Marvel Studios’ long-awaited X-Men reboot may be closer to becoming a reality. A new industry report suggests the studio is planning a filming and release window for the iconic mutant team’s official debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. For years, fans have speculated about when the X-Men would fully join the MCU. Now, with multiple projects aligning behind the scenes, the roadmap is beginning to take shape.
MCU X-Men Reboot Filming Could Begin After Avengers: Secret Wars
Insider Daniel Richtman reports that Marvel Studios plans to start production on the X-Men reboot shortly after Avengers: Secret Wars wraps filming. The massive crossover event should finish later this year, freeing up studio resources for Marvel to launch its next major franchise.
If principal photography begins in early 2027, the film could move swiftly through post-production. As a result, the reboot may be ready for theaters by mid-2028, making it one of the MCU’s most anticipated Phase projects.
Marvel’s May 2028 Release Slot Fuels Reboot Speculation
Notably, Marvel Studios currently has an untitled MCU film dated for May 5, 2028. While the studio has not confirmed the project attached to that release, the timing aligns almost perfectly with the rumored production window for the MCU X-Men reboot.
Because Marvel typically reserves its May slots for major tentpole films, many believe the X-Men could headline this date. If true, it would position the mutants as a cornerstone of Marvel’s next saga.
Avengers: Doomsday Will Bridge the Past and Future of Marvel’s Mutants
Before the reboot officially begins, Marvel plans to give fans one last look at the legacy era. Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen will return as part of the classic X-Men lineup in Avengers: Doomsday, which Marvel has scheduled for release on December 18, 2026.
This appearance is expected to serve as a narrative bridge. More importantly, it allows Marvel to honor the franchise’s past while smoothly transitioning into a new generation of mutants.
Jake Schreier’s Vision Could Shape a More Emotional X-Men Film
Marvel Studios has chosen Jake Schreier (Thunderbolts*) to direct the MCU X-Men reboot, with Michael Lesslie handling the screenplay. While plot details remain secret, Schreier has already shared insights into how his MCU experience will influence the film.
Reflecting on Thunderbolts*, Schreier said:
“The biggest learning curve for me was the proportion of the action to the more emotional, character-driven scenes… By the end of it, it felt like we finally understood how to balance both.”
This approach could be especially important for the X-Men, a franchise long praised for its focus on identity, conflict, and belonging rather than spectacle alone.
Why Marvel Is Taking Its Time With the X-Men
Unlike other MCU properties, Marvel appears to be moving carefully with its plans for the mutant franchise. Instead of rushing the project, the studio seems focused on getting the tone, themes, and characters right. This deliberate pace suggests Marvel wants the X-Men to feel distinct from existing teams like the Avengers or Guardians of the Galaxy. Consequently, the reboot could explore deeper social and emotional themes while still delivering large-scale action.
Although no casting or story details have been officially announced, the direction is becoming clearer. The upcoming X-Men reboot is expected to have a major impact on Marvel’s future. It could introduce new teams, spin-offs, and exciting crossover events. If the current timeline holds, the X-Men’s full MCU debut may be just a few years away. For fans, that means the mutant era of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is finally on the horizon.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on MCU’s upcoming projects, and subscribe to Marvel Updates’ YouTube channel.
