Sadie Sink, known for her role as Max Mayfield in Stranger Things, is reportedly joining Tom Holland in Spider-Man 4. Deadline reports that Sink, whose film debut was in the 2016 film Chuck, will appear in the upcoming MCU movie. Filming is slated to begin later this year, with a release date of July 31, 2026. Marvel and Sony have yet to comment on the casting.
Deadline speculates Sink's role might be either Jean Grey or another prominent redheaded character from Spider-Man's universe, hinting at Mary Jane Watson. However, this raises questions about how her introduction would impact Peter Parker's relationship with MJ (Zendaya). Deadline suggests Sink will have a significant role, potentially acting as a reset point following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, which saw Peter reconnecting with MJ after Doctor Strange altered reality.
Holland is currently filming Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, with Spider-Man 4 filming to commence upon its completion, according to Deadline.
Late last year, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige hinted at the introduction of X-Men characters in upcoming MCU films. He teased the appearance of recognizable X-Men characters in the "next few" MCU movies at the Disney APAC Content Showcase in Singapore, without specifying which characters or films. Feige further emphasized the X-Men's role in the MCU's future, particularly following Secret Wars.
Every Confirmed Mutant in the MCU (So Far)
Considering Marvel's release schedule, mutant appearances are more likely throughout Phase 6, encompassing Avengers: Doomsday and Spider-Man 4 in 2026, and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. The potential return of Deadpool, Wolverine, and even Channing Tatum as Gambit remains a key question.
Feige has confirmed the X-Men's significant role in the MCU's future, especially post-Secret Wars. He highlighted the long-term planning for the MCU's narrative, emphasizing the X-Men's importance in this future. Phase 7 appears poised to be X-Men-centric, although Storm's appearance in What If...? Season 3 marked a notable early introduction within the wider MCU.
With Marvel adding three untitled film projects to their 2028 release schedule (February 18, May 5, and November 10), the possibility of an X-Men film in 2028 is increasingly probable.
