Jake Schreier Promises MCU’s ‘X-Men’ Will Be “Recognizably Different” from Previous Films

Jake Schreier, the director behind Marvel’s recent film “Thunderbolts*,” is gearing up for a big job: bringing the “X-Men” back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Schreier has quietly built a strong reputation over the years, starting with smaller films like “Robot & Frank” and “Paper Towns.”

But it was his work on the Netflix show “Beef” that really put him on the map. There, he showed he can handle complex emotions and tension, earning a Primetime Emmy nomination for directing. His focus has always been on characters who are struggling and on the edge, and that theme carries over into his work with Marvel.

“Thunderbolts*,” which recently became available to stream, is different from typical superhero team-ups. Instead of just big action scenes, it dives into the emotional struggles of its characters.

The team includes flawed heroes like Florence Pugh’s Yelena, Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, and Wyatt Russell’s U.S. Agent. Schreier’s direction helps bring out their emotions and keeps the story focused on their personal journeys.

Marvel’s boss Kevin Feige has confirmed that Schreier will be directing the new “X-Men” movie, and he says it will be a fresh take. Feige described it as a “youth-focused reboot,” meaning the film will likely feel different from past “X-Men” movies, with new faces and a new tone. This means fans should expect a new approach, not a repeat of the older films.

Schreier himself was careful not to give away too much about the “X-Men” project but said the story is “inherently interesting and complex material.” He explained that “X-Men” has always been about more than just superheroes. Since the 1960s, the franchise has used mutants as symbols for people who are different or misunderstood.

Whether it’s about civil rights, queer identity, or feeling like an outsider, the story has always dealt with real, emotional struggles. Schreier said, “It’s an incredible opportunity with super interesting characters and [much] internal conflict. These characters are wrestling with their identity and place in the world—that’s inherently interesting and complex material.”

Unlike other directors who might focus mainly on action or special effects, Schreier wants to explore the emotional side of the story. When asked if Marvel’s “X-Men” will be very different from earlier versions, he said, “Yeah, I think that’s fair to say.” He joked about Marvel always listening closely but said it’s exciting to have the chance to explore the story in a new way and on a big scale.

While he can’t share many details yet, Schreier’s work so far suggests that this new “X-Men” film will bring back the deep emotional themes that made the comics and early movies special. It won’t just be about powers and battles; it will be about the feelings and struggles behind the characters.

For now, fans can check out “Thunderbolts*” on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and others. The movie was released in theaters in May 2025 and became available digitally in July, with physical copies coming later this month.

Jake Schreier’s “X-Men” reboot is still a mystery, but it’s clear he’s already thinking deeply about what makes these characters meaningful. Marvel’s mutant story is set for a new chapter, and Schreier is leading the way.

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