The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is set to expand its horizons by integrating the iconic X-Men into its multi-phase narrative, and Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier is reportedly in discussions to spearhead this exciting venture. According to Deadline, Schreier is in early talks with Marvel Studios to direct a new X-Men film, positioning him as the top choice for this highly anticipated 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. Marvel's chief creative officer, Kevin Feige, is also on board as a producer. While details such as the cast, release date, and the film's integration with the broader MCU remain closely guarded, the anticipation is palpable.

Since the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame, the MCU has been meticulously laying the groundwork for the X-Men's introduction. Through the intricate web of multiverse narratives in films like The Marvels, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and Deadpool & Wolverine, Marvel has been dropping subtle hints about potential crossovers with characters such as Wolverine, Beast, and Professor X. While fans eagerly await The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July, the X-Men's presence has been notably absent—until now.

The upcoming Avengers: Doomsday will mark a significant milestone, as last month's cast reveal confirmed the inclusion of veteran X-Men actors. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are all set to reprise their roles, signaling a major role for the X-Men in the film. Grammer, who played Beast in the Fox X-Men franchise, made his MCU debut in The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart, known for his portrayal of Charles Xavier/Professor X, appeared in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. Meanwhile, McKellen, Cumming, Romijn, and Marsden are yet to make their MCU debuts, raising speculation about whether Avengers: Doomsday might secretly be an Avengers vs. X-Men movie.

Marvel has been actively working on bringing the X-Men into the MCU, with Kevin Feige promising their debut within "the next few movies." Additionally, THR reported that Ryan Reynolds, who plays Deadpool, has been advocating for a Deadpool-meets-X-Men film. Although no official X-Men movie has been slated yet, given the MCU's rapid pace, 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 and earned an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes (with a 7/10 from our review), is now at the forefront of Marvel's plans for the X-Men. As negotiations continue, fans can only speculate on what this new chapter will bring to the MCU.

In the meantime, the internet is abuzz with reactions to a potential Nightcrawler/Mister Fantastic showdown in Avengers: Doomsday, a tidbit leaked by Alan Cumming himself. Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling development in the Marvel universe.