Exciting news for fans of both *Stranger Things* and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU): Sadie Sink, renowned for her role as Max Mayfield, is rumored to be joining the cast of *Spider-Man 4* alongside Tom Holland. According to Deadline, Sink, who debuted in the 2016 film *Chuck*, is set to star in this highly anticipated MCU film, which is slated to start filming later this year and has a release date of July 31, 2026. Although Marvel and Sony have remained tight-lipped, speculation suggests that Sink might portray either the X-Men character Jean Grey or another beloved redheaded Spider-Man character.
IGN has explored various Marvel characters that Sadie Sink could embody in *Spider-Man 4* and beyond in the MCU, sparking further excitement and speculation among fans. In a recent interview with Josh Horowitz, Sink remained elusive about the Jean Grey rumors but expressed enthusiasm, stating, "This is news to me," and acknowledging the rumor as "awesome." When asked about discussions with Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige or any Marvel representative regarding Jean Grey, Sink replied, "No," and added, "I have nothing to say about this." However, she did share her admiration for the character, noting, "It's a great character, so it was cool to read!" Sink also expressed excitement about the prospect of committing to a role in the MCU for years, saying, "I think that's super exciting."
Kevin Feige, the head of Marvel Studios, has teased the integration of X-Men characters into upcoming MCU films. During the Disney APAC Content Showcase in Singapore, Feige hinted that fans would encounter "some X-Men players that you might recognize" in the "next few" MCU movies. He emphasized the significance of the X-Men in the MCU's future, particularly following *Avengers: Secret Wars*, stating, "The X-Men are an important part of that future." This suggests that Phase 7 of the MCU might be heavily focused on the X-Men, with Storm already making an appearance in *What If...? Season 3*.
Marvel Studios has also added three untitled movie projects to its 2028 release schedule, fueling speculation that one of these could be an X-Men film. As the MCU continues to expand its universe, the inclusion of Sadie Sink in *Spider-Man 4* and the integration of X-Men characters signal an exciting new chapter for fans.
