Kevin Feige Says MCU ‘X-Men’ Movie Will Be ‘Youth-Focused’

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Kevin Feige recently gave some new insight about the MCU’s forthcoming X-Men movie.

At a presser prior to the unveiling of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps“, the head of Marvel Studios announced that Jake Schreier, who is directing “Thunderbolts“, will be in charge of the MCU’s X-Men movie.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but get excited when I hear about fresh perspectives for my favorite franchises. And as they recently hinted, Kevin Feige has a new, youthful vision brewing for the mutant saga. He shared with reporters that director Schreier is all set to bring a reboot that caters to a younger audience.

Feige hinted, as reported by Variety, that this could manifest in altered movie scenes and will undoubtedly influence the mood and viewpoint of the film.

Feige additionally pointed out that the X-Men comics serve as a platform for narrating tales centered around youths who experience feelings of being distinct, alienated, and not fitting in.

“That’s the universal story of mutants, and that is where we’re going,” he shared.

In a recent chat with The Playlist, Schreier hinted at an exclusive look into the upcoming comic book film, suggesting that the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s portrayal of the X-Men will present a fresh, distinct take compared to past movie adaptations.

According to Schreier, “The X-Men concept is fascinatingly complex, filled with intriguing characters and internal struggles. They grapple with their identities and position in the world, making it a compelling and thought-provoking subject matter.

It’s quite special and exhilarating to delve deeply into the multitude of concepts embedded within such a substantial resource, while maintaining the scope that the resource itself encompasses. This kind of chance doesn’t come often.” He went on.

The Future of the X-Men in the MCU

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s anticipated that the debut of the first official X-Men film will occur following the premiere of “Avengers: Secret Wars,” a movie slated for release in cinemas in May 2027.

Although there’s no set date for the untitled movie, it’s speculated that Jake Schreier’s upcoming film might premiere towards the end of 2027 or 2028. There are rumors suggesting this film may mark the beginning of Phase 7 in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In July 2019 at San Diego Comic-Con, Kevin Feige hinted that the mutants from the X-Men would eventually appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, he emphasized that the MCU’s version of the franchise would differ significantly from the X-Men films produced by 20th Century Studios (formerly 20th Century Fox), and would introduce new actors playing the iconic roles.

In contrast to some beloved X-Men actors from 20th Century Studios being incorporated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) through the Multiverse, like Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine in the 2024 film “Deadpool & Wolverine” and Patrick Stewart’s Professor Charles Xavier in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” in 2022, the forthcoming X-Men movie will introduce a new cast of mutants, as a major “reset” of the MCU is expected to occur during “Secret Wars.

During a press conference on July 18, 2025, Feige revealed their intention to employ the “Secret Wars” storyline not only to continue the narratives started after “Endgame,” but also to lay the groundwork for future projects. This is because “Secret Wars” is essentially about new beginnings.

Instead, Feige declined to label the MCU’s future as an exact “reboot,” preferring to use the term “refresh” instead.

A reboot can be an unsettling term, as it encompasses various interpretations for different individuals. Essentially, it might entail a reset or restart. In this context, that’s the direction we’re considering. As for the X-Men, that’s where this fresh start will take place next.

Prior to that, several original cast members of the X-Men will be returning to their mutant characters in the 2026 film Avengers: Doomsday. Among these are Patrick Stewart as Professor X, Ian McKellen as Magneto, Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler, Rebecca Romijn as Mystique, James Marsden as Cyclops, and Kelsey Grammer as Beast.

Superhero Movies That Reinvented Their Franchise

1. Batman (1989)

From 1940s melodramatic serials to the cartoonish camp of 1966, Batman’s on-screen presence had been limited until Tim Burton’s 1989 film “Batman,” starring Michael Keaton as Batman and Jack Nicholson as the Joker. This darker, more psychological interpretation with a gothic atmosphere, Art Deco-inspired industrial decay, and a shift towards mature themes, was both stylish and ahead of its time. It paved the way for more serious superhero films, leading to three sequels and an acclaimed animated series.

2. Spider-Man (2002)

In 2002, Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man wasn’t the initial Spidey film; that honor belongs to a 1977 TV movie by CBS that had a theatrical release abroad. However, it could be considered the most significant installment in the franchise. The superhero movie market was uncertain at best by the early 2000s, with only a few exceptions like the 2000 X-Men. But everything shifted when Tobey Maguire’s Peter Parker made his appearance. This film, boasting impressive CGI for its time, entertaining acting, and an iconic score by Danny Elfman, established the blueprint for modern superhero films, paving the way for a new era of comic book blockbusters and transforming big-screen superhero adaptations into both studio cash cows and major cultural phenomena.

