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Here’s another reason to think about going to see Thunderbolts* (or, sure, maybe The New Avengers) a second time this weekend: you might be getting a chance to get a preview of what to expect from Marvel Studios’ long-anticipated X-Men movie. Reports are starting to circulate that Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier is in line to head up the X-Men’s return to the cinematic spotlight.

Deadline is reporting that the director — who also helmed the critically acclaimed Beef for Netflix — is in “early talks” to take on the still-untitled X-Men movie written by Michael Lesslie. (Remember, this has nothing to do with the X-Men/Deadpool pitch that Ryan Reynolds is apparently working on.) The outlet also shares that the director is “the top choice” for the project, as things currently stand.

That only makes sense; Thunderbolts*/The New Avengers has been one of the better-received movies from Marvel in recent years, with many believing that it’s a sign that the studio is regaining its creative mojo after a handful of years in the wilderness. Amongst them is Disney CEO Bob Iger, who called out Thunderbolts* as a sign that Marvel is in better shape after years of overwork and overproduction during a recent Disney investors call. When it comes to a recommendation Marvel is likely to pay attention to, the CEO of your parent company is certainly up there…!

Marvel is understandably not commenting on Deadline’s report as of writing — and, going by past experience, an announcement of this stature is the kind of thing that the studio might want to keep under wraps as much as possible until the traditional Marvel Studios Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con this summer. (X-Men is, after all, a significant priority for Marvel Studios, post- Avengers: Secret Wars; there’s even a 10-year plan, if reports are to be believed.)

Keep your eyes on Popverse for updates as we hear them. Thunderbolts*/The New Avengers is currently in theaters.

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