Los Angeles, California — Following the successful debut of “Thunderbolts,” director Jake Schreier appears to be in discussions to helm the next installment of Marvel’s X-Men franchise, sources confirm. This anticipated project has long piqued the interest of fans eager for fresh storytelling in the beloved superhero universe.
While details regarding the negotiation process remain unclear, insiders suggest that Schreier has emerged as a leading candidate for the role after a recent meeting with Marvel executives. The screenplay for the film, crafted by Michael Lesslie, is being produced under the watchful eye of Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige.
Marvel has been meticulous in its search for a director, echoing its approach in selecting writers for past projects. The studio is determined to make the right choice and avoid a rushed decision, which has allowed Schreier’s profile to gain traction following the positive early reviews and strong box office performance of “Thunderbolts,” which garnered $162 million globally upon release.
Schreier’s collaboration with Marvel on “Thunderbolts” has been met with widespread acclaim, marking the film as the studio’s most successful critically since “Spider-Man: No Way Home” in 2021. His passion for the X-Men comics has reportedly further cemented his place in consideration for directing this new film, signifying a synergy between his vision and Marvel’s objectives.
As buzz around “Thunderbolts” escalated, other studios began courting the director. Recently, however, he has reportedly started declining opportunities elsewhere, signaling a likely focus on this high-profile Marvel project.
This shift toward an in-house director aligns with Marvel’s trend of promoting filmmakers who have previously succeeded with the studio. Such was the case for the Russo brothers, who moved from directing “Captain America” films to headlining the “Avengers” series. Similarly, Matt Shakman transitioned from his work on “WandaVision” to take charge of the upcoming “Fantastic Four.”
Fans of the X-Men franchise are particularly invigorated by this news, especially since Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox in 2019. The X-Men series was a cornerstone of Marvel adaptations, yielding seven films and three Wolverine spinoffs. However, following the lackluster reception of “Dark Phoenix,” there has been a clear demand for a revitalization of the franchise.
The reemergence of interest in the X-Men has coincided with the success of Marvel’s animated series “X-Men ’97.” The series not only attracted significant viewership on Disney+ but also garnered positive reviews, reaffirming the franchise’s enduring appeal. The excitement around “Deadpool and Wolverine” — a recent blockbuster that topped box office charts in 2024 — further highlights the franchise’s potential.
As negotiations progress, the possibility of Schreier guiding the next chapter of the X-Men saga continues to excite fans who have long awaited new cinematic adventures in a franchise that once dominated the superhero genre.