Sadie Sink, known for her role as Max Mayfield in Stranger Things, is set to join Tom Holland in the highly 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 Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie that is slated to start filming later this year with a release date set for July 31, 2026. Both Marvel and Sony have remained tight-lipped about the news when approached by Deadline.
Speculation is rife about Sink's role, with suggestions that she might portray the iconic X-Men character Jean Grey or another beloved redheaded character from the Spider-Man universe, potentially Mary Jane Watson. This casting could pose intriguing questions about Peter Parker's ongoing relationship with Michelle "MJ" Jones-Watson, played by Zendaya in previous films. Deadline reports that Sink's role will be significant, hinting at a possible narrative reset following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, where Peter reintroduces himself to MJ after his identity is erased from everyone's memory.
Tom Holland, currently involved in filming Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, is expected to transition to Spider-Man 4 once he completes that project, as per Deadline.
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has hinted at the inclusion of X-Men characters in upcoming MCU films. At the Disney APAC Content Showcase in Singapore, Feige mentioned that fans would encounter "some X-Men players" in the next few MCU movies, though he did not specify which characters or films. He emphasized the significance of mutants in the MCU's future, particularly post-Secret Wars, stating that the narrative leading up to and following Secret Wars would prominently feature the X-Men.
Every Confirmed Mutant in the MCU (So Far)
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Feige's comments suggest that the next few MCU movies, including Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, might feature mutant characters. However, it seems more probable that mutants will appear more prominently in Phase 6 films such as Avengers: Doomsday, Spider-Man 4, and Avengers: Secret Wars. The success of Deadpool and Wolverine has sparked curiosity about their potential return to the MCU, along with the possibility of Channing Tatum reprising his role as Gambit.
Feige has confirmed that the X-Men will play a crucial role in the MCU's future following Secret Wars. He mentioned that while planning Avengers: Endgame, the focus was on reaching a narrative climax and then starting anew. This time, the roadmap to Secret Wars and beyond is clear, with the X-Men firmly integrated into the MCU's future. Phase 7 is expected to be heavily influenced by the X-Men, and the character Storm has already made an appearance 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. There is growing speculation that one of these could be an X-Men film, further solidifying the team's role in the MCU's evolving universe.
