Marvel Studios Initiates Writer Search for Highly Anticipated X-Men Movie
According to Deadline, in a groundbreaking development following their agreement with the Writers Guild, major studios are now actively scouting for talented wordsmiths to fill open assignments. Marvel Studios, in particular, is poised to set new industry standards as they embark on a quest to secure top-tier writers for an upcoming project, which is expected to become one of the most coveted opportunities in the world of screenwriting.
Insider sources exclusively disclosed to Deadline that Marvel Studios is gearing up to commence writer meetings in the upcoming autumn season, inviting creative minds to pitch their ideas for the much-anticipated X-Men film. While there’s no sense of urgency to fill the role, given that the movie’s release date remains unconfirmed, the selection of the writer is likely to be finalized in early 2024. Marvel Studios, when approached for comment, chose to remain tight-lipped on the matter.
While it may be some time before X-Men enthusiasts can revel in the film’s theatrical release, the mere confirmation of Marvel’s dedication to developing a live-action adaptation has sent ripples of excitement through the fan base. Ever since Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox and its extensive film library in 2019, ardent fans of the X-Men franchise have been yearning for a fresh cinematic installment. The X-Men universe, which once thrived under Fox’s stewardship, yielded seven successful films and a lucrative Wolverine spinoff franchise encompassing three additional movies. However, the underwhelming reception of “Dark Phoenix” in 2019 prompted a widespread belief that the X-Men brand was in dire need of a transformation.
Following the acquisition, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige assumed the mantle of overseeing the franchise’s reinvigoration. Still, the studio exercised caution, given their numerous ongoing projects in various stages of development. Nonetheless, Marvel tantalized fans with subtle hints at an impending X-Men revival, dropping veiled references in their films and TV series. Notably, the end-credit scene of the Ms. Marvel series featured a character uttering the word “mutant,” effectively signaling the emergence of the mutant superheroes who comprise the X-Men team.
Marvel is further delving into the X-Men realm with a nostalgic nod to the iconic ’90s animated series. “X-Men ’97,” an animated adaptation, is scheduled to make its debut on Disney+ in early 2024, further stoking the excitement of fans.
With the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) sealing their deal, the entertainment industry anticipates an upswing in open writing assignments in the weeks to come. While scribes already attached to specific projects have eagerly resumed their creative endeavors, other sectors, such as the speculative script market and production, may remain sluggish or in limbo until the resolution of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.
SAG-AFTRA, which embarked on its strike on July 14, is set to resume negotiations with the AMPTP on Monday, potentially paving the way for a resolution that could reinvigorate various facets of the entertainment business.
