Spider-Man 4 Casts Stranger Things’ Sadie Sink to Star Alongside Tom Holland, Reportedly as Either X-Men Favorite Jean Grey or Mary Jane Watson

Sadie Sink, known for her role as Max Mayfield in Stranger Things, is reportedly joining Tom Holland in Spider-Man 4. Deadline reports Sink, whose film debut was in the 2016 film Chuck, will appear in the upcoming MCU movie, slated for release on July 31, 2026, with filming beginning later this year.

Marvel and Sony have declined to comment on the casting. Deadline speculates Sink's role could be either the X-Men's Jean Grey or another iconic redheaded Spider-Man character, possibly Mary Jane Watson. However, the introduction of MJ into Peter Parker's current relationship with Michelle "MJ" Jones-Watson (Zendaya) remains unclear. Deadline suggests Sink will have a significant role, potentially resetting aspects of the narrative following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, where Peter's identity was erased and he reconnected with MJ.

Holland is currently filming Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, and is expected to begin filming Spider-Man 4 upon completion.

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, without specifying which characters or films. Feige emphasized the X-Men's importance in the MCU's future, particularly after Secret Wars.

Considering Feige's comments, the upcoming X-Men appearances are more likely to be spread throughout Phase 6, encompassing Avengers: Doomsday and Spider-Man 4 (2026), and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). The potential return of Deadpool, Wolverine, and Channing Tatum as Gambit remains a significant question. Feige has stated that the X-Men will be crucial to the MCU's future following Secret Wars.

Every Confirmed Mutant in the MCU (So Far)

Marvel added three untitled film projects to its 2028 release schedule (February 18, May 5, and November 10), increasing speculation that one of these will be an X-Men film. Storm's appearance in What If...? Season 3 marked her first appearance in the wider MCU.

Feige has highlighted the X-Men's significant role in the MCU's future after Secret Wars, indicating that Phase 7 will likely be heavily focused on the X-Men.