Earlier this month, Sadie Sink, known for her role as Max Mayfield in Stranger Things, was reported to be joining Tom Holland in Spider-Man 4. According to Deadline, Sink, who debuted in the 2016 biographical sports drama Chuck, will star in the upcoming MCU film set to start filming later this year and slated for release on July 31, 2026.

While Marvel and Sony remained silent when contacted by Deadline, the outlet speculated that Sink might portray the X-Men character Jean Grey or another iconic redheaded character from the Spider-Man universe.

IGN further explored the possibilities of which Marvel characters Sadie Sink could bring to life in Spider-Man 4 and beyond in the MCU.

In a recent interview with Josh Horowitz, Sadie Sink remained elusive about the Jean Grey rumors but expressed enthusiasm, calling the speculation "awesome." She stated, "This is news to me," in response to the rumors and affirmed she had not discussed the role with Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige or any Marvel representative. Sink acknowledged the appeal of the Jean Grey character, saying, "It’s a great character, so it was cool to read!" When asked about the potential commitment to a long-term MCU role, she found the prospect "super exciting."

The interview concluded with Sink keeping her options open, hinting at a possible future confirmation of her role in the MCU. Horowitz suggested revisiting the topic once Sink's involvement is officially announced.

Last year, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige hinted at the introduction of X-Men characters in the "next few" MCU projects. Speaking at the Disney APAC Content Showcase in Singapore, Feige mentioned that fans would see "some X-Men players that you might recognize" but did not specify which characters or films.

Feige elaborated on integrating the X-Men into the MCU, 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."

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If "few" is interpreted as three, the next MCU films on the horizon include Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts*, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July 2025. However, mutant characters are more likely to appear in Phase 6 movies such as Avengers: Doomsday and Spider-Man 4 in 2026, and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. The potential return of Deadpool and Wolverine, following their successful standalone film, and the possible reprise of Channing Tatum as Gambit are also points of interest.

Feige emphasized the importance of the X-Men in the MCU's future post-Secret Wars, stating, "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. 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."

This suggests that Phase 7 of the MCU will be heavily influenced by the X-Men. In the nearer future, Storm made her first appearance in the wider MCU in What If...? Season 3.

In October, Marvel Studios added three untitled movie projects to its 2028 release schedule: February 18, 2028; May 5, 2028; and November 10, 2028. It seems increasingly likely that one of these films will focus on the X-Men.