The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is set to introduce the X-Men into its expansive storyline, and Thunderbolts director Jake Schreier is reportedly in discussions to direct the eagerly awaited X-Men film. According to Deadline, Schreier is in early talks with Marvel Studios, positioning him as a top choice to helm this new venture into the world of mutants.

The X-Men project is still in its early stages, with a script penned by Michael Lesslie, known for his work on The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Kevin Feige, the creative force behind the MCU, will produce the film. Details such as the cast, release date, and its integration with the broader MCU narrative remain closely guarded secrets.

The X-Men's presence in the MCU will be undeniable with Avengers: Doomsday. The recent cast reveal for this film included veteran X-Men actors like Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden. Grammer, who played Beast in the Fox X-Men films, made his MCU debut in The Marvels post-credits scene. Stewart, known for his role as Charles Xavier/Professor X, briefly appeared in the MCU in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. McKellen, who portrayed Magneto, along with Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops), are yet to make their MCU debuts. This raises the intriguing possibility that Avengers: Doomsday could serve as an Avengers vs. X-Men narrative.

Marvel has been actively planning an MCU X-Men film for some time. Kevin Feige hinted last year that fans would see the X-Men 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. While 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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View 12 ImagesSchreier, fresh off the success of Thunderbolts, which has grossed $173,009,775 globally and earned an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes (with our review giving it a 7/10), is a strong candidate for the X-Men project.

As we await further updates on Marvel's negotiations with Schreier, fans can enjoy the online buzz surrounding a potential Nightcrawler/Mister Fantastic showdown in Avengers: Doomsday, as hinted by Alan Cumming.