The anticipation for the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) rebooted X-Men movie is reaching new heights as the project has officially taken its first significant step forward. Michael Lesslie, known for his work on The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, has been brought on board as the screenwriter for this much-awaited film. This development marks a crucial milestone in the integration of the X-Men into the MCU, a process that began when Disney acquired 20th Century Fox, thereby regaining the character rights for Marvel Studios.
The Journey to Integration
The MCU timeline is meticulously preparing to introduce the X-Men, especially with the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine movie, which promises to give audiences a glimpse of mutants within the larger Marvel universe. The X-Men movie has been in the pipeline for some time, and the search for a writer began in Fall 2023, with Marvel Studios meeting various screenwriters to hear their pitches. Lesslie’s appointment signifies the end of this search and sets the stage for further developments in the project’s progression.
Michael Lesslie’s Portfolio
Michael Lesslie’s inclusion as the writer is a strategic move by Marvel Studios. His most notable work includes the screenplay for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, a prequel that received middling-to-positive reviews. His experience with ensemble casts is further demonstrated in his work on the 2016 Assassin’s Creed live-action movie and 2015’s Macbeth. Lesslie is also attached to write the forthcoming Now You See Me 3, indicating his rising profile in Hollywood.
The Creative Direction
While Marvel Studios and Disney have yet to officially comment on the report, the hiring of Lesslie suggests a deliberate choice to engage a writer experienced with complex, ensemble-driven narratives. This decision aligns with Marvel’s history of combining well-known characters with fresh creative talent to keep their storytelling dynamic and engaging.
Next Steps: Casting and Directing
With a writer now in place, the next phase for the X-Men reboot involves securing a director and commencing the casting process. Speculation is rife about who might direct the film and whether Marvel will opt for someone familiar with their universe or bring in new talent. The successful reception of X-Men ’97 season 1 has set a high bar, and fans are eager to see how the live-action version will compare.
The Broader MCU Impact
The integration of the X-Men into the MCU represents a monumental shift in the superhero landscape. Previously unavailable to Marvel Studios due to rights issues, the X-Men, along with the Fantastic Four, are now poised to play significant roles in future MCU narratives. Iconic characters like Kelsey Grammer’s Beast, Patrick Stewart’s Professor X, and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine have already made appearances in recent MCU projects, heightening excitement for the forthcoming full-scale X-Men film.
Fan Expectations and Future Announcements
The fan base is buzzing with questions about the new X-Men team composition and whether any actors from the Fox era will be retained. The establishment of a script paves the way for these questions to be answered, with further insights likely to be revealed at major upcoming events such as San Diego Comic-Con in July and the D23 Expo in August.
Also Read: What If…? Season 3 Got Exciting Updates
