Marvel Studios is gearing up for a major cinematic reset, and one of the most anticipated projects on the horizon is the long-awaited reboot of the X-Men. The film has found a passionate new voice in its writer's room: Lee Sung Jin, the acclaimed creator of Netflix's Beef. In a recent exclusive interview, Lee opened up about his deep-seated love for the mutant universe and dropped a major hint about which character holds a special place in his heart.
A Writer with Mutant DNA
Lee Sung Jin is currently collaborating with The Bear co-showrunner Joanna Calo on a fresh draft for the X-Men script, working alongside director Jake Schreier (Thunderbolts*) and Marvel's creative leadership. When asked about the process, Lee expressed both excitement and reverence for the task. "I hold these characters near and dear to my heart," he said, emphasizing his goal to service "the greatest story" possible for the iconic team.
His connection to the X-Men isn't just professional—it's deeply personal and rooted in childhood. Lee shared a heartwarming story about bonding with his father over the franchise. "I have such fond memories of me and my dad, Saturday morning, every morning, waking up... and we’d watch every single episode, read the comics," he recalled. This lifelong fandom makes him a uniquely qualified candidate to shepherd Marvel's Merry Mutants into a new era. For more on the creative team's approach, check out our report on how the MCU's X-Men Reboot Draws Directly From Classic Claremont Comics.
All In on the Ragin' Cajun
When pressed for specifics, Lee didn't hesitate to name his favorite member of the team: the charming, kinetic-energy-wielding Gambit. "I was a huge Gambit fan growing up, so the love is very strong," he revealed. This admission is sure to excite fans who have long hoped to see Remy LeBeau done justice on the big screen after previous cinematic attempts.
Lee's involvement is part of a significant creative overhaul for the project. As previously reported, the X-Men Reboot Script Gets Major Rewrite from 'Beef' and 'The Bear' Creators, signaling Marvel's commitment to getting the foundational story right. Lee praised his collaborators, stating, "I love working with these people, these frequent collaborators, and so I think the goal for us is to just keep getting in rooms and keep spit balling."
Marvel's Road to the Reboot
The new X-Men film is a cornerstone of Marvel's post-Secret Wars landscape. The studio's 2026 slate, featuring Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Avengers: Doomsday, will set the stage for the universe-altering event. Avengers: Doomsday is notably expected to integrate some veterans from Fox's X-Men films, creating a bridge to the future. This reboot is poised to be a fresh start, distinct from previous film iterations.
Lee's genuine enthusiasm and personal history with the source material suggest a film crafted with care and understanding for what makes the X-Men resonate. His focus on character and story, honed in acclaimed series like Beef, aligns with the needs of a franchise built on complex social themes and deep personal relationships. It's a promising sign that the project is in the hands of someone who views the assignment not just as a job, but as a fan's dream come true.
While details on the plot and casting remain under wraps, the revelation of Lee's Gambit fandom offers a tantalizing clue about the potential direction and heart of the film. As Marvel continues to build its new chapter, having writers who share that "Saturday morning" magic with the characters could be its greatest power. For more on how classic stories are finding new life, see why fans say 'X-Men '97' Reveals New Marvel Magic on Second Viewing.
