The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is set to expand its horizons with the introduction of the X-Men, and Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier is reportedly in early talks to direct a new X-Men movie. According to Deadline, Schreier is at the top of Marvel Studios' list to helm this eagerly anticipated project, though the status of negotiations remains unclear.

The upcoming X-Men film, still in its early stages of development, will feature a script penned by Michael Lesslie, known for his work on The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Marvel's Kevin Feige is set to produce, but details such as the cast, release date, and its integration into the broader MCU are still under wraps.

The X-Men's involvement in Avengers: Doomsday was confirmed last month with the announcement of a cast featuring 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 franchise, made his MCU debut in The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart, known for his role as Charles Xavier/Professor X, also appeared in the MCU in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Meanwhile, McKellen (Magneto), Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops) are yet to make their MCU debuts, raising speculation about whether Avengers: Doomsday could be an Avengers vs. X-Men film.

Marvel has been actively working on bringing the X-Men into the MCU. Kevin Feige has promised that fans will see the X-Men debut within "the next few movies." Additionally, THR reported that Ryan Reynolds has been advocating for a Deadpool-meets-X-Men movie. Although no official X-Men movie has been scheduled yet, given the MCU's rapid pace, fans might not have to wait long to see these beloved characters in action.

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View 12 ImagesSchreier recently premiered *Thunderbolts** in theaters, which has already grossed $173,009,775 worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo. The film, featuring an ensemble of anti-heroes, has also received positive reviews, holding an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes (our review gave it a 7/10).

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, a tidbit leaked by Alan Cumming himself.