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 be in the upcoming MCU movie. Filming begins 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 could be either Jean Grey or another iconic redheaded Spider-Man character, hinting at Mary Jane Watson. However, how this would impact Peter Parker's relationship with MJ (Zendaya) remains unclear. Deadline suggests Sink will have a significant role, potentially acting as a reset 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 shooting 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 that fans would see familiar 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 following Secret Wars.

Considering Feige's statement, the next few films (assuming three) would be Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts, and The Fantastic Four. However, X-Men appearances are more likely spread throughout Phase 6, including Avengers: Doomsday, Spider-Man 4, and Avengers: Secret Wars. The return of Deadpool, Wolverine, and potentially Channing Tatum as Gambit remains a key question.

Every Confirmed Mutant in the MCU (So Far)

Feige has stated that the X-Men will be crucial to the MCU's future after Secret Wars. He highlighted the difference in planning between Avengers: Endgame and the path to Secret Wars, emphasizing the X-Men's significant role in this future. Phase 7 is anticipated to be heavily X-Men-focused. Storm's appearance in What If...? Season 3 marked her first appearance in the wider MCU. Marvel Studios added three untitled movie projects to their 2028 release schedule, increasing speculation about an X-Men film.