The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is finally integrating the X-Men into its expansive multiverse plans, and Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier is reportedly in advanced discussions to spearhead the initiative. According to Deadline, Schreier is in preliminary talks with Marvel Studios to direct a new X-Men film. Although the specifics of the negotiations remain unclear, he tops the list of potential directors for the project.
The upcoming X-Men movie is still in its infancy stages and features a script penned by The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes writer Michael Lesslie. Kevin Feige, the creative force behind Marvel, is also onboard as a producer. However, significant details such as casting, release dates, and how closely it will align with the broader MCU narrative remain undisclosed.
[svg aria-hidden="false" class="ign-icon jsx-477205226 jsx-366601295 icon-play" data-cy="icon-play" focusable="false" role="img" viewbox="-2 0 17 21"]The MCU has been teasing the arrival of the X-Men since the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame. As multiversal themes continue to emerge in films like The Marvels, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and Deadpool & Wolverine, subtle references to characters such as Wolverine, Beast, and Professor X have surfaced, hinting at their integration into the existing Avengers roster. While The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces the MCU version of Marvel's First Family this July, the iconic mutant school remains absent.
Of course, the X-Men will make a splash in Avengers: Doomsday. The recent Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal prominently featured veteran X-Men actors. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are confirmed to appear, signaling the X-Men's prominent role in the film. Grammer, known for portraying Beast in the Fox X-Men series, made his MCU debut in The Marvels. Stewart, who played Professor X, briefly appeared in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. McKellen, Cumming, Romijn, and Marsden have yet to appear in the MCU, raising speculation whether Avengers: Doomsday could be an Avengers vs. X-Men crossover.
Marvel has been eager to introduce the X-Men into the MCU for quite some time. Feige previously stated fans would see the X-Men debut in "the next few movies." Additionally, THR reported that Ryan Reynolds, who plays Deadpool, is pushing for a Deadpool-meets-X-Men film sooner rather than later. Despite no official X-Men movie on the horizon, the rapid pace of the MCU suggests fans won't have to wait long for beloved mutants to join the fold.
The Most Surprising Avengers and Marvel Characters Not Announced for Doomsday
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Meanwhile, Schreier’s Thunderbolts* debuted strongly last weekend, grossing $173,009,775 globally (via Box Office Mojo) and earning critical acclaim with an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While awaiting further developments regarding Marvel’s negotiations with Schreier, explore the internet's excitement over a potential Nightcrawler vs. Mister Fantastic showdown in Avengers: Doomsday, leaked by Alan Cumming himself.
