feige, is also on board as a producer. Key aspects such as the cast, release date, and the film's integration with the MCU remain closely guarded secrets.
Since Avengers: Endgame, the MCU has been steadily building anticipation for the X-Men's introduction. With the ongoing multiverse narratives seen in films like The Marvels, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and Deadpool & Wolverine, Marvel has subtly hinted at potential interactions between characters such as Wolverine, Beast, and Professor X with the current Avengers. While fans will get to meet the MCU's version of the Fantastic Four in The Fantastic Four: First Steps this July, the iconic School for Mutants has yet to make its appearance.
The X-Men's presence in the MCU will be solidified in Avengers: Doomsday, with the recent cast reveal featuring veteran X-Men actors like Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden. Grammer, who portrayed Beast in the Fox X-Men franchise, made his MCU debut in The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart, known for playing Charles Xavier/Professor X, appeared briefly in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. McKellen, who played Magneto, along with Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops), are set to join the MCU for the first time. This significant inclusion raises the question: could Avengers: Doomsday be a covert Avengers vs. X-Men film?
Marvel has been eager to integrate the X-Men into the MCU, with Kevin Feige promising last year that fans would see their debut within "the next few movies." Additionally, THR reported that Ryan Reynolds has been quietly advocating for a Deadpool-meets-X-Men movie. Although no official X-Men movie is currently on the MCU timeline, given the pace at which the MCU is expanding, fans won't have to wait long to see their favorite mutants join the fray.
The Most Surprising Avengers and Marvel Characters Not Announced for Doomsday
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Jake Schreier recently debuted Thunderbolts* in theaters, which has enjoyed a robust start, grossing $173,009,775 globally (per Box Office Mojo). The film, which features an ensemble of anti-heroes, has also garnered critical acclaim, boasting an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes and receiving a 7/10 rating in our review.
As we await further developments on Marvel's negotiations with Schreier, fans can delve into the internet's reaction to a potential Nightcrawler/Mister Fantastic showdown in Avengers: Doomsday, which was hinted at by Alan Cumming himself.
