Marvel Studios is assembling a powerhouse creative team for its highly anticipated X-Men reboot, tapping into the talent behind two of television's most celebrated series. Director Jake Schreier, who recently helmed the acclaimed 'Thunderbolts*,' has confirmed that 'Beef' creator Lee Sung Jin and 'The Bear' scribe and co-showrunner Joanna Calo are now actively working on a new draft of the script.
In an exclusive interview, Schreier revealed the exciting collaboration, noting his previous successful partnerships with both writers. "We're still developing," Schreier stated. "One of the exciting things is that Sonny and Joanna both worked on the latest season of 'Beef.' We worked together on Season 1 of 'Beef' and on 'Thunderbolts*.' They have come in and are working on a draft right now, which is really exciting to be able to put that group of people together again."
Bringing Personal Drama to a Superhero Scale
Schreier expressed immense enthusiasm for the specific skills Lee and Calo bring to the project. He praised Lee's "ability to take small interpersonal dynamics and explode them into a much larger canvas," a quality he believes is essential for a great X-Men film. He described the duo as the creators of "two of the most interesting shows on television right now."
The director elaborated on why their style is a perfect match for Marvel's mutants. "When you go back and read X-Men [comics], there's ideology but also interpersonal drama, almost of a soap opera quality," Schreier explained. "Having writers who understand both how to drive ideology from personal stakes, if we get that right, that's what will feel most honest to what X-Men can be." This focus on character-driven conflict suggests the reboot will delve deep into the complex relationships that have always been at the heart of the franchise, much like how recent successful genre shows have balanced spectacle with intimate storytelling.
Secrecy and Timeline
True to Marvel form, Schreier remained tight-lipped about specific plot details or casting. When pressed for information, he joked, "We'll film in a little black box and never leave. But seriously, the studio has experience with this. We've talked about it, but I can't say anymore." The film is expected to premiere sometime after the 2027 release of 'Avengers: Secret Wars,' with a likely 2028 debut.
This news comes as Marvel continues to build its new mutant saga within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The studio recently confirmed that several legacy X-Men actors, including Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen, will reprise their roles in the upcoming 'Avengers: Doomsday,' bridging the gap between the Fox era and the MCU's fresh start. This strategy of honoring the past while building anew is a delicate balance, similar to the challenges faced by other major reboots like the HBO Harry Potter series.
Schreier's involvement provides a strong sense of continuity for Marvel. His work on 'Thunderbolts*' was met with critical praise, demonstrating his ability to handle a large ensemble cast with nuanced character work—a skill that will be paramount for the X-Men. His collaboration with Lee and Calo signals a commitment to a script that prioritizes sharp dialogue and emotional depth alongside superhero action.
As fans eagerly await more concrete details, the hiring of Lee Sung Jin and Joanna Calo is a major vote of confidence in the project's direction. It suggests Marvel is aiming for an X-Men film that captures the thematic weight and raw character conflict of the best X-Men comics, potentially setting a new standard for superhero storytelling. For now, the project remains shrouded in mystery, but the creative team behind it is now one of the most exciting in Hollywood.
