Sadie Sink, best known for her role as Max Mayfield in *Stranger Things*, is reportedly joining Tom Holland in *Spider-Man 4*. According to Deadline, Sink—who made her film debut in the 2016 biographical sports drama *Chuck*—is set to appear in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) installment. Production on the film is expected to begin later this year, with a scheduled release date of July 31, 2026. Neither Marvel nor Sony has officially commented on the casting news.

Deadline speculates that Sadie Sink may portray either X-Men character Jean Grey or “another beloved redheaded Spider-Man character,” possibly hinting at Mary Jane Watson. However, her casting raises questions about how it fits into Peter Parker’s existing relationship with Michelle "MJ" Jones-Watson, played by Zendaya in previous *Spider-Man* films. The outlet suggests Sink’s role could be significant, potentially signaling a fresh direction following the events of *Spider-Man: No Way Home*. In that film, Peter Parker reintroduces himself to MJ after his identity is erased from public memory by Doctor Strange.

Tom Holland is currently filming Christopher Nolan’s *The Odyssey*, and is expected to transition directly into production on *Spider-Man 4* upon completion, according to Deadline.

Last year, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige teased the arrival of X-Men characters in the “next few” MCU films during an appearance at the Disney APAC Content Showcase in Singapore. He stated that fans would see “some X-Men players that you might recognize” in upcoming releases. Feige further hinted that the introduction of mutants will culminate in a larger narrative arc leading into *Secret Wars*, calling it “one of those dreams come true.”

Every Confirmed Mutant in the MCU (So Far)

 
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While early Phase 6 titles included *Captain America: Brave New World*, *Thunderbolts\**, and *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* (July 2025), mutant appearances are increasingly expected across the entire phase—including *Avengers: Doomsday* (2026), *Spider-Man 4* (2026), and *Avengers: Secret Wars* (2027). With the success of *Deadpool & Wolverine*, speculation continues over whether the duo will return in future MCU installments. There's also chatter around Channing Tatum reprising his previously announced role as Gambit.

Feige has emphasized that the X-Men will play a pivotal role in shaping the MCU's future beyond *Secret Wars*. He explained, “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.”

While Phase 7 appears poised to spotlight the X-Men, in the near term, Storm made her first official MCU appearance in *What If...?* Season 3. Additionally, Marvel Studios recently added three untitled projects to its 2028 release calendar—February 18, May 5, and November 10—with growing speculation that one of them could be a full-fledged *X-Men* movie.