The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is set to expand its universe with the much-anticipated inclusion of the X-Men, and Thunderbolts director Jake Schreier is reportedly in early discussions to helm this new venture. According to Deadline, Schreier is at the top of Marvel Studios' list to direct the upcoming X-Men film, though the specifics of the negotiations remain undisclosed.

The script for this eagerly awaited X-Men movie is penned by Michael Lesslie, known for his work on The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. With Marvel's Kevin Feige attached as a producer, the project is shrouded in mystery, with details about the cast, release date, and its integration into the broader MCU still under wraps.

However, fans will get a taste of the X-Men in Avengers: Doomsday, which features a cast heavy with veteran X-Men actors such as Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden. Grammer, who played Beast in the Fox X-Men franchise, made his MCU debut in The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart, known for his role as Charles Xavier/Professor X, appeared in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. McKellen, Cumming, Romijn, and Marsden are yet to make their MCU appearances, sparking speculation about whether Avengers: Doomsday might be an Avengers vs. X-Men film.

Marvel has been keen on bringing the X-Men into the MCU, with Kevin Feige promising their debut within "the next few movies." Meanwhile, THR reports that Ryan Reynolds has been pushing for a Deadpool-meets-X-Men movie. Although no official X-Men movie is on the MCU timeline yet, given the pace at which the MCU is moving, fans won't have to wait long to see these beloved characters in action.

The Most Surprising Avengers and Marvel Characters Not Announced for Doomsday

View 12 ImagesSchreier, fresh off the success of Thunderbolts, which has grossed $173,009,775 globally and earned an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes, is a strong contender for the X-Men project. As we await further updates on Marvel's negotiations with Schreier, fans can enjoy the buzz around a potential Nightcrawler/Mister Fantastic showdown in Avengers: Doomsday, as hinted by Alan Cumming.