Sadie Sink Joins Spider-Man 4 Cast with Tom Holland

Sadie Sink, best known 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* alongside Tom Holland. The film, which is slated to begin production later this year and has a release date of July 31, 2026, will mark a significant addition to the MCU's roster of talent. According to Deadline, Sink made her film debut in the 2016 biographical sports drama *Chuck*. Both Marvel and Sony have remained tight-lipped about the news, offering no comments when approached by Deadline.

Speculation is rife about Sink's role in *Spider-Man 4*. Deadline suggests she could portray the iconic X-Men character Jean Grey or another beloved redheaded character from the Spider-Man universe, possibly Mary Jane Watson. However, integrating Mary Jane into the story could complicate Peter Parker's current relationship with Michelle "MJ" Jones-Watson, portrayed by Zendaya in previous films. Given the events of *Spider-Man: No Way Home*, where Peter's identity was erased from everyone's memory, Sink's role might signify a narrative reset.

Tom Holland, currently involved 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 hinted at the inclusion of X-Men characters in upcoming MCU films. Speaking at the Disney APAC Content Showcase in Singapore, Feige mentioned that fans would encounter "some X-Men players that you might recognize" in the near future, though he did not specify which characters or films. He also emphasized the role of the X-Men in the MCU's future, particularly in the lead-up to and aftermath of *Avengers: Secret Wars*, which is expected to usher in a new era of mutants and X-Men stories.

Every Confirmed Mutant in the MCU (So Far)

The upcoming MCU slate includes *Captain America: Brave New World*, *Thunderbolts*, and *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* in July 2025. More mutant appearances are anticipated in 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 the potential return of these characters to the MCU. Additionally, there's speculation about Channing Tatum reprising his role as Gambit.

Feige