Speculation around Ryan Coogler X-Men reboot involvement reached new heights following recent remarks at the Mediterrane Film Festival in Malta, where conflicting statements surfaced about Jake Schreier’s possible directorial role. Marvel, known for tightly managing announcements, now faces renewed buzz as both insiders and studio representatives weigh in on the direction of the reboot.
Uncertainty Surrounds Jake Schreier’s Role as Director
Jake Schreier, best known for leading Thunderbolts*, was widely rumored as Marvel’s frontrunner to direct the X-Men reboot. Despite the speculation, Schreier addressed these rumors during a festival appearance, making it clear no official deal has been made despite his strong opinions on approaching major projects. According to Schreier,
Even if I were confirmed on that movie, I don’t think I would be allowed to answer that question,
—Jake Schreier, Director. He also emphasized,
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.
—Jake Schreier, Director.
Schreier’s previous work on Thunderbolts* reinforced his reputation for character-driven filmmaking, something Disney’s Bob Iger highlighted as a model for Marvel Studios’ future focus, even as Thunderbolts* struggled with box office expectations. Iger observed,
We’ve also learned over time that quantity does not necessarily beget quality… We lost a little focus by making too much,
—Bob Iger, Disney CEO. Schreier’s emphasis on collaboration and storytelling, as cited during his appearance, aligns with Marvel’s reworked strategy after a period of rapid content expansion.
Ryan Coogler’s Comments Add Fuel to Rumors
The situation shifted when Black Panther director Ryan Coogler, known for his candid interviews, stated to Metro Entertainment that Jake Schreier is set to helm the X-Men reboot. Coogler’s past comments have prompted Marvel to make official statements when secrecy faced internal leaks, further stirring public curiosity about who is truly attached to direct the franchise’s return.
Marvel’s Response and Official Confirmation
Fueling the conversation even further, Gizmodo reported that Marvel has officially confirmed Schreier as director, though the studio has not provided extensive details. This suggests that Schreier could soon be able to publicly address his involvement. Meanwhile, Marvel chief Kevin Feige is believed to be developing a long-term plan for the X-Men in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, reportedly considering a decade-long arc for the iconic group.
Wider Implications for the Marvel Cinematic Universe
The upcoming film The Fantastic Four: First Steps—slated for a July 25 release—signals a pivotal shift in Marvel’s storytelling approach, leading into major events such as Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. These projects are expected to conclude the current Multiverse Saga and lay the groundwork for the X-Men’s return to the big screen. With major figures like Kevin Feige steering the overall vision and talent such as Ryan Coogler and Jake Schreier involved in key roles, Marvel is poised for a new chapter as fans await further updates.
