‘Thunderbolts*’ Director Jake Schreier To Reportedly Helm MCU’s Long-Awaited X-Men Reboot

While the film has not broken box office records, ‘Thunderbolts*’ is being hailed as a creative “return to form” for the MCU. The film blended darker tones, complex characters, and team dynamics that echo what made early ensemble films like ‘The Avengers’ and ‘Captain America: Civil War’ so iconic. This critical praise appears to have sealed the deal for Jake Schreier’s involvement with X-Men.

Though Marvel Studios has yet to officially confirm casting for the X-Men reboot, industry insiders have begun revealing a list of actors reportedly in the running for major roles. And if early rumors are true, the next generation of X-Men will not only be younger but significantly more diverse. Among the names being floated, Harris Dickinson and Jack Champion are said to be under consideration for the role of Cyclops, the stoic field leader of the team. 

Meanwhile, two strong contenders for Storm include Ayo Edebiri and DeWanda Wise. The roster doesn’t stop there. Gambit and Kitty Pryde are also expected to be part of the core team, and Julia Butters is reportedly being eyed for Pryde. More recently, the rumor mill has swirled around Hunter Schafer for Mystique. Margaret Qualley is reportedly in the mix for Rogue, a fan-favorite character known for her strength and tragic past.

Perhaps the most intriguing and unconventional rumor is the possibility of Denzel Washington stepping into the role of Magneto. While all the rumors surrounding the project remain unconfirmed, it’s only adding to the excitement. Additionally, young ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ actress Trinity Jo-Li Bliss is rumored to be under consideration for Jubilee. The spark-shooting, pop-culture-obsessed character is a cult favorite among fans of the animated X-Men ’97 series. 

Kevin Feige Described The ‘X-Men Reboot’ As A Soap Opera

Bringing the X-Men into the MCU isn’t just a creative endeavor; it’s an emotional one. For years, the original X-Men films under 20th Century Fox helped define the modern superhero genre. From Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine to Patrick Stewart’s Professor X and Ian McKellen’s Magneto, those performances left an indelible mark. While many of those actors are expected to appear in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Secret Wars’, Marvel Studios is choosing to reboot the franchise. 

So, we will likely get to see a new cast and fresh vision to ensure the mutants feel organically tied to the MCU timeline. This is probably where Jake Schreier comes in. According to Deadline, his deep knowledge and passion for the source material were apparent in his pitch meetings. He understands the X-Men. It’s a “soap opera wrapped in a superhero saga,” as Kevin Feige recently described. 

He has already acknowledged the overwhelming response to ‘X-Men ’97’, the animated sequel series that reawakened fan passion for the characters. “The response to that series just further excited us about how to bring the saga of the mutants to the MCU,” he told DiscussingFilm. That excitement is now translating into action, and likely, into a new cinematic era for Marvel.