Simon Kinberg In Talks To Direct Next X-Men Film

If you are a fan of the X-Men Cinematic Universe, then you are already familiar with Simon […]

September 5, 2017, 8:11pm

If you are a fan of the X-Men Cinematic Universe, then you are already familiar with Simon Kinberg’s work. The screenwriter and producer has bee attached to the franchise since 2011 when X-Men: First Class debuted. Since then, Kinberg has worked on films like X-Men: Days of Future Past and X-Men: Apocalypse, but it looks like he is wanting to expand his role with the universe. According to a recent report by Collider, Kinberg is in talks now to direct the next X-Men project.

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Not long ago, Collider confirmed Kinberg was hoping to make his directorial debut under X-Men. Steve Weintraub had this to say:

“After talking to multiple sources, I can report that writer/producer Simon Kinberg is looking to make his directorial debut with the next X-Men movie and he’s already written the screenplay. From what I hear, it does focus on the Dark Phoenix storyline and it’s now up to the studio if they’ll use his script and if he’ll get to direct it. At this point, I don’t have any information about casting beyond Sophie Turner.”

Of course, some fans feel wary about Kinberg joining the franchise as a director if it is his first go. Helming a massive blockbuster is no easy task, and X-Men is looking to boost is popularity after X-Men: Apocalypse garnered mixed reviews. While the new projects would be Kinberg’s first to direct, he certainly has plenty of experience working with the new generation of X-Men mutants. There’s always a chance Kinberg could replicate what Tim Miller did with Deadpool as the raunchy flick welcomed the director’s debut as well.

Many fans already knew Kinberg was involved with the next X-Men film in some regard. The screenwriter previously said he was in-charge of the project’s script and that its story would take place in the 1990s. The film’s working titles also suggested the project would be inspired by a classic X-Men arc from the comics. The “Dark Phoenix Saga” is a fan-favorite amongst readers, and film fanatics will remember it was briefly touched upon in the original X-Men trilogy.

Right now, the mysterious seventh film has little other information to offer to fans. Sophie Turner has confirmed she’ll star in the film as Jean Grey, and the actress said filming will begin around May. Yesterday, James McAvoy made headlines after he teased his future involvement with the X-Men franchise, leaving fans to speculate whether he was referring to Turner’s film or the slated X-Men: The New Mutants endeavor.