With X-Men: Dark Phoenix arriving in cinemas towards the end of the year, now comes an update on a mysterious new mutant-driven effort.

As per Deadline, 20th Century Fox has brought in Brian Michael Bendis and Tim Miller to develop an X-Men movie titled simply 143. Bendis is penning the script, while Miller will direct. In terms of what the picture will focus on, The Hollywood Reporter believes that the film may well be a showcase for the forever-phasing Kitty Pryde, with the title being a reference to one of the first ever Kitty comic book appearances in Uncanny X-Men #143. On the big screen, Kitty Pryde – aka Shadowcat – has been played by Ellen Page in X-Men: The Last Stand and X-Men: Days of Future Past.

Brian Michael Bendis is a huge favourite of many a genre fan, with him famed for his comic book work with titles such as Ultimate Spider-Man and New Avengers, in addition to penning iconic arcs like Secret War, House of M and Age of Ultron. Where Tim Miller’s concerned, he’s best known for helming the much-loved Deadpool and is currently developing a new Terminator film with James Cameron.

As ever, expect more on this as it continues to develop.