3. Batman Begins (2005)

The movie “Batman Begins” delves into the dark journey of Bruce Wayne, a man tormented emotionally, as he transforms into a vigilante battling the morally corrupt underworld of Gotham City. This city is threatened by a sinister terrorist with plans to wipe it out completely. Unlike previous Batman films on the big screen that were often campy, “Batman Begins” was more realistic and grounded in its approach. Directed by Christopher Nolan in 2005, this film delved deeply into the complex psychology and dark themes of the Batman comics without a hint of irony. “Batman Begins” paved the way for a new era of serious, gritty superhero films and reboots, making it one of the most impactful movies in its genre and beyond.

4. X-Men: First Class (2011)

In the 1960s backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the 2011 movie “X-Men: First Class” focuses on James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender portraying their characters, Charles Xavier (before becoming Professor X) and Erik Lehnsherr (pre-Magneto), respectively. They join other young mutants in a struggle against a mutant extremist aiming to trigger a nuclear war. This gripping, historically significant origin story combines the suspenseful atmosphere of the era with director Matthew Vaughn’s dynamic and action-packed style, as well as the X-Men’s themes of fear and otherness, creating a powerful impact. Essentially, “X-Men: First Class” revitalized a franchise that had revolutionized its genre a decade earlier.

5. Logan (2017)

In a future setting, the movie “Logan” showcases an emotionally moving performance from Hugh Jackman as a weary Wolverine, who teams up with Charles Xavier to safeguard a young mutant girl against a malevolent organization. Drawing inspiration from the “Old Man Logan” comic series, this 2017 film infused a surprising, dark, and Western-style tone onto the beloved and rugged X-Men character, marking what was intended to be Jackman’s final portrayal of Wolverine. The end product is the X-Men franchise’s most brutal, complex, and emotionally impactful film, often hailed as one of the best superhero movies ever made.

6. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

The movie “Thor: Ragnarok” places Thor, Marvel’s God of Thunder, on a strange planet where he battles to return home and save Asgard from an impending disaster. While the 2011 film “Thor” was decent superhero entertainment boosted by Chris Hemsworth’s endearing portrayal as an out-of-place, intergalactic hunk, and the 2013 film “Thor: The Dark World” was a dull exercise in following genre conventions, Taika Waititi’s 2017 film breathes new life into the franchise by shocking it back to life. Drawing inspiration from ’80s sci-fi/fantasy films and brimming with witty humor, this vibrant, humorous adventure across the cosmos ranks among the MCU’s most innovative and enjoyable films.

7. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

In 2018, when “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” was released, viewers had previously encountered various versions of Peter Parker on screen. However, this animated movie breathed new life into the series by introducing a fresh web-slinging character – Miles Morales. The story revolves around this young Brooklyn resident as he learns to handle his newly acquired superpowers alongside other Spider-people. Featuring innovative animation, compelling character development, and an undeniable cool factor, “Into the Spider-Verse” set a high standard for creative superhero narratives, and it even explored the concept of the Spider-Man multiverse a few years before Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home.

8. The Suicide Squad (2021)

In the eyes of many DC enthusiasts, the 2016 release of Suicide Squad was a disheartening, unrefined debacle, marred by excessive special effects, a confused narrative, and underutilized star-studded cast. Fast forward five years, and the franchise finally found its footing with a significantly improved sequel. Boasting the witty humor of Guardians of the Galaxy‘s director, James Gunn, 2021’s The Suicide Squad strikes a perfect balance between action-packed excitement and side-splitting hilarity – something the original film sorely lacked. Despite not performing exceptionally well at the box office, it garnered critical praise and paved the way for the new DCU with its spinoff series focusing on Peacemaker.

9. The Batman (2022)

Fans of Batman have seen the series grow increasingly darker with each new movie, and 2022’s “The Batman” could be its darkest yet. In this portrayal, Robert Pattinson’s younger Bruce Wayne is not a polished billionaire or sophisticated playboy, but rather a grungy, troubled orphan grappling with the Riddler and Gotham’s criminal underworld. Director Matt Reeves presents Batman as a moody detective story that unfolds slowly, much like a gripping police procedural. This film has even inspired a spin-off series on HBO, titled “The Penguin,” which is an engaging crime drama.

10. Superman (2025)

After the glossy 2006 release of “Superman Returns” and the somber 2013 version “Man of Steel”, it was long overdue to bring a fresher, more lighthearted perspective on Superman, which James Gunn did in 2025. The film stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent and offers a vibrant, fun, and emotional storyline – elements that the franchise had been missing for quite some time. Notably, this movie lays the foundation for the brand-new DC Universe, signaling a promising beginning for the studio’s future big-screen comic book adaptations.

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2025-07-29 21:27