Full Breakdown
Lee Sung Jin and Joanna Calo Collaborate on X-Men Reboot Script
4/9/2026, 1:39:09 PM
Overview of the X-Men Reboot Development
Marvel Studios is actively developing a reboot of the "X-Men" franchise, with director Jake Schreier announcing that Lee Sung Jin, creator of "Beef," and Joanna Calo, co-showrunner of "The Bear," are working on the screenplay. This collaboration reunites the trio after their previous work on "Thunderbolts." Schreier emphasized the excitement of bringing together a team that has a strong creative shorthand, stating, “Anytime you can work with people that you care so deeply about... it always seems like a good thing to do.”
Key Contributors to the Project
Lee Sung Jin has expressed his enthusiasm for the project, recalling fond memories of watching "X-Men" cartoons and reading comics as a child. He noted, “I’m just very honored to have a small part in it.” Meanwhile, Schreier highlighted the importance of balancing ideological themes with interpersonal drama, akin to a soap opera, which he believes is essential for capturing the essence of "X-Men."
Joanna Calo's involvement further enriches the project, as she brings her experience from "The Bear" and "Thunderbolts." The trio aims to create a narrative that resonates with both long-time fans and new audiences.
Current Status and Expectations
The "X-Men" reboot is still in the development stage, with Schreier indicating that the script is being actively worked on. There are rumors that the reboot may not include Wolverine in its current draft, a decision that could shift the focus to other characters like Cyclops and Jean Grey, who are expected to co-lead the team. This approach aims to prevent overshadowing the ensemble cast, a criticism often directed at previous adaptations.
Criticism and Mixed Reactions
While some fans may welcome the absence of Wolverine, others may express disappointment. The decision to potentially sideline such an iconic character has sparked mixed reactions among the fanbase. Additionally, there are concerns about how the reboot will differentiate itself from the cinematic tradition established by earlier "X-Men" films.
Official Statements & Responses
Jake Schreier remarked on the challenges of balancing action with character-driven scenes, reflecting on lessons learned from "Thunderbolts." He stated, “The biggest learning curve for me was the proportion of the action to the more emotional, character-driven scenes.” This insight will likely inform the pacing and structure of the "X-Men" reboot.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No matter how much you got going on, you have to say yes,” — Lee Sung Jin, Creator of "Beef."
- “When you go back and read X-Men [comics], there’s ideology but also interpersonal drama, almost of a soap opera quality. Having writers who understand both how to drive ideology from personal stakes, if we get that right, that’s what will feel most honest to what X-Men can be.” — Jake Schreier, Director of "X-Men" Reboot
- “You know, everyone goes to Cyclops, Wolverine, but for me growing up, I always loved the kind of supporting members. But this is super early. None of this means that anything is going on. This is more just to say that I’m a big, big fan of the comics and I’m just very honored to have a small part in it.” — Lee Sung Jin, on his involvement with "X-Men."
The "X-Men" reboot is expected to be released sometime after "Avengers: Secret Wars," and as development continues, fans eagerly await further updates on this iconic franchise's next chapter.
