"Thunderbolts" director in talks for the "X-Men" film
There are also initial rumours about the cast
After his impressive entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with "Thunderbolts", director Jake Schreier seems to be ready for the next big chapter: according to a report from Deadline, he is in early talks to direct the upcoming "X-Men" film.
While the exact status of negotiations is still unclear, insiders say Schreier is currently Marvel's first choice after a promising meeting last week. The screenplay for the as yet untitled "X-Men" film comes from "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" author Michael Lesslie. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige will produce the film as usual.
Marvel has deliberately taken its time to find the right director – a strategy that was already pursued when selecting potential screenwriters last year. With the huge success of "Thunderbolts" and the consistently positive reviews, Schreier has now apparently worked his way to the top of the list of candidates.
The return of the "X-Men" to the MCU has been eagerly awaited by fans for quite some time. The popular mutant franchise was one of the most successful Marvel IPs under Fox, with seven main films and three "Wolverine" spin-offs. However, after the commercially disappointing "Dark Phoenix" (2019), it was clear that the series needed a creative reorientation.
The conditions for this could hardly be better: Marvel recently enjoyed huge success with the animated series "X-Men '97" on Disney+. The series not only became a ratings hit, but also received some of the best reviews for a Marvel production in recent years. In addition, "Deadpool & Wolverine" generated huge box office figures in 2024. It is not yet known when we can expect the movie. However, there are initial rumors about the cast: Jesse Plemons could play Beast, for example. We could also see "Stranger Things" star Sadie Sink as Jean Grey, Harris Dickinson as Cyclops and Julia Butters in the role of Kitty Pride.
The significance of the X-Men for the comic world – heroes between outsiderism, diversity and cinematic icons
Since their introduction in 1963 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the "X-Men" have been a central part of the Marvel universe. Unlike many other superheroes, their powers are not based on accidents or technology, but on mutation – a metaphor for "otherness". The "X-Men" have thus stood for social outsiders from the very beginning. They embody minorities who struggle with prejudice, discrimination and exclusion – a reflection of real social conflicts such as racism, homophobia and ableism.
Deep characters and moral conflicts
A key feature of the "X-Men" is the psychological depth of their characters. Characters such as Wolverine, Rogue, Storm or Beast are not flawless heroes, but carry inner contradictions and traumas with them. The conflicts between Professor X and Magneto – inspired by the real-life figures Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X – represent ideological disputes about integration versus resistance. This moral complexity makes the "X-Men" one of the most challenging and relevant superhero series to this day.
The leap to the screens: series successes
With "X-Men: The Animated Series" (1992-1997), the series achieved its breakthrough on television. The animated series impressed with its serious themes, multi-layered story arcs and political depth – unusual for a children's format. It shaped an entire generation of fans and played a key role in making the "X-Men" known to a wider audience. In 2024, the mutants returned to Disney+ with "X-Men '97" – a direct sequel to the popular series from the 90s. The new edition delighted fans and critics alike and once again proved the cultural relevance of the mutants in today's media environment.
Cinema revolution: The X-Men in the movies
The 2000 movie "X-Men" marked the beginning of the modern comic book adaptation. With a serious, dark tone and a strong cast – including Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, Patrick Stewart as Professor X and Ian McKellen as Magneto – the film established a new era of superhero cinema. Later films such as "X2" , "Days of Future Past" and "Logan" explored socio-political themes in greater depth and ventured into complex, emotional stories.
Spin-offs such as "Deadpool" or the Oscar-nominated "Logan" also showed that the "X-Men" world is astonishingly versatile – from satirical humor to tragic apocalyptic moods.
Conclusion: A legacy full of diversity and relevance
The "X-Men" are far more than just superheroes – they are symbols of tolerance, diversity and humanity. Their contribution to the world of comics is not only narratively significant, but also socially significant. In a world full of tensions, identity issues and polarization, their stories retain a special power: they encourage us to be different – and show that this is precisely where strength lies.
