Sadie Sink, known for her role as Max Mayfield in Stranger Things, is reportedly set to join Tom Holland in Spider-Man 4. According to Deadline, Sink, who debuted in the 2016 film Chuck, will be part of the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie, which is scheduled to start filming later this year and is slated for release on July 31, 2026. Both Marvel and Sony declined to comment on the news when approached by Deadline.

Speculation from Deadline suggests that Sink might portray the iconic X-Men character Jean Grey or another beloved redheaded character from the Spider-Man universe, such as Mary Jane Watson. The introduction of Mary Jane would add an interesting dynamic to Peter Parker's ongoing relationship with Michelle "MJ" Jones-Watson, portrayed by Zendaya in the previous Spider-Man films. Given the significant role Sink is expected to play and the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, where Peter Parker reintroduces himself to MJ after his identity is erased from everyone's memory, Spider-Man 4 could mark a fresh start for the franchise.

Tom Holland, currently involved in filming Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, is set to transition to Spider-Man 4 upon completion of that project, as per Deadline's report.

Last year, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige hinted at the introduction of X-Men characters in the "next few" MCU films during the Disney APAC Content Showcase in Singapore. While Feige did not specify which characters or films, he emphasized that the MCU's narrative would lead to "a new age of mutants and of the X-Men" following Secret Wars.

Every Confirmed Mutant in the MCU (So Far)

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At the time of Feige's comments, the next few MCU movies were anticipated to be Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July 2025. However, more mutant appearances are expected throughout Phase 6, which includes Avengers: Doomsday and Spider-Man 4 in 2026, and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. There's also speculation about the return of Deadpool and Wolverine to the MCU, and whether Channing Tatum might reprise his role as Gambit.

Feige has also confirmed that the X-Men will play a significant role in the MCU's future post-Secret Wars. He reflected on the narrative journey post-Avengers: Endgame and emphasized the planned storyline leading up to and beyond Secret Wars, with the X-Men as a central element.

It appears that Phase 7 of the MCU will be heavily focused on the X-Men, although in the short term, Storm made her debut in What If...? Season 3, marking her first appearance in the broader MCU.

In October, Marvel Studios added three untitled movie projects to its 2028 release schedule: February 18, 2028; May 5, 2028; and November 10, 2028. There's growing speculation that one of these projects might be an X-Men film.