Marvel Studios ropes in 'Hunger Games' screenwriter for 'X-Men' movie
What's the story
Marvel Studios is ramping up the development of its live-action X-Men movie, with Michael Lesslie, acclaimed for his work on Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, in talks to pen the script.
The project is still in its nascent stage, reported Deadline, with no director or cast attached as well as no release date announced.
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige will produce the movie.
Writer selection
'X-Men' movie marks significant post-strike assignment
The X-Men project emerged as one of the first significant writing assignments after the resolution of the Hollywood writers' strike.
Feige and his team have been meticulous in their selection process, meeting with numerous candidates before settling on Lesslie late last week.
Despite Lesslie's official involvement, a director is yet to be found to oversee development alongside Feige and Lesslie.
Anticipation building
Fans excited for new 'X-Men' movie post-Disney-Fox merger
The news of Marvel beginning development on a live-action X-Men film has thrilled fans who have been eagerly awaiting a new movie since Disney's take-over of 20th Century Fox and its library in 2019.
The X-Men universe was uber-popular and one of the most profitable Marvel IPs for Fox, with seven films and a successful Wolverine spinoff franchise under its belt.
This announcement follows the massive success of Marvel's animated series X-Men '97.
Career highlights
Lesslie: The go-to writer for franchise rejuvenation
Lesslie has become a sought-after name in the industry when a franchise needs rejuvenation.
Last fall, he assisted Lionsgate in relaunching the Hunger Games franchise with Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.
His next project is the eagerly anticipated sequel in the Now You See Me franchise, which he also wrote.
Lesslie began his career in 2007 by adapting the 1994 film Swimming With Sharks into a play that premiered in London's West End.