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Exciting news for fans of both *Stranger Things* and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU): Sadie Sink, renowned for her role as Max Mayfield in the hit Netflix series, is reportedly set to join the cast of *Spider-Man 4* alongside Tom Holland. According to Deadline, the film, which is slated to begin filming later this year and is scheduled for release on July 31, 2026, will mark Sink's entry into the MCU following her debut in the 2016 film *Chuck*.
While both Marvel and Sony have remained silent on the matter, speculation is rife about the character Sink will portray. Deadline suggests she might take on the role of the iconic X-Men member Jean Grey or another beloved redheaded character from the Spider-Man universe, such as Mary Jane Watson. This casting could introduce intriguing dynamics, especially considering Peter Parker's ongoing relationship with Michelle "MJ" Jones-Watson, played by Zendaya in previous films. Given the narrative reset at the end of *Spider-Man: No Way Home*, where Peter's identity was erased from everyone's memory, Sink's role is anticipated to be significant.
Tom Holland is currently engaged in filming Christopher Nolan's *The Odyssey*, but plans are in place for him to transition directly to *Spider-Man 4* upon completion, as reported by Deadline.
The buzz around Sink's casting comes at a time when Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige has hinted at the integration of X-Men characters into upcoming MCU projects. At the Disney APAC Content Showcase in Singapore, Feige teased that fans would soon see "some X-Men players that you might recognize" in the "next few" MCU movies. He further elaborated that the storyline of *Secret Wars* would pave the way for a new era of mutants and the X-Men within the MCU.
Looking at the MCU's upcoming slate, potential slots for X-Men introductions could include *Captain America: Brave New World*, *Thunderbolts*, and *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*. However, more likely candidates seem to be the Phase 6 films, such as *Avengers: Doomsday* and *Spider-Man 4* in 2026, and *Avengers: Secret Wars* in 2027. The success of *Deadpool and Wolverine* this summer raises questions about their potential return to the MCU, and whether Channing Tatum might reprise his role as Gambit.
Feige has emphasized the importance of the X-Men in the MCU's future, particularly post-*Secret Wars*. He likened the buildup to *Secret Wars* to the narrative journey leading to *Avengers: Endgame*, indicating a clear vision for the MCU's future where the X-Men play a pivotal role. While Phase 7 might be dominated by the X-Men, the character Storm has already made an appearance in *What If...? Season 3*, marking her entry into the wider MCU.
Additionally, Marvel Studios has added three untitled movie projects to its 2028 release schedule, sparking speculation that one of these might be dedicated to the X-Men, further solidifying their place in the MCU's expansive narrative.
