Sadie Sink, renowned for her role as Max Mayfield in the hit series *Stranger Things*, is set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in *Spider-Man 4*, according to Deadline. Sink, who made her film debut in the 2016 biographical sports drama *Chuck*, will star alongside Tom Holland in the upcoming film, which is slated to begin filming later this year and is scheduled for release on July 31, 2026. Both Marvel and Sony have remained tight-lipped, offering no comment when approached by Deadline.
Speculation is rife about the character Sink will portray, with Deadline suggesting she might take on the role of the iconic X-Men character Jean Grey or another beloved redheaded Spider-Man character, possibly Mary Jane Watson. However, integrating Mary Jane into the narrative could pose challenges given Peter Parker's ongoing relationship with Michelle "MJ" Jones-Watson, portrayed by Zendaya in previous Spider-Man films. Deadline indicates that Sink's role will be significant, hinting at a potential reset following the events of *Spider-Man: No Way Home*, where Peter reintroduces himself to MJ after Doctor Strange erases his identity from everyone's memory.
Tom Holland, currently engaged in filming Christopher Nolan's *The Odyssey*, is expected to transition to *Spider-Man 4* once his current project wraps up, as per Deadline's report.
Last year, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige teased the integration of X-Men characters into the MCU's upcoming films. Speaking at the Disney APAC Content Showcase in Singapore, Feige hinted that fans would soon see "some X-Men players that you might recognize" in the next few MCU movies, though he did not specify which characters or films. He further elaborated on the future of the X-Men in the MCU, stating, "Right after that, the whole story of Secret Wars really leads us into a new age of mutants and of the X-Men. Again, [it's] one of those dreams come true. We finally have the X-Men back."
Every Confirmed Mutant in the MCU (So Far)
11 Images
If we interpret "few" to mean three, the next MCU movies in line are *Captain America: Brave New World*, *Thunderbolts*, and *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*, set for release in July 2025. However, it's more likely that mutant characters will feature prominently in Phase 6 films, including *Avengers: Doomsday* and *Spider-Man 4* in 2026, and *Avengers: Secret Wars* in 2027. The return of Deadpool and Wolverine to the MCU, following their successful standalone film, remains a possibility, as does Channing Tatum reprising his role as Gambit.
Feige has emphasized the importance of the X-Men in the MCU's future post-*Secret Wars*. He remarked, "When we were preparing for *Avengers: Endgame* years ago, it was a question of getting to the grand finale of our narrative, and then we had to start all over again after that. This time, on the road to *Secret Wars*, we already know very well what the story is going to be until then and afterwards. The X-Men are an important part of that future."
It appears that Phase 7 of the MCU will be heavily influenced by the X-Men. In the short term, Storm made her debut in the wider MCU in *What If...?* Season 3. Additionally, Marvel Studios has added three untitled movie projects to its 2028 release schedule: February 18, 2028; May 5, 2028; and November 10, 2028, with one of these likely to be an X-Men film.
