Jake Schreier Eyed for New X-Men Movie Direction

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is set to integrate the X-Men into its expansive multi-phase narrative, and Thunderbolts director Jake Schreier is reportedly in discussions to helm the project. According to Deadline, Schreier is currently in early negotiations with Marvel Studios to direct the new X-Men movie. Although the specifics of these talks are not fully disclosed, Schreier is reportedly Marvel's top choice for the director's seat.

The upcoming X-Men film, still in its early stages, will feature a script penned by Michael Lesslie, known for his work on The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Kevin Feige, the mastermind behind the MCU, is attached as a producer. Details such as the cast, release date, and the film's integration with the broader MCU are still closely guarded secrets.

The MCU has been steadily building anticipation for the X-Men's introduction since Avengers: Endgame. Through various multiverse-centric storylines in films like The Marvels, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and Deadpool & Wolverine, Marvel has subtly hinted at potential interactions between characters like Wolverine, Beast, and Professor X with the current Avengers lineup. While The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to introduce Marvel's First Family in July, the X-Men have yet to make a significant appearance.

However, the X-Men are confirmed to play a major role in Avengers: Doomsday. The cast announcement for this film included veteran X-Men actors such as 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. Patrick Stewart, known for playing Charles Xavier/Professor X, briefly appeared in the MCU in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. Meanwhile, McKellen (Magneto), Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops) are set to join the MCU for the first time in Avengers: Doomsday. This raises the intriguing possibility that Avengers: Doomsday might secretly be an Avengers vs. X-Men movie.

Marvel has been eager to bring the X-Men into the MCU, with Kevin Feige promising last year that fans would see them in "the next few movies." Additionally, The Hollywood Reporter (THR) reported that Ryan Reynolds, who plays Deadpool, has been quietly advocating for a Deadpool-meets-X-Men movie. Although no official X-Men movie has been announced yet, given the pace at which the MCU is moving, fans might not have to wait long to see these beloved characters join the fray.

The Most Surprising Avengers and Marvel Characters Not Announced for Doomsday

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Schreier recently directed Thunderbolts, which hit theaters last weekend and has performed well, grossing a global total of $173,009,775 according to Box Office Mojo. The film, which focuses on an ensemble of anti-heroes, has also received positive reviews, boasting an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7/10 rating in our review.

As we await further updates on Marvel's negotiations with Schreier, fans can enjoy the internet's reaction to a potential showdown between Nightcrawler and Mister Fantastic in Avengers: Doomsday, a leak courtesy of Alan Cumming himself.