The Marvel Cinematic Universe stands on the brink of a mutant revolution as it gears up for the long-awaited official reboot of the X-Men. With Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier at the helm, the project promises to deliver a bold new vision for Marvel’s most iconic team of outcasts and heroes. After years of teases and multiversal hints, the X-Men are finally stepping into the spotlight with a dedicated feature film that aims to redefine the franchise for a new generation of fans.
In a recent talk with MovieWeb, Schreier revealed that he has been reading two major comic runs to prepare: Chris Claremont’s and Grant Morrison’s X-Men comics. When asked about his approach to the project, Schreier explained:
I would say that we are aiming to do something that feels like a fresh start and going for something that feels new. And, really, something that Kevin has pushed for is this idea of, ‘What can we do within this world?’ It’s such a massive world, and I’ve spent the year just rereading a ton of it, like the entire Claremont run and so many different… The great work that Grant Morrison did
Schreier emphasized the depth of the X-Men lore as he approaches the project with a focus on originality. The director was careful to note that referencing Claremont and Morrison does not hint at the specific direction of the upcoming MCU X-Men film. Instead, he highlighted the vast scope of the mutant world and its place within the broader Marvel universe as the true inspiration behind his deep dive into the source material. He noted that the variety of stories in the comics provided rich inspiration without revealing specific plot details.
“There’s so many different interesting takes within this world – and that shouldn’t be a clue as to anything, that’s just for background and just to live in the world and how deep that world is,” the director added.
Schreier further elaborated on his creative process by exploring untapped aspects of the mutant universe:
Just thinking about, ‘What are the corners of it? What are the sides of it that maybe haven’t been done so brilliantly in so many of these great movies that we can .. [that] were areas that we can explore where it feels like we’re doing something new?'
What is Chris Claremont's X-Men comics about?
Chris Claremont's legendary run on Uncanny X-Men began in the mid-1970s following the team's revival in Giant-Size X-Men #1. Over his remarkable 16-year tenure, Claremont transformed the X-Men from a struggling title into one of Marvel's flagship series. He introduced deep, nuanced character development, emphasizing personal struggles, romantic relationships, and emotional growth for mutants such as Wolverine, Storm, Jean Grey, and Cyclops. Landmark storylines like the Dark Phoenix Saga and Days of Future Past delved into profound themes of prejudice, unchecked power, and ultimate sacrifice. Claremont's writing masterfully used the mutant experience as a powerful metaphor for real-world issues including racism, discrimination, and social alienation, resonating with readers on multiple levels.
The run also pioneered expansive crossovers and numerous spin-off titles, dramatically broadening the X-Men universe. Claremont added layers of moral complexity to villains like Magneto, crafting compelling redemption arcs that challenged simplistic notions of good and evil. He created or significantly developed enduring characters including Rogue, Gambit, and Psylocke, many of whom became central to the mythos. Blending high-stakes action with dramatic interpersonal stories and soap-opera-style twists, his narratives attracted a diverse audience. Ultimately, Claremont's contributions established the foundational elements that continue to define the X-Men in comics, animation, and live-action adaptations today.
What is Grant Morrison's X-Men comics about?
Grant Morrison's New X-Men run, which ran from 2001 to 2004, injected a strikingly modern and experimental energy into the mutant franchise. Morrison reenvisioned the X-Men as a visible cultural phenomenon, complete with distinctive fashion trends, media coverage, and broader societal influence in a world where mutants were increasingly out in the open. The explosive "E is for Extinction" storyline shocked readers by depicting the Sentinel-led genocide of Genosha, killing millions and compelling the team to grapple with the horror of mass extinction. He introduced innovative concepts such as secondary mutations, which expanded character abilities and personal identities in unexpected ways. Morrison's storytelling wove together ambitious philosophical questions about evolution, genetic fate, and humanity's trajectory with sharp social commentary. Collaborating closely with artist Frank Quitely, he delivered visually stunning and intellectually provocative issues that pushed the boundaries of superhero comics.
The series reframed Xavier's school as a more transparent and public institution, elevating the X-Men's role as both educators and global leaders during escalating conflicts. Morrison tackled timely topics including terrorism, sensationalist media, and the commercialization of mutant powers in an ever-changing society. Fresh antagonists like the telepathic Cassandra Nova and the enigmatic Xorn brought psychological intensity and surprising narrative turns that subverted expectations. By prioritizing big ideas and cultural relevance alongside thrilling action sequences, Morrison updated the X-Men for a new millennium. His influential tenure continues to shape contemporary X-Men stories, inspiring creators to blend intellectual depth with the excitement of mutant heroism.
Several actors from previous X-Men films are confirmed to return in Avengers: Doomsday. Avengers: Doomsday arrives December 18, 2026, Avengers: Secret Wars releases December 17, 2027, and the standalone MCU X-Men movie directed by Jake Schreier is scheduled for May 5, 2028.
