Lee Sung Jin, the acclaimed creator behind the Golden Globe-winning series "Beef," has officially joined the writing team for Marvel's highly anticipated "X-Men" reboot. Despite an incredibly demanding schedule, including the recent completion of "Beef" Season 2, Lee enthusiastically accepted the opportunity, citing his lifelong passion for the mutant superheroes. His involvement, alongside Joanna Calo of "The Bear," signals an exciting new direction for the iconic franchise within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), bringing fresh, proven talent to a beloved property.

What Happened?

Filmmaker Jake Schreier, who is set to direct the upcoming "X-Men" reboot for the MCU, recently confirmed that Lee Sung Jin and Joanna Calo are taking a pass on the latest draft of the superhero adventure's script. Lee, known for his sharp writing and compelling storytelling in "Beef," shared his immediate decision to say yes to the project, emphasizing that some opportunities are too significant to decline, regardless of other commitments. This collaboration marks an MCU reunion for Schreier, Lee, and Calo, who previously worked together on the forthcoming "Thunderbolts*" film, showcasing a strong creative rapport among the trio.

Lee Sung Jin revealed a deep personal connection to the X-Men universe, sharing fond memories of watching the "X-Men" cartoon with his father on Saturday mornings and immersing himself in the comics during his childhood. He expressed a particular fondness for supporting characters, naming Gambit and Jubilee among his favorite mutants, rather than the more prominent figures like Cyclops or Wolverine. Lee underscored that his involvement is currently in its very early stages, stating, "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." Schreier, while keeping details about the new "X-Men" project under wraps, spoke highly of working with Lee and Calo again, highlighting the benefits of collaborating with talented individuals with whom he shares a strong professional shorthand and personal connection.

The news comes as Lee Sung Jin navigated the intense production of "Beef" Season 2, which features an entirely new cast and storyline led by Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan as a couple facing marital collapse. Lee described Season 2 as "exponentially more work" due to developing more prospective characters with less time and striving to elevate the bar. He jokingly mentioned that the final cuts of the episodes were delivered just last week, noting, "Everyone was very mad at me." He added that creative teams often tinker endlessly, implying that deadlines are crucial for a show to ever see the light of day. Isaac and Mulligan also shared insights into their roles, with Isaac humorously discussing coping mechanisms for playing harsh characters, and Mulligan finding catharsis in on-screen destruction.

Key Highlights

"Beef" creator Lee Sung Jin has joined the writing team for Marvel's "X-Men" reboot.
Joanna Calo, co-showrunner of "The Bear," is also contributing to the latest script draft.
Director Jake Schreier confirmed their involvement, marking an MCU reunion after "Thunderbolts*".
Lee Sung Jin expressed deep childhood nostalgia for "X-Men" cartoons and comics.
He considers Gambit and Jubilee among his favorite mutants, appreciating supporting characters.
Lee emphasized his role is currently small and in very early development.
This involvement comes amid Lee's demanding schedule, including the recently completed "Beef" Season 2.

Why Does This Matter?

The addition of accomplished writers like Lee Sung Jin and Joanna Calo to the "X-Men" reboot signifies a significant commitment from Marvel to bring top-tier creative talent to one of its most beloved franchises. Both writers have a proven track record of crafting complex characters and engaging narratives in critically acclaimed shows like "Beef" and "The Bear." Their involvement suggests that the new "X-Men" will likely prioritize rich character development and sophisticated storytelling, moving beyond typical superhero tropes to deliver a more nuanced and impactful experience for audiences. This infusion of fresh perspectives could be exactly what the "X-Men" needs as it integrates into the expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe, potentially setting a new standard for superhero storytelling.

For long-time fans, this news offers a renewed sense of excitement and confidence in the future of the X-Men. Lee Sung Jin's personal connection to the comics and cartoons indicates a respect for the source material, while his creative prowess promises innovative approaches. His appreciation for supporting mutants also hints at potentially diverse character explorations, moving beyond the most famous members. This blend of reverence for the past and vision for the future, coupled with the established working relationship among the creative team, suggests a cohesive and compelling narrative is in the making, promising a vibrant and memorable return for the mutants to the big screen.