X-Men: Jake Schreier in Talks to Direct

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is set to formally introduce the X-Men into its expansive franchise, with reports indicating Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier is in preliminary discussions to helm the project.

Industry outlet Deadline reveals Schreier is currently in talks with Marvel Studios to direct an upcoming X-Men adaptation. Though negotiations remain confidential, insiders suggest the filmmaker is Marvel's top choice to lead the mutant-focused venture.

The developing X-Men film reportedly features a screenplay by Michael Lesslie, writer of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, with Kevin Feige attached as producer. Key details about casting, release timelines, or its connection to the broader MCU remain undisclosed.

Since Avengers: Endgame, the MCU has gradually laid groundwork for the X-Men's arrival. Multiverse elements in recent films like The Marvels, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and Deadpool & Wolverine have subtly hinted at potential crossovers with established mutants. While The Fantastic Four: First Steps will introduce Marvel's first family this summer, the iconic Xavier Institute has yet to appear.

X-Men characters will prominently feature in Avengers: Doomsday, as evidenced by recent casting announcements. Returning franchise veterans include Kelsey Grammer (Beast), Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), and James Marsden (Cyclops). Their inclusion sparks speculation: could this secretly be an Avengers vs. X-Men adaptation?

Marvel has been actively developing MCU iterations of the X-Men, with Feige confirming their debut within "upcoming releases." THR reports Ryan Reynolds is advocating for a Deadpool/X-Men crossover. While no official X-Men film appears on Marvel's schedule, the studio's rapid development pace suggests mutant introductions may occur sooner than expected.

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Schreier recently debuted Thunderbolts* to commercial success, earning $173 million globally per Box Office Mojo. The anti-hero team-up has garnered critical acclaim, maintaining an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes (IGN awarded it 7/10 in our evaluation).

As Marvel's discussions with Schreier progress, fans are speculating about a potential Nightcrawler/Mister Fantastic confrontation in Avengers: Doomsday following Alan Cumming's unofficial tease.