A new rumor suggests The Avengers and Justice League director Joss Whedon will direct the first X-Men film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Not only does the rumor suggest Whedon will direct the X-Men film, but it indicates the X-Men could start appearing as early as Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness. (Related: HBO Picks Up Joss Whedon’s New Science-Fiction Drama ‘The Nevers’)

The rumor comes from Mikey Sutton and his Geekosity Facebook group.

Sutton writes:

“The X-Men film is still a few years off from in the MCU schedule. However, mutants will begin appearing in various films and TV programs with the Doctor Strange sequel looking more likely an MCU debut for one or two.”

He then reveals that Whedon is being discussed to direct an X-Men film.

“Again, it’s early. However, the name being discussed quite often to possibly write and direct the initial X-Men film is a familiar one: Joss Whedon. The Russo Brothers may have replaced Whedon as the MCU’s favorite son(s), but it was Whedon’s The Avengers that really took the MCU into wild blue yonder.”

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Sutton adds:

“Whedon’s keen wite and familiarity and affection for the characters has had Marvel Studios longing for him to helm Charles Xavier’s students, long before their acquisition of Fox. Age of Ultron may have left Whedon mentally and physically exhausted, but the main reasons for that are long gone now.”

Sutton concludes, “No discussions or offers as of yet that I’m aware of, but for Marvel Studios X marks the spot for Whedon.”

Joss Whedon does have familiarity with the X-Men. In fact, he’s written an entire comic book run. Whedon launched the Astonishing X-Men in 2004 with artist John Cassaday. Whedon and Cassaday would complete the first story arc before Warren Ellis and artist Simone Bianchi and Phil Jimenez took over. (Realted: Buffy The Vampire Slayer Reboot in The Works from Joss Whedon)

Whedon’s story arc was Titled Gifted. The series saw Emma Frost and Cyclops reform the X-Men. The team consists of Cyclops, Emma Frost, Beast, Kitty Pryde, Colossus, and Wolverine.

The Astonishing X-Men would face off against an enemy lurking at home. The Danger Room is the host to a sentient robot named Danger that was imprisoned by Professor X. Not only did they have to deal with Sentinel attacks orchestrated by Danger, but they come away disgusted with the knowledge of Professor X’s actions.

Not only would the X-Men have to deal with Danger during Whedon’s run, but they also have to deal with the Hellfire Club that consists of Cassandra Nova, Emma Frost, Perfection, Negasonic Teenage Warhead, and Sebastian Shaw. (Related: 8 Challenges for the MCU X-Men Franchise to Overcome)

Cassandra Nova manipulates Emma Frost into aiding her in attempting to destroy the X-Men. The ploy works initially with Cassandra Nova defeating the X-Men by manipulating their fears. However, she is eventually overcome when Emma Frost is made aware of Cassandra’s plot.

Whedon’s run on the series would end with the X-Men facing off against the Breakworld leaders. Kitty Pryde ends up saving Earth after she uses her mutant powers to phase a giant bullet through Earth. However, she ends up stuck in the bullet and vanishes into space with it.

What do you make of this rumor? Do you want to see Joss Whedon direct an X-Men film?