The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is set to expand further with the integration of the X-Men into its ambitious multi-phase roadmap. Reports from Deadline indicate that *Thunderbolts** director Jake Schreier is currently in early discussions with Marvel Studios to helm the upcoming X-Men film. Although the specifics of the negotiations remain undisclosed, Schreier is reportedly at the top of Marvel's list for this pivotal project.
The X-Men movie, still in its early stages of development, will feature a screenplay 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 also set to produce this eagerly anticipated film. Details such as the cast, release date, and its integration within the broader MCU narrative are still under wraps.
The MCU has been laying the groundwork for the X-Men's introduction since the post-Avengers: Endgame era, with subtle nods and multiverse elements woven into films like The Marvels, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and Deadpool & Wolverine. While The Fantastic Four: First Steps is slated to introduce Marvel's First Family in July, the iconic school of Mutants has yet to make its MCU debut.
However, fans can look forward to seeing the X-Men in Avengers: Doomsday. The recent cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday featured a roster of veteran X-Men actors, including 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, who played Charles Xavier/Professor X, appeared in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. McKellen, Cumming, Romijn, and Marsden, known for their roles as Magneto, Nightcrawler, Mystique, and Cyclops respectively, have yet to appear in the MCU. This significant inclusion raises the question: could Avengers: Doomsday be a covert Avengers vs. X-Men film?
Marvel has been actively working to bring the X-Men into the MCU. Kevin Feige hinted last year that the X-Men would make their debut within "the next few movies." Additionally, THR reported that Ryan Reynolds, who plays Deadpool, has been quietly advocating for a Deadpool-meets-X-Men film. While no official X-Men movie has been added to the MCU timeline yet, given the pace at which the MCU is progressing, fans may not have to wait long to see these beloved characters join the fray.
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Meanwhile, Schreier's latest project, *Thunderbolts*, recently hit theaters and has enjoyed a strong opening, grossing $173,009,775 globally according to Box Office Mojo. The film 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 engage with the online buzz surrounding a potential Nightcrawler/Mister Fantastic showdown in Avengers: Doomsday, as hinted by Alan Cumming.
