If you’ve spent any time on Netflix or at the theater lately, you’ve probably seen the name Jake Schreier pop up. He’s the guy who somehow went from directing indie movies about elderly burglars and robots to being the primary architect of the new Marvel era. Honestly, it’s a weird career path. But it’s also one of the most successful "slow burns" in Hollywood.
Most people first really noticed him with Beef, that visceral, anxiety-inducing Netflix series that swept the Emmys. But the reality is that the catalog of Jake Schreier movies and tv shows goes much deeper than just road rage and high-end A24 production. He’s been around for over a decade, quietly building a reputation as a filmmaker who can handle big budgets without losing that "indie" soul.
From Sundance Sweetheart to the MCU
It’s easy to forget that Schreier’s debut was Robot & Frank back in 2012. If you haven't seen it, go find it. It’s a small, poignant film starring Frank Langella as an aging thief whose son gives him a robot caretaker. It’s funny, sure, but it’s actually a pretty heartbreaking look at dementia. That’s the "Schreier touch" people talk about—taking a high-concept premise and making it feel incredibly human.
He followed that up with Paper Towns in 2015. Adapted from the John Green novel, it was a solid teen drama that didn’t quite hit the heights of The Fault in Our Stars, but it showed he could handle a studio machine. Then, for a few years, he kinda disappeared into the world of music videos. He directed iconic clips for Kendrick Lamar, Haim, and Kanye West.
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Working with artists like that is basically a masterclass in visual storytelling. You can see that influence in his later work—the way he uses space, color, and movement to tell a story without needing ten minutes of exposition.
The Beef Era and the Shift to Television
Television is where Schreier really found his groove. He’s directed episodes of some of the most "cool kid" shows on TV:
- Lodge 49: A surreal, cult-favorite dramedy.
- Kidding: The Jim Carrey series that was way darker than anyone expected.
- Brand New Cherry Flavor: A literal fever dream of a horror show.
But then came Beef. As an executive producer and the director of six episodes—including the legendary "The Great Fabricator"—Schreier became a household name for cinephiles. The show won 8 Emmys. It was a massive moment. It proved that he could direct action (that chase scene in the first episode!) while maintaining the psychological intensity of a character study.
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Why Everyone is Talking About Thunderbolts* Right now, the biggest project in the world of Jake Schreier movies and tv shows is undoubtedly Thunderbolts*. Released in early 2025, it was marketed as the "indie" Marvel movie.
Working with a cast that includes Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour, Schreier took a group of "misfit" characters—basically the B-team of the MCU—and made a film that felt more like a 70s conspiracy thriller than a standard superhero flick. Critics have praised it for being "the first good one in a minute," mostly because it focuses on the trauma and interpersonal dynamics of the characters rather than just CGI explosions.
Interestingly, rumors are swirling in early 2026 that Schreier is the top choice to direct the X-Men reboot. If that happens, he’ll officially be the guy in charge of Marvel’s most valuable intellectual property. It’s a massive leap from a $2 million indie movie about a robot.
A Quick Breakdown of Key Works
- Robot & Frank (2012): The indie breakout. If you like quiet sci-fi, this is the one.
- Beef (2023): The career-defining TV series. Watch it if you want to feel stressed but impressed.
- *Thunderbolts (2025)**: The big-budget pivot. It’s Marvel, but with more feelings.
- Skeleton Crew (2024): He even dipped his toes into the Star Wars universe for an episode.
The Secret Sauce: Visual Grammar
What makes a Jake Schreier project different? It’s the visual language. Because he spent so much time in music videos, he understands rhythm. In Beef, the camera moves with a frantic energy that mirrors the characters' mental states. In Thunderbolts*, he uses long takes and practical stunts to ground the superheroics in reality.
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He’s also known for "The Francis and the Lights" style—minimalist sets, one-take choreography, and experimental lighting. He doesn't over-direct. He lets the actors breathe.
Actionable Insights: How to Watch His Work
If you want to understand why he’s the "it" director of 2026, don’t just start with the Marvel stuff.
- Start with "Robot & Frank": It’s the foundation of everything he does. It shows his heart.
- Binge "Beef" in one weekend: It’s the best example of his ability to escalate tension.
- Look for the Haim music videos: Specifically "Want You Back." It’s a masterclass in simple, effective choreography.
Jake Schreier has managed to navigate the transition from indie darling to blockbuster titan without losing the specific, slightly oddball voice that made him interesting in the first place. Whether he takes on the X-Men or goes back to small-scale dramas, he's a filmmaker who actually cares about the people on screen. In a world of "content," that's pretty rare.
To get the full picture of his style, track down his short film for Kendrick Lamar's "We Cry Together". It’s a single-take masterpiece that captures a domestic argument with such intensity it’s almost hard to watch. That’s the Schreier energy: uncomfortable, beautiful, and completely human.