Sadie Sink Denies Jean Grey Rumors, Calls Them 'Awesome'

Earlier this month, Sadie Sink, renowned for her role as Max Mayfield in the hit series *Stranger Things*, was reported to be joining the cast of *Spider-Man 4* alongside Tom Holland. According to Deadline, Sink, who debuted in the film industry with the 2016 biographical sports drama *Chuck*, is set to appear in this upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie, which is slated to begin filming later this year and has a release date of July 31, 2026.

When approached by Deadline, both Marvel and Sony refrained from commenting on the news. However, the publication speculated that Sink might portray either the X-Men character Jean Grey or another beloved redheaded Spider-Man character. Following this, IGN explored the potential Marvel characters Sadie Sink could play in *Spider-Man 4* and beyond within the MCU.

In a recent interview with Josh Horowitz, Sadie Sink remained tight-lipped about the Jean Grey X-Men speculation. When asked about the rumors, Sink responded with enthusiasm, saying, "This is news to me," and later added, "The rumors are really cool though. It’s an awesome rumor!" She acknowledged her familiarity with the Jean Grey character, stating, "It’s a great character, so it was cool to read!" When questioned about the potential commitment to a long-term role in the MCU, Sink expressed excitement, saying, "I think that’s super exciting."

The interview concluded with Sink keeping her options open, leaving Horowitz to suggest revisiting the topic once her involvement in the MCU is officially confirmed.

Last year, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige hinted at the integration of X-Men characters into the MCU's "next few" films. Speaking at the Disney APAC Content Showcase in Singapore, Feige mentioned that fans would encounter "some X-Men players that you might recognize" in upcoming MCU movies, though he did not specify which characters or films.

Feige elaborated on the inclusion of the X-Men, stating, "I think you will see that continues in our next few movies with some X-Men players that you might recognize. Right after that, the whole story of Secret Wars really leads us into a new age of mutants and of the X-Men. Again, [it’s] one of those dreams come true. We finally have the X-Men back."

At the time, the next few movies, assuming "few" means three, were projected to be *Captain America: Brave New World*, *Thunderbolts*, and *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* in July 2025. However, mutant appearances are more likely to be spread throughout Phase 6 movies, including *Avengers: Doomsday* and *Spider-Man 4* in 2026, and *Avengers: Secret Wars* in 2027. A key question remains whether characters like Deadpool and Wolverine, following their successful standalone movie, will return to the MCU, and if Channing Tatum might reprise his role as Gambit.

Feige has also emphasized that the X-Men will play a significant role in the MCU's future post-*Secret Wars*. "When we were preparing for Avengers: Endgame years ago, it was a question of getting to the grand finale of our narrative, and then we had to start all over again after that," Feige explained. "This time, on the road to Secret Wars, we already know very well what the story is going to be until then and afterwards. The X-Men are an important part of that future."

It appears that Phase 7 of the MCU will be heavily focused on the X-Men. In the short term, Storm made her first appearance in the wider MCU in *What If...? Season 3*. Additionally, Marvel Studios has added three untitled movie projects to its 2028 release schedule: February 18, 2028; May 5, 2028; and November 10, 2028, with one of these likely to be an X-Men film.