Jake Schreier to Helm MCU’s X-Men Film: Legacy Meets New Era

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Summary

  • Jake Schreier is the odds-on favorite to direct a new X-Men film in the MCU.
  • MCU’s plan seemingly includes integrating legacy X-Men characters and original cast members from the Fox era.
  • Schreier’s experience in emotionally grounded storytelling makes him ideal for the X-Men project.

Jake Schreier’s movie titled “Thunderbolts” has been ruling the box office. After a highly successful debut, it appears that the filmmaker may re-enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for another major production.

Marvel Studios has set the stage for integrating the X-Men into the MCU. For example, they’ve already introduced Professor X, played by Patrick Stewart, in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” from 2022. Similarly, Kelsey Grammer’s Beast was featured in “The Marvels.” Another notable addition is planning to bring mutants into the highly anticipated MCU blockbuster, “Avengers: Doomsday.” Several actors from the original Fox X-Men films will be part of the next Avengers movie. This includes Ian McKellen (Magneto), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), James Marsden (Cyclops), Stewart, and Grammer.

It appears there’s been no formal declaration about the upcoming X-Men movie in the MCU, but according to Deadline, Marvel Studios may have found its director in Schreier. Reports indicate that Schreier has met with Marvel recently regarding this potential project. Although details are still unclear, it seems Michael Lesslie is writing the script, and Kevin Feige is producing. It’s worth noting that other studios have been reaching out to Schreier, but he’s been turning down their offers, hinting at another project potentially in development with Marvel.

Jake Schreier’s Handling Of Team Dynamics In Thunderbolts* Makes Him A Great Choice For An X-Men Movie

It’s no wonder that Marvel Studios opted for Schreier to helm the upcoming X-Men project, given their strong collaborative history. The box office success of Thunderbolts undeniably makes Schreier an attractive option for this new venture. For quite some time now, Kevin Feige has hinted at the impending integration of the X-Men into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. During the Disney APAC Content Showcase in Singapore, held in November 2024, the President of Marvel Studios stated that Avengers: Secret Wars would pave the way for a “new epoch of mutants and the X-Men.

It seems that the strategy of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) regarding the X-Men involves a gradual, multi-stage blending process. They are reintroducing several iconic characters from the Fox era, such as Patrick Stewart’s Professor X in Doctor Strange 2, Kelsey Grammer’s Beast in The Marvels, and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine in Deadpool & Wolverine, who will appear through multiverse-based cameos. This move indicates a respect for the past, but it also paves the way for fresh, younger actors to step into the roles of mutants within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Introducing new actors is beneficial for the long-term narrative and helps make the team more identifiable and engaging for newer and younger audiences in the MCU.

Schreier might step into the director’s role for the X-Men series given his extensive knowledge and skills in filmmaking. He is recognized for creating emotionally resonant and character-driven narratives, as demonstrated in the 2012 sci-fi drama Robot & Frank and the 2015 coming-of-age film Paper Towns. These storytelling techniques align perfectly with the complex themes of identity and power struggles that are prevalent among mutants in X-Men. Furthermore, his proficiency in managing an ensemble cast, as evident in Thunderbolts*, is truly impressive. Schreier excels at leading a team and harmoniously balancing numerous character arcs with emotional precision, a skill that is crucial when handling a series like X-Men, which often features multiple main characters.

MCU’s X-Men is expected to be released in 2027.

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2025-05-09 07:40