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

Earlier this month, Sadie Sink, renowned for her role as Max Mayfield in "Stranger Things," was reported to be joining the cast of Spider-Man 4 alongside Tom Holland. According to Deadline, Sink, who made her film debut in the 2016 biographical sports drama "Chuck," will star in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film, set to begin filming later this year and slated for a release on July 31, 2026.

Both Marvel and Sony remained tight-lipped when contacted by Deadline, but speculation arose that Sink might portray either the iconic X-Men character Jean Grey or another beloved redheaded character from the Spider-Man universe. Following this news, IGN explored the various Marvel characters Sink could potentially play in "Spider-Man 4" and beyond within the MCU.

In a recent interview with Josh Horowitz, Sadie Sink remained evasive about the Jean Grey rumors but acknowledged them with enthusiasm. "This is news to me," she remarked, responding to the speculation. When pressed about any conversations with Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige or any Marvel representatives regarding Jean Grey, Sink simply stated, "No. I have nothing to say about this." However, she added, "The rumors are really cool though. It’s an awesome rumor!" She expressed familiarity with the Jean Grey character, calling it "a great character," and expressed excitement about the possibility of dedicating significant time to a role in the MCU, saying, "I think that’s super exciting."

The interview concluded with Sink keeping her cards close, while Horowitz hinted at a potential follow-up once Sink's involvement in the MCU is officially confirmed.

Last year, Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige teased the integration of X-Men characters into the MCU, hinting that fans would soon see "some X-Men players that you might recognize" in upcoming films. He emphasized that the narrative leading to "Secret Wars" would pave the way for a new era featuring mutants and the X-Men, a long-cherished dream for the studio.

Marvel's next few movies, including "Captain America: Brave New World," "Thunderbolts," and "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" in July 2025, are potential entry points for these X-Men characters. However, more likely are appearances in Phase 6 movies such as "Avengers: Doomsday," "Spider-Man 4," and "Avengers: Secret Wars" in 2027. The success of "Deadpool and Wolverine" this summer raises questions about their return to the MCU and whether Channing Tatum might reprise his role as Gambit.

Feige has made it clear that the X-Men will play a significant role in the MCU's future post-"Secret Wars." He reflected on the narrative journey post-"Avengers: Endgame" and expressed excitement about the planned storyline leading up to and following "Secret Wars," where the X-Men are integral to the MCU's future.

It seems that Phase 7 of the MCU will heavily feature the X-Men. In the shorter term, Storm's appearance in What If...? Season 3 marked the character's first entry into the wider MCU. 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.