Marvel’s ‘X-Men’: Michael Lesslie to Write the Movie

The screenwriter, who previously worked on ‘The Hunger Games’ prequel is taking on the challenge of properly introducing the mutant characters to the MCU.

(L to R) Halle Berry, Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman and Ian McKellen in 'X-Men: The Last Stand'. Photo: 20th Centry Fox.

Preview:

Michael Lesslie has been hired to write the ‘X-Men’ script.
Marvel has been looking for a writer for a while.
No director or cast is attached yet.

Marvel has been slowly seeding in the idea of the X-Men, or mutants into general into its cinematic universe. We’ve had cameos in the likes of ‘Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness’ and ‘The Marvels’ (albeit all in different universes), talk of mutants in ‘Ms. Marvel’ and, more tellingly, a proper return for classic versions of the characters in much-praised animated series ‘X-Men ’97’, which recently ended its first season.

Now, though, a few months after reports that the search had begun for a scripter following the writers’ strike, we know at least the first name attached to start work on a live-action MCU take on the characters.

X-Men

"Trust a few. Fear the rest."

PG-131 hr 44 minJul 12th, 2000

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Watch X-Men Online

Who is involved with the new ‘X-Men’ movie?

Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird in 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.' Photo Credit: Murray Close.

According to Deadline, Michael Lesslie, who most recently wrote a draft of ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ (an adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ prequel novel), has scored the job of working on the new movie.

He’d been listed as among the finalists by reported Jeff Sneider, and emerged triumphant.

Lesslie has been in demand by studios of late, also being among the writers on the third instalment of the ‘Now You See Me’ franchise.

Relate Article: Supervising Producer and Head Director Jake Castorena Talks 'X-Men '97'

What will the story of the new ‘X-Men’ movie be?

Hugh Jackman as Wolverine/Logan in 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios' 'Deadpool and Wolverine. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.

Somewhat naturally, Marvel has been keeping things very quiet as to the plot for the movie. We don’t even know which characters will be spotlighted. Though the Fox movies usually focused on the likes of Professor Charles Xavier, Erik “Magneto” Lensherr, Beast, Rogue and Wolverine, there has been plenty of speculation as to who might lead off the new movie, including talk of female leads.

And, of course, there will be plenty of nods to mutants (though we doubt much in the way of actual canon going forward, unless Marvel is being extra sneaky) in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’, which appears to tackle the Fox mutant universe crossing over into the MCU.

That movie will be on screens on July 26th with Ryan Reynolds returning as the Merc with a Mouth and Hugh Jackman playing a version of Wolverine.

We also don’t expect Lesslie to be the final writer on this movie, either –– Marvel is infamous for bringing in other scribes and teams to punch up their projects.

Who else is making the ‘X-Men’ movie?

Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige at Disney's 2024 CinemaCon Presentation. Photo: Disney.

Beyond Marvel boss Kevin Feige as a producer, there is no one else attached to the movie beyond Lesslie yet. At least no-one that Marvel is willing to confirm at this point.

Yet with at least the initial writer now located, the company will be looking for a director.

When will Marvel’s ‘X-Men’ movie be in theaters?

Disney/Marvel has yet to announce a release date for the movie, preferring to wait until the creative team is assembled and the script has been developed.