Sadie Sink Joins Spider-Man 4 Cast with Tom Holland, Possibly as Jean Grey or Mary Jane

Sadie Sink, known for her role as Max Mayfield in Stranger Things, is set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in Spider-Man 4, according to Deadline. The film, slated for a July 31, 2026 release, will begin filming later this year. Sink, who debuted in the film industry with the 2016 sports drama Chuck, is speculated to portray either the iconic X-Men character Jean Grey or another well-known redheaded character from the Spider-Man universe, possibly Mary Jane Watson. This casting choice raises questions about how her character will integrate with Peter Parker's current relationship with Michelle "MJ" Jones-Watson, portrayed by Zendaya in previous films. Given the significant role Sink is expected to play, Spider-Man 4 might serve as a narrative reset following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, where Peter's identity was erased from everyone's memory.

Could Sadie Sink play Jean Grey in Spider-Man 4? Photo by Arturo Holmes/WireImage.

Tom Holland, currently engaged in filming Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, is expected to transition directly into Spider-Man 4 upon completion of that project.

Jean Grey in the comics. Image credit: Marvel Comics.

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has hinted at the introduction of X-Men characters in upcoming MCU films. During the Disney APAC Content Showcase in Singapore last year, Feige teased that fans would see "some X-Men players that you might recognize" in the next few MCU movies. He emphasized that the storyline of Secret Wars would lead into a new era focused on mutants and the X-Men, indicating a significant shift in the MCU's narrative landscape.

Every Confirmed Mutant in the MCU (So Far)

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The next few MCU movies expected to feature mutants include Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July 2025. However, more significant mutant appearances are anticipated in Phase 6 films such as Avengers: Doomsday, Spider-Man 4, and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. The return of characters like Deadpool and Wolverine, following their successful standalone movie, and the potential reintroduction of Channing Tatum as Gambit, add to the excitement surrounding the MCU's mutant integration.

Feige has also confirmed that the X-Men will play a crucial role in the MCU's future beyond Secret Wars. He noted that while preparing for Avengers: Endgame, the focus was on reaching a narrative climax and then starting anew, but the path to Secret Wars is already well-defined, with the X-Men central to the MCU's future trajectory. Phase 7 is expected to be heavily influenced by the X-Men, and Storm's appearance in What If...? Season 3 marks the character's entry into the wider MCU.

In October, Marvel Studios added three untitled projects to its 2028 release schedule, with dates set for February 18, May 5, and November 10. It's increasingly likely that one of these films will be dedicated to the X-Men, signaling a major expansion of the MCU's mutant roster.