LOS ANGELES, May 9 -- Jake Schreier, fresh from helming Thunderbolts*, one of Marvel's most well-received films in recent years, is in early talks to direct the studio's highly anticipated reboot of X-Men.

Industry sources confirmed with US entertainment outlet The Hollywood Reporter today that Schreier is in preliminary discussions to take the reins on the project, which marks a significant step forward for the long-awaited cinematic revival of the iconic superhero team.

The upcoming film is being scripted by Michael Lesslie, best known for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige is producing.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Marvel has been quietly narrowing down its choice of d...