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, slated for release on July 31, 2026, with filming beginning later this year.

Marvel and Sony have declined to comment on the casting news. Deadline speculates Sink's role could be either the X-Men's Jean Grey or another iconic red-headed Spider-Man character, possibly Mary Jane Watson. However, the introduction of another Mary Jane-type character alongside Zendaya's MJ remains unclear. Deadline suggests Sink will have a significant role, potentially contributing to a reset following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, which saw Peter Parker's identity restored after Doctor Strange's memory-altering spell.

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 mentioned that fans would see familiar X-Men characters in the "next few" MCU movies, without specifying which characters or films. Feige further emphasized the X-Men's significance in the MCU's future, particularly in the lead-up to and aftermath of Secret Wars.

Every Confirmed Mutant in the MCU (So Far)

Considering Feige's comments, future mutant appearances are highly probable in Phase 6 films, including Avengers: Doomsday and Spider-Man 4 (both in 2026), and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). The potential return of Deadpool, Wolverine, and Channing Tatum as Gambit also remains a possibility. Feige has confirmed the X-Men's pivotal role in the MCU's future following Secret Wars, suggesting a significant X-Men presence in Phase 7. Storm's appearance in What If...? Season 3 marked her MCU debut.

Marvel Studios has added three untitled film projects to its 2028 release schedule (February 18, May 5, and November 10), increasing speculation that at least one of these will be an X-Men film.