Sadie Sink, best known for her role as Max Mayfield in Stranger Things, is reportedly joining Tom Holland in Marvel's Spider-Man 4. Deadline reveals that Sink, who launched her film career in 2016's biographical drama Chuck, has been cast in the upcoming MCU installment scheduled to begin production this year for a July 31, 2026 release.
Potential Roles for the Stranger Things Star
While Marvel and Sony declined comment, industry sources suggest Sink may portray either X-Men's Jean Grey or another prominent redheaded character from Spider-Man lore - potentially Mary Jane Watson. This raises intriguing questions about how her character would interact with Peter Parker's established relationship with Zendaya's MJ Watson, especially after the memory-wiping events of Spider-Man: No Way Home.
The casting aligns with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige's recent hints about introducing X-Men characters into upcoming MCU projects. During Disney's APAC Content Showcase in Singapore, Feige teased: "You'll see some familiar X-Men faces in our next few films," though he withheld specific details about characters or titles.
Mutant Integration Into the MCU Timeline
Feige outlined Marvel's long-term strategy: "Secret Wars will usher in a new era for mutants and the X-Men - realizing a dream we've long envisioned." This suggests significant mutant involvement in Phase 6 films including:
- Avengers: Doomsday (2026)
- Spider-Man 4 (2026)
- Avengers: Secret Wars (2027)
The success of Deadpool & Wolverine raises questions about whether these characters will continue appearing in MCU projects, along with potential returns for other mutants like Channing Tatum's Gambit.
Confirmed Mutants Currently in the MCU
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Storm's appearance in What If...? Season 3 marked the character's official MCU debut, while Marvel has reserved three unspecified 2028 release dates that likely include X-Men projects. Feige emphasized: "Unlike our approach with Endgame, we've meticulously planned the path through Secret Wars and beyond - with mutants playing a central role."
