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 yet to comment on the casting.

Deadline speculates Sink's role might be either Jean Grey or another popular redheaded Spider-Man character, hinting at Mary Jane Watson. However, this raises questions about how her introduction would interact with Peter Parker's current relationship with MJ (Zendaya). 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 Spider-Man 4 afterward.

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

Every Confirmed Mutant in the MCU (So Far)

Considering Feige's comments, X-Men appearances are likely throughout Phase 6, including 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 crucial role in the MCU's future following Secret Wars. He highlighted the planned narrative leading up to and beyond Secret Wars, with the X-Men as a significant component. Phase 7 is expected 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 its 2028 release schedule (February 18, May 5, and November 10), increasing the likelihood of at least one being an X-Men film.