Earlier this month, reports surfaced that Sadie Sink, known for her role as Max Mayfield in Stranger Things, is set to co-star with Tom Holland in Spider-Man 4. Deadline indicated that Sink, who debuted in the 2016 sports drama Chuck, will appear in the upcoming MCU film. Production is scheduled to begin later this year, with a release date set for July 31, 2026.
Marvel and Sony declined to comment when approached by Deadline, though the outlet speculated Sink might portray the X-Men's Jean Grey or "another popular redheaded character from the Spider-Man universe."
IGN later explored potential Marvel characters Sadie Sink could portray in Spider-Man 4 and future MCU projects.
In a recent interview with Josh Horowitz, Sink remained evasive about the Jean Grey speculation but acknowledged the rumor is "fantastic."
"This is the first I've heard of it," Sink commented regarding the Jean Grey/X-Men rumor.
When questioned about any discussions with Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige or Marvel representatives concerning Jean Grey, Sink responded:
“No,” she stated. “I have no information to share on this topic.”
She added: “The speculation is really exciting though. It's a fantastic rumor!”
Sink confirmed her familiarity with the Jean Grey character: “She's a compelling character, so it was interesting to see the reports!”
Regarding the potential long-term commitment to an MCU role, Sink expressed: “The idea is incredibly exciting.”
The conversation concluded with Sink clearly preferring to maintain discretion. Horowitz suggested revisiting the discussion once Sink's potential involvement in the MCU is officially confirmed.
Last year, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige hinted at X-Men character introductions in upcoming MCU installments.
Speaking at the Disney APAC Content Showcase in Singapore, Feige indicated audiences would encounter “familiar X-Men figures” in forthcoming MCU films, though he didn't specify which characters or projects.
On integrating X-Men into the MCU, Feige elaborated: “This development will continue in our upcoming films with recognizable X-Men characters.
“Following that, the Secret Wars narrative will pave the way for a new era of mutants and the X-Men. Achieving this is another dream realized. We're thrilled to have the X-Men franchise back.”
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At the time, Marvel's immediate upcoming releases included Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts*, and Phase Six's commencement with The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July 2025.
More probable are additional mutant appearances throughout Phase 6 projects, including 2026's Avengers: Doomsday and Spider-Man 4, plus 2027's Avengers: Secret Wars. A key consideration is whether Deadpool and Wolverine will reprise their roles following their successful standalone film this summer. Could Channing Tatum also return as Gambit?
Feige has confirmed the X-Men will play a significant role in the MCU's future following Secret Wars. "While planning Avengers: Endgame years ago, we focused on reaching our saga's culmination before rebuilding anew,” Feige explained. “This time, leading to Secret Wars, we have a clear roadmap extending beyond that point. The X-Men are integral to that future vision.”
This suggests Phase 7 will heavily feature the X-Men, though recently Storm appeared in What If...? Season 3, marking the character's MCU introduction.
In October, Marvel Studios scheduled three untitled films for 2028 releases: February 18, May 5, and November 10. Many speculate one of these will be an X-Men project.
