THUNDERBOLTS* Director Jake Schreier Comments on His Potential X-MEN Reboot Approach
During a recent interview, Black Panther director Ryan Coogler casually stated that Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier is set to direct the MCU’s X-Men reboot, saying, “Jake is directing that.” That comment has stirred the pot, especially since Marvel Studios hasn’t officially confirmed Schreier’s involvement.
Schreier, who was recently at the Mediterrane Film Festival in Malta, was asked how he’d approach rebooting the iconic mutant team for the MCU. While he didn’t officially confirm his attachment, he offered a bit of insight into how he’d hypothetically handle the job:
“Even if I were confirmed on that movie, I don't think I would be allowed to answer that question. I guess what I would say is that it always starts from character and working with great writers and collaborators, and certainly thinking about how to do something different with any project that you take on. That's as much as I can say.”
Schreier has experience wrangling a team of morally gray characters with Thunderbolts*, which may not have blown up at the box office, but fans and critics largely appreciated the character work and tone. That sensibility could translate well to a grounded, character-driven take on the X-Men.
Casting rumors are already swirling, suggesting things are moving forward behind the scenes. Harris Dickinson, Margaret Qualley, and Julia Butters were reportedly eyed for Cyclops, Rogue, and Kitty Pryde, respectively.
Other names in the mix include David Jonsson (Alien: Romulus), Trinity Bliss (Avatar: The Way of Water), Hunter Schafer, Ayo Edebiri, and even Javier Bardem as Mr. Sinister.
Kevin Feige has been open about Marvel’s long game when it comes to the mutants. In a recent interview, he explained:
“I think you will see that continues in our next few movies with some X-Men players that you might recognize. Right after that, the whole story of Secret Wars really leads us into a new age of mutants and of the X-Men. Again, [it’s] one of those dreams come true. We finally have the X-Men back.”
Michael Lesslie, known for Macbeth and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, wrote the script, though it’s possible other writers could be brought in for additional passes before cameras roll.