Disney Confirms Unthinkable Reboot for the MCU in Next Phase

in Marvel

Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) standing together.

Credit: Marvel Studios

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been through a lot of seismic shifts over the past few years.

From the closing of the Infinity Saga to the experimental detours of the Multiverse Saga, fans have been left wondering what could possibly come next. With Avengers: Secret Wars set to close out Phase 6, many assumed that Marvel Studios might slow down or even retrace its steps. Instead, Disney has confirmed something many long speculated about—but never thought would truly happen: the full-scale introduction and reboot of the X-Men into the MCU.

Avengers Doomsday cast after watching Thunderbolts
Credit: Robert Downey Jr.

The Official Word on the X-Men

In a recent interview, Thunderbolts director Jake Schreier—who is now helming the upcoming X-Men reboot—confirmed that work on the project has officially begun. This wasn’t speculation, rumor, or the kind of vague hint that fans have grown used to. This was Marvel Studios making it clear that the mutants are coming, and they’ll be central to everything that happens after Secret Wars.

Kevin Feige himself has previously acknowledged that the mutants will play a massive role in shaping the future of the MCU. Now, Schreier has doubled down on that, sharing that the creative team is already in motion with writer Michael Lesslie onboard. The “unthinkable” is no longer a question of if, but of when. For years, the X-Men existed in a separate cinematic world under 20th Century Fox. The fact that Disney is now moving forward with a complete reboot represents a monumental shift.

Logan/Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) standing by his car in 'Deadpool & Wolverine'
Credit: Marvel Studios

Why This Changes Everything

The MCU has always operated on phases, with each chapter carefully mapped out. But introducing the X-Men isn’t just a new phase—it’s a new era. These characters aren’t cameos or one-off additions; they represent decades of stories that could reframe the entire foundation of the MCU.

The implications go beyond new heroes. The arrival of the mutants means Marvel Studios can finally tell stories involving Xavier’s school, Magneto’s complex rivalry with Professor X, and the cultural allegories that made the comics so powerful. With the Multiverse Saga already cracking open infinite possibilities, the introduction of the X-Men creates a reset button that allows Marvel to refresh its storytelling in ways no other addition could.

What Fans Can Expect

While there’s still no release date, speculation is already running wild. Schreier’s comments suggest that casting may be in early stages, possibly leading into 2026 or 2027 production, with a release likely pegged for 2028. That means Marvel has years to build anticipation, drip-feed announcements, and let audiences speculate about who will fill the roles of Cyclops, Storm, Wolverine, and Jean Grey.

Interestingly, rumors suggest that Marvel may avoid casting established A-list celebrities for these roles. Instead, the studio could opt for relatively fresh faces, allowing audiences to grow alongside the actors—similar to what Warner Bros. did with the Harry Potter films. That approach would not only extend the lifespan of the franchise but also help anchor the MCU’s long-term future.

A shirtless Hugh Jackman in a climactic scene from Deadpool & Wolverine
Credit: Marvel Studios

The Road Ahead

There’s no overstating how monumental this confirmation is. The Avengers, Guardians, and even the Fantastic Four all paved the way, but the X-Men are arguably Marvel’s most culturally significant team. Their arrival is the clearest sign yet that Disney isn’t interested in slowing the MCU down, but rather reinventing it with a bold new cornerstone.

After years of speculation, false starts, and hopeful cameos, Disney has finally confirmed the unthinkable: the X-Men are not only joining the MCU—they’re leading it into its next chapter. For fans, that means the days of wondering are over. The mutants are coming, and the MCU will never be the same again.

in Marvel

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