Your Likely ‘X-Men’ Movie Cast So Far
by Erik Amaya
One of the big rumors ahead of the next D23 expo is a full confirmation of the cast participating in the upcoming X-Men feature. While the Multiverse Saga has yet to crescendo, the anticipation for what comes after is already reaching a critical mass online. Maybe we’ll discuss the why of that another time. For the moment, though, let’s take stock of the who in regards to X-Men.
Samara Weaving As Emma Frost
According to Deadline, Weaving of Ready or Not fame will portray the White Queen in director Jake Schrier‘s upcoming X-Men film. While various rumors about casting have filled algorithms for years at this point, a Deadline article is much closer to reality. Consequently, it’s easy to expect the actor to appear on stage the D23 Entertainment Presentation next week. But what’s more interesting is the inclusion of Emma at all. A villain in the X-Men ’97 paradigm — the assumed basis for the film’s roster — a trade paper confirming her first is curious. Is it possible she will be running a school for gifted youngsters in place of a Charles Xavier? Or will the film establish a Hellfire Club with her as its representative? Considering Emma’s anti-hero or anti-villain status (depending on the creative team), she is ambiguous in terms of the film and we hope that remains true even into its release.
Kit Connor As Cyclops
Another Deadline report indicates Heartstopper‘s Connor will take the ruby-quartz visor from James Marsden following the actor’s return appearance as Scott Summers in Avengers: Doomsday. Since we haven’t watched Heartstoppers, we can’t speak to Connor’s talent, but securing a younger Cyclops indicates an intention on Marvel Studios’ part to keep their X-Men cast consistent for sometime. And as the second performer confirmed by the trade, it suggests Cyclops may even get to properly lead the X-Men for once.
Sadie Sink As Jean Grey
Sink apparently confirmed her appearance in the film just a short while ago. She debuted as Jean Grey in Spider-Man: Brand New Day with most taking for granted that she will return in X-Men. Based on the performance so far, we expect this Jean to be the film’s viewpoint character and the newcomer to the school — provided there is even a school. The plot of Brand New Day heavily implies a lack of Charles Xavier, who has generally located Jean by this point. Now, we have a late-teenaged Jean with immense power, little training, and a lot of issues. If Emma is her teacher, that could lead to something surprising and different. In fact, we hope the film will feature a substantive change like this to give the characters fresh things to do. We think it’s already working for Jean.
The Rumor List
Meanwhile, rumors suggest Cailee Spaeny, Charles Melton, and Inde Navarette are in the frame for roles — Rogue, Beast, and Mystique respectively. These are far from confirmed, but it appears every young actor in the business is being considered (or wished) for a Mutant part. And even if they end up in different roles, most of these actors would fit right into just about any X-Men role if they so choose.
The When And Where
While Black Panther III and Ghost Rider are slated for 2028 release dates, X-Men is not yet on the schedule. Marvel wisely backed away from announcing too many dates during its SDCC presentation a few weeks ago. At least, we think it was the smart choice in the wake of Blade and Armor Wars seeming cancellations. Both were announced at the 2019 SDCC panel and both evaporated, leading many to wonder if the race of its stars had anything to do with it…
But keeping X-Men off the release calendar may offer some flexibility as the studio firms up its cast and the director finalizes his plans. All that said, the D23 presentation could offer us a 2029 release date and, maybe, a new but uncanny title for the project.
