Marvel Studios is meticulously laying the groundwork for the long-awaited integration of the X-Men into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), a process that has sparked immense anticipation among fans since Disney’s 2019 acquisition of 20th Century Fox brought the mutant franchise under Marvel’s control. The X-Men, a cornerstone of Marvel’s comic legacy, have been absent from the MCU’s interconnected narrative, with their Fox-produced films—ranging from critical hits like X-Men: Days of Future Past to less celebrated entries like X-Men: Apocalypse—existing outside the MCU’s continuity. Marvel’s reboot aims to reintroduce the mutants in a way that aligns with the studio’s expansive vision, potentially tying their storylines to major upcoming projects such as Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
The studio has already begun planting seeds for the mutants’ arrival. The 2021 Disney+ series WandaVision hinted at mutant lore through subtle references, while Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness featured a high-profile cameo from a key X-Men character, signaling Marvel’s intent to weave mutants into the multiverse saga. Additionally, the 2024 film Deadpool & Wolverine brought mutant characters into the MCU’s spotlight, serving as a bridge between Fox’s legacy and Marvel’s future plans. Industry reports suggest the film is a priority for Phase Six, with a potential release slated for post-2027, following the culmination of the multiverse saga.
Despite this careful planning, it looks like the X-Men reboot has encountered a significant shift in its directorial prospects. According to industry insider Jeff Sneider, speaking on The Hot Mic podcast, Marvel reportedly approached acclaimed director Ryan Coogler to helm the mutant-centric film. However, this report remains unconfirmed by Marvel Studios, and no official statement has verified Coogler’s involvement.
On The Hot Mic podcast, Jeff Sneider revealed that Marvel had discussions with Ryan Coogler about directing the X-Men reboot, but timing conflicts led him to prioritize Black Panther 3. Sneider stated, “I know they did talk to Ryan Coogler at one point. But Coogler, with the timing, you know, he’d have to focus on Black Panther 3. He’s needed in another corner of the universe.” Coogler’s decision to prioritize Black Panther 3, if accurate, reflects his deep connection to the Black Panther franchise, which has not only grossed over $2 billion globally but also earned critical acclaim, including seven Academy Award nominations for Black Panther and a strong reception for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever despite the emotional weight of Chadwick Boseman’s passing.
With Coogler reportedly stepping away, Marvel has pivoted to Jake Schreier, the director of the upcoming MCU film Thunderbolts. Schreier’s potential involvement points to Marvel’s confidence in his ability to manage ensemble casts and intricate narratives, as Thunderbolts will feature a diverse group of antiheroes when it releases in 2025. This development has elicited varied reactions from fans—some are enthusiastic about Schreier’s fresh perspective, while others speculate about the unique vision Coogler might have brought to the mutants’ MCU debut.
Reports indicate that Jake Schreier has been declining other professional opportunities after directing his debut Marvel film, suggesting a strong commitment to his future with Marvel Studios. Additionally, a screenplay for the X-Men reboot has been written by Michael Lesslie, recognized for his contributions to projects like the forthcoming Now You See Me, Now You Don’t and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
The X-Men reboot remains in early development, with no confirmed release date or casting announcements. Meanwhile, Black Panther 3 is gaining traction, reportedly in the scripting phase with Letitia Wright set to return as Shuri, the new Black Panther. The project recently made waves when Denzel Washington mentioned that Coogler was writing a role for him, though Marvel has yet to officially confirm the threequel.
Insider reports suggest Black Panther 3 may follow Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027, positioning it as a cornerstone of the MCU’s future. Sneider emphasized the strategic reasoning behind the directorial shift, stating, “It’s a big deal to bring the X-Men into the MCU properly, and they don’t want to rush it.” As Marvel balances these ambitious projects, fans eagerly await further updates on how the mutants and Wakanda’s next chapter will shape the MCU’s evolving landscape.
