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 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 set for July 31, 2026.

Marvel and Sony have declined to comment on the casting news. Deadline speculates Sink's role might be either Jean Grey or another iconic redheaded Spider-Man character, possibly hinting at Mary Jane Watson. However, integrating Mary Jane into Peter Parker's current relationship with MJ (Zendaya) presents an interesting narrative challenge. Deadline suggests Sink will have a significant role, potentially contributing to a storyline reset following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, where Peter's identity was erased and he subsequently reconnected with MJ.

Holland is currently filming Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, with Spider-Man 4 filming expected to commence upon its 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 significant role in the MCU's future, particularly following Secret Wars.

Considering Marvel's upcoming slate, X-Men appearances might be spread across Phase 6 films, including Avengers: Doomsday and Spider-Man 4 (both 2026), and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). The potential return of Deadpool, Wolverine, and even Gambit remains a point of speculation. Feige has confirmed the X-Men's crucial role in the MCU's post-Secret Wars future, suggesting Phase 7 will be heavily X-Men-focused.

Every Confirmed Mutant in the MCU (So Far)

Marvel added three untitled movie projects to its 2028 release schedule (February 18, May 5, and November 10), further fueling speculation about a dedicated X-Men film.

Feige highlighted the X-Men's pivotal role in the MCU's future after Secret Wars, contrasting the current planning with the approach to Avengers: Endgame. The X-Men's presence, along with Storm's appearance in What If...? Season 3, solidifies their growing integration into the MCU.