"New X-Men Movie Eyes Thunderbolts Director Jake Schreier"

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is set to introduce the iconic X-Men into its ambitious multi-phase narrative, and the director behind the recently released Thunderbolts*, Jake Schreier, is reportedly in early discussions to spearhead this exciting venture. According to Deadline, Schreier is at the forefront of Marvel Studios' list to direct the upcoming X-Men film, although the specifics of their negotiations remain undisclosed.

The project, still in its infancy, 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. Details such as the cast, release date, and its integration into the broader MCU are currently kept under wraps, adding to the anticipation surrounding this film.

Since the events of Avengers: Endgame, the MCU has been steadily building momentum for the introduction of the X-Men. 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 iconic X-Men characters such as Wolverine, Beast, and Professor X with the current Avengers roster. While fans eagerly await The Fantastic Four: First Steps set for release in July, the anticipated arrival of the X-Men has been a subject of much speculation.

The X-Men's presence in the MCU will be notably felt in Avengers: Doomsday. The recent cast announcement for the film included veteran X-Men actors like Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden, confirming their significant roles. 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 in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Meanwhile, McKellen, Cumming, Romijn, and Marsden have yet to make their MCU appearances, sparking rumors that Avengers: Doomsday might double as an Avengers vs. X-Men showdown.

Marvel has been actively working on integrating the X-Men into the MCU, with Kevin Feige teasing their debut in the "next few movies." Additionally, THR reported that Ryan Reynolds has been advocating for a Deadpool-meets-X-Men film. Although no official X-Men movie has been scheduled, the MCU's pace suggests that fans won't have to wait long to see these beloved characters in action.

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Jake Schreier, fresh off the success of Thunderbolts*, which has grossed $173,009,775 globally (per Box Office Mojo) and earned an impressive 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes (IGN gave it a 7/10 in our review), is now in the spotlight for the potential X-Men project. As we await further developments on Marvel's negotiations with Schreier, fans can enjoy the buzz surrounding a possible Nightcrawler/Mister Fantastic confrontation in Avengers: Doomsday, as hinted by Alan Cumming.