Earlier this month, Sadie Sink, known for her role as Max Mayfield in the hit series *Stranger Things*, was reported to join Tom Holland in the much-anticipated *Spider-Man 4*. According to Deadline, Sink, who debuted in the 2016 film *Chuck*, will appear in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie, set to start filming later this year with a scheduled release on July 31, 2026.
Both Marvel and Sony remained tight-lipped when approached by Deadline, but the outlet speculated that Sink could portray the iconic X-Men character Jean Grey or another beloved redheaded Spider-Man character. Diving deeper into this speculation, IGN explored various Marvel characters Sink might play in *Spider-Man 4* and beyond within the MCU.
In a recent interview with Josh Horowitz, Sink played it cool regarding the Jean Grey rumors, describing them as "awesome." When questioned about any discussions with Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige or other representatives about Jean Grey, she simply stated, "No. I have nothing to say about this." However, she expressed enthusiasm for the character and the prospect of joining the MCU, saying, "I think that’s super exciting."
Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige hinted at the inclusion of X-Men characters in upcoming MCU projects during a Disney APAC Content Showcase in Singapore. He teased that fans would see "some X-Men players that you might recognize" in the next few MCU movies. Feige also mentioned that the storyline of *Secret Wars* would lead into a new era for mutants and the X-Men, signaling a significant expansion of their role in the MCU's future.
The next few MCU movies potentially featuring X-Men characters could include *Captain America: Brave New World*, *Thunderbolts*, and *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* in July 2025. However, more likely candidates for mutant appearances are the Phase 6 movies, such as *Avengers: Doomsday* and *Spider-Man 4* in 2026, followed by *Avengers: Secret Wars* in 2027. The success of *Deadpool and Wolverine* this summer has sparked speculation about their return, along with possible appearances by other characters like Gambit, played by Channing Tatum.
Feige emphasized the integral role of the X-Men in the MCU's future post-*Secret Wars*, noting that their inclusion is a key part of the narrative planned through and beyond that event. With Phase 7 expected to be heavily influenced by the X-Men, Storm's appearance in *What If...? Season 3* marks a significant milestone. Additionally, Marvel Studios has added three untitled movie projects to its 2028 release schedule, with one likely to be an X-Men film.
