Sadie Sink, renowned for her role as Max Mayfield in the hit series Stranger Things, is set to join Tom Holland in the highly anticipated Spider-Man 4. According to Deadline, Sink, who debuted in the film industry with the 2016 biographical sports drama Chuck, will be a part of the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie. Filming is slated to commence later this year, with a targeted release date of July 31, 2026. Both Marvel and Sony have remained silent on the matter when approached for comments.
Speculation abounds regarding Sink's character, with possibilities ranging from the iconic X-Men character Jean Grey to another beloved redheaded figure from the Spider-Man universe, such as Mary Jane Watson. This casting choice raises intriguing questions about how it might affect Peter Parker’s ongoing relationship with Michelle "MJ" Jones-Watson, portrayed by Zendaya in previous films. Given the significant role Sink is expected to play and the narrative reset following Spider-Man: No Way Home, where Peter's identity was erased from everyone's memory, her introduction could mark a pivotal shift in the storyline.
Tom Holland, currently engaged in filming Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, is scheduled to transition to Spider-Man 4 once his prior commitments are fulfilled, as per Deadline's report.
Last year, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige hinted at the integration of X-Men characters into the MCU during the Disney APAC Content Showcase in Singapore. He teased the appearance of recognizable X-Men players in upcoming MCU movies, setting the stage for a broader mutant narrative culminating in Secret Wars. Feige emphasized the importance of the X-Men in the MCU's future, particularly post-Secret Wars, indicating a significant role for these characters in shaping the next phases of the franchise.
Every Confirmed Mutant in the MCU (So Far)
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The immediate future of the MCU includes Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July 2025. However, the real expansion of the mutant universe is expected in Phase 6, with films like Avengers: Doomsday, Spider-Man 4, and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2026 and 2027. The success of Deadpool and Wolverine this summer has sparked speculation about their return to the MCU, alongside potential appearances by other mutants like Gambit, possibly portrayed by Channing Tatum.
Feige has confirmed that the X-Men will play a crucial role in the MCU's narrative arc leading up to and following Secret Wars. He noted that while Avengers: Endgame marked a grand finale, the journey to Secret Wars is already well-planned, with the X-Men integral to the future storyline.
Phase 7 of the MCU is poised to be dominated by the X-Men, with Storm already making an appearance in What If...? Season 3. Additionally, Marvel Studios has added three untitled movie projects to its 2028 release schedule, fueling speculation that one of these could be an X-Men film.
