Sadie Sink, known for her role as Max Mayfield in Stranger Things, is set to join Tom Holland in the much-anticipated Spider-Man 4. According to Deadline, Sink, who first appeared on the big screen in the 2016 film Chuck, will be part of the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie. Filming is scheduled to start later this year, with the film slated for release on July 31, 2026. Both Marvel and Sony have remained tight-lipped about the news when approached by Deadline.
Speculation is rife about the character Sink will portray, with guesses leaning towards either the X-Men's Jean Grey or another iconic redheaded character from the Spider-Man universe, possibly Mary Jane Watson. However, integrating Mary Jane into the narrative could pose challenges given Peter Parker's existing relationship with Michelle "MJ" Jones-Watson, played by Zendaya in previous films. Deadline suggests that Sink's role will be significant, hinting at a potential reset of the storyline following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, where Peter's identity was erased from public memory.
Tom Holland, currently engaged in filming Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, is expected to transition to Spider-Man 4 once his schedule allows, as reported by Deadline.
Last year, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige hinted at the integration of X-Men characters into the MCU's upcoming films. Speaking at the Disney APAC Content Showcase in Singapore, Feige mentioned that fans could expect to see "some X-Men players" in the near future but did not specify which characters or projects. He further elaborated on the broader narrative arc, stating that the storyline leading to Secret Wars would usher in "a new age of mutants and of the X-Men," marking a significant chapter in the MCU's ongoing saga.
Every Confirmed Mutant in the MCU (So Far)
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The next few MCU films, potentially including Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps set for July 2025, may introduce these X-Men characters. However, a more substantial presence is expected in Phase 6 movies such as Avengers: Doomsday, Spider-Man 4, and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. The success of Deadpool and Wolverine has sparked interest in whether these characters will return to the MCU, alongside speculation about Channing Tatum reprising his role as Gambit.
Feige has confirmed that the X-Men will play a crucial role in the MCU's future post-Secret Wars. Reflecting on the narrative journey leading up to Avengers: Endgame, he emphasized the planned trajectory towards Secret Wars and the significant role the X-Men will play thereafter. This suggests that Phase 7 will be heavily focused on the X-Men.
Additionally, Storm made her MCU debut in What If...? Season 3, marking the beginning of mutant integration into the wider universe. Marvel Studios has also added three untitled movie projects to its 2028 schedule, raising expectations that one of these might be dedicated to the X-Men.
