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

Exciting news has emerged for fans of both Stranger Things and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU): Sadie Sink, renowned for her role as Max Mayfield in the hit Netflix series, is reportedly set to join the cast of Spider-Man 4. According to Deadline, Sink, who debuted in the film industry with the 2016 biographical sports drama Chuck, will appear in the upcoming MCU movie, scheduled to commence filming later this year and slated for a release on July 31, 2026.

Although Marvel and Sony have remained tight-lipped, offering no official comments when approached by Deadline, speculation is rife about the character Sink might portray. The publication suggested that she could be playing the iconic X-Men character Jean Grey or another beloved redheaded figure from the Spider-Man universe.

In a deep dive by IGN, several Marvel characters were considered potential roles for Sadie Sink in Spider-Man 4 and beyond in the MCU. The possibilities include:

In a recent interview with Josh Horowitz, Sadie Sink responded to the swirling rumors about her potential role as Jean Grey with a coy yet enthusiastic demeanor. "This is news to me," she said, acknowledging the speculation about her involvement with the X-Men character. When questioned about discussions with Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige or any other Marvel representatives, Sink simply replied, "No. I have nothing to say about this." However, she couldn't help but express her excitement about the rumors, calling them "awesome" and praising Jean Grey as "a great character."

Sink also shared her enthusiasm for the prospect of dedicating significant time and energy to a role in the MCU, stating, "I think that's super exciting." The interview concluded with Sink maintaining a level of mystery, leaving fans eager for more updates in the future.

Adding fuel to the speculation, Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige has hinted at the introduction of X-Men characters in upcoming MCU films. Speaking at the Disney APAC Content Showcase in Singapore last year, Feige teased that fans would soon see "some X-Men players that you might recognize" in the next few MCU movies, though he did not specify which characters or films.

Feige elaborated on the integration of the X-Men into the MCU, saying, "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."

Looking at Marvel's upcoming slate, if "few" means three movies, the next releases could be Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts*, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July 2025. However, it seems more plausible that X-Men characters might make appearances throughout Phase 6, which includes Avengers: Doomsday and Spider-Man 4 in 2026, and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. The return of Deadpool and Wolverine, following their successful standalone movie, and the potential return of Channing Tatum as Gambit, are among the key questions for fans.

Feige has also confirmed that the X-Men will play a significant role in the MCU's future post-Secret Wars. Reflecting on the narrative journey, he remarked, "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."

It appears that Phase 7 of the MCU will be heavily influenced by the X-Men, with Storm already making her debut in What If...? Season 3, marking her first appearance in the broader MCU universe.

In October, Marvel Studios added three untitled projects to its 2028 release schedule, set for February 18, May 5, and November 10, 2028. It seems increasingly likely that one of these films will be dedicated to the X-Men, further cementing their place in the MCU's evolving narrative.