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Marvel Studios is beginning to assemble its new X-Men cast, with Sadie Sink confirmed as Jean Grey. Samara Weaving and Kit Connor have also been linked to major mutant roles.
Additional casting rumors continue to circulate before D23 2026. However, Marvel has not announced a complete cast or confirmed that an X-Men presentation will happen at the event.
Sadie Sink Joins the New X-Men Cast
Sink made her Marvel Cinematic Universe debut as Jean Grey in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” Her appearance ended months of speculation surrounding her previously undisclosed role.
The “Stranger Things” actor has also discussed continuing Jean’s story in Marvel’s upcoming X-Men film. She is currently the clearest confirmed member of the new team.
Jean Grey ranks among Marvel’s most powerful mutants. Previous live-action versions were played by Famke Janssen and Sophie Turner.
The new version is expected to become a central part of Marvel’s post-“Avengers: Secret Wars” plans. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige previously confirmed that a newly cast X-Men team would follow that film.
Kit Connor Reportedly Eyed for Cyclops
Kit Connor is reportedly in discussions to play Scott Summers, better known as Cyclops. The “Heartstopper” actor would join Sink as one of the franchise’s most important characters.
Cyclops traditionally serves as the X-Men’s field leader. His relationship with Jean Grey also represents one of the team’s longest-running storylines.
Reports indicate that Marvel considered several candidates before focusing on Connor. However, the studio has not formally announced his casting.
Samara Weaving Reportedly Set to Play Emma Frost
Samara Weaving is reportedly attached to play Emma Frost in Marvel’s upcoming “X-Men” film. Her casting has received widespread attention, but Marvel has not made a formal announcement.
The “Ready or Not” actor would join Sadie Sink’s Jean Grey as another powerful telepath. Their characters have frequently competed for influence and leadership in the comics.
Emma Frost has appeared as an antagonist, teacher and X-Men member across different storylines. January Jones previously played the character in “X-Men: First Class.”
Weaving could bring a more experienced presence to the younger ensemble. However, her involvement remains unconfirmed until Marvel Studios publicly presents the new cast.
Other X-Men Casting Rumors
Cailee Spaeny has been repeatedly linked to Rogue, although reports conflict over whether negotiations occurred. Charles Melton has also appeared in rumors surrounding the role of Beast.
Bill Skarsgård is among the actors connected to Professor Charles Xavier. Other names mentioned for Professor X include Ethan Hawke and Jonathan Groff.
Meanwhile, Adam Driver has been linked to both Magneto and Mister Sinister. The conflicting reports make his potential role especially uncertain.
No reliable casting announcement has identified the new Storm. Still, the character is widely expected to become a major part of the film’s ensemble.
The rumored lineup includes Jean Grey, Cyclops, Emma Frost, Rogue, Storm, Beast, Professor X and Magneto. Wolverine has remained largely absent from current casting reports.
None of those rumors beyond Sink’s Jean Grey should be considered final until Marvel makes an announcement.
Could the X-Men Cast Appear at D23 2026?
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will take place Aug. 14–16 in Anaheim, California. The Disney Entertainment Showcase begins Friday, Aug. 14, at 7 p.m. at the Honda Center.
The showcase will include upcoming movies, television projects and other Disney releases. Marvel is expected to participate, although the announced schedule does not identify a dedicated X-Men segment.
The appearance of Storm on D23 promotional artwork has increased fan expectations. Still, promotional art does not confirm a movie announcement or cast presentation.
Reports have suggested that Marvel hoped to reveal several X-Men actors at D23. More recent rumors claim negotiations may prevent the studio from completing the full lineup before the event.
Marvel could announce the film, introduce part of the cast or provide only a general production update. A complete absence from the showcase also remains possible.
Marvel Prepares for a New Mutant Era
Jake Schreier is set to direct the upcoming film after previously working with Marvel on “Thunderbolts*.” The movie is expected after “Avengers: Secret Wars,” but Marvel has not announced an official release date.
Original Fox-era X-Men actors will first return in “Avengers: Doomsday.” Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, James Marsden, Rebecca Romijn, Alan Cumming and Kelsey Grammer are part of that separate ensemble.
Their appearances will help close the previous era before Marvel introduces its younger team. D23 2026 could provide the first official look at how that transition will happen.