Exciting news has emerged for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and Stranger Things alike, as Sadie Sink, renowned for her role as Max Mayfield, is rumored to be joining the cast of Spider-Man 4. According to Deadline, Sink, who first caught the public's eye in the 2016 film Chuck, is set to star alongside Tom Holland in the upcoming MCU installment, slated for release on July 31, 2026. While both Marvel and Sony have remained tight-lipped when approached for comment, speculation is rife that Sink might portray either the iconic X-Men character Jean Grey or another beloved redheaded figure from the Spider-Man universe.
In a recent interview with Josh Horowitz, Sink played her cards close to her chest regarding the Jean Grey rumors. She expressed surprise at the speculation, stating, "This is news to me," but acknowledged the excitement around the rumor, calling it "awesome." When pressed about any discussions with Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige or other representatives, Sink firmly replied, "No," and added, "I have nothing to say about this." Despite her reticence, she praised the Jean Grey character, saying, "It’s a great character, so it was cool to read!" and expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of joining the MCU, noting, "I think that’s super exciting."
The anticipation around Sink's potential role is heightened by comments from Kevin Feige himself. At the Disney APAC Content Showcase in Singapore, Feige hinted at the integration of X-Men characters into the MCU's "next few" movies. He teased, "I think you will see that continues in our next few movies with some X-Men players that you might recognize," and emphasized the significance of mutants in the MCU's future, particularly post-Secret Wars. Feige's vision includes a new age of mutants and the X-Men, signaling a major shift in the MCU's narrative landscape.
Looking ahead, the MCU's Phase 6, which includes Avengers: Doomsday and Spider-Man 4 in 2026, and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027, seems poised to introduce more mutant characters. The success of Deadpool and Wolverine this summer has sparked speculation about the return of these characters, and even the possibility of Channing Tatum reprising his role as Gambit. Additionally, Storm made her MCU debut in What If...? Season 3, hinting at the broader integration of X-Men into the MCU.
As the MCU continues to evolve, Marvel Studios has added three untitled movie projects to its 2028 release schedule, with dates set for February 18, May 5, and November 10. It's increasingly likely that one of these films will be dedicated to the X-Men, marking a significant milestone in the MCU's ongoing saga.

Could Sadie Sink play Jean Grey in Spider-Man 4? Photo by Arturo Holmes/WireImage.