The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is set to integrate the X-Men into its expansive narrative, with Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier reportedly in discussions to spearhead the project.

Deadline reveals that the director is in preliminary negotiations with Marvel Studios to helm a new X-Men film. Sources indicate that, while details of the talks remain undisclosed, Schreier is the top contender to lead the initiative.

The X-Men project, still in early development, features a screenplay by Michael Lesslie, known for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Marvel’s Kevin Feige will produce, but specifics about the cast, release date, or its connection to the broader MCU remain closely guarded.

Since Avengers: Endgame, the MCU has been laying groundwork for the X-Men’s arrival. Through multiverse-driven plots in films like The Marvels, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and Deadpool & Wolverine, Marvel has dropped subtle hints about characters like Wolverine, Beast, and Professor X crossing paths with the Avengers. While The Fantastic Four: First Steps, set for release in July, introduces Marvel’s First Family, the X-Men have yet to appear prominently.

The X-Men will play a significant role in Avengers: Doomsday. Last month’s Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement featured 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 series, debuted in the MCU in The Marvels’ post-credits scene. Stewart, known as Charles Xavier/Professor X, appeared briefly in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as an Illuminati member. McKellen (Magneto), Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops) have yet to enter the MCU. This raises speculation: could Avengers: Doomsday be an Avengers vs. X-Men showdown?

Marvel has been eager to launch an MCU X-Men film for years. Feige hinted last year that the X-Men would debut in “the next few movies.” Meanwhile, THR reported that Ryan Reynolds, star of Deadpool, is advocating for a Deadpool-X-Men crossover in the near future. While no X-Men film is officially scheduled, the MCU’s rapid pace suggests fans won’t wait long to see iconic mutants in action.

Unexpected Avengers and Marvel Characters Missing from Doomsday Lineup

Schreier’s latest film, Thunderbolts*, hit theaters last weekend, earning $173,009,775 globally, according to Box Office Mojo. The anti-hero ensemble has garnered strong reviews, holding an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (we scored it 7/10 in our review).

As Marvel’s talks with Schreier progress, fans are buzzing about a potential Nightcrawler vs. Mister Fantastic clash in Avengers: Doomsday, sparked by a leak from Alan Cumming himself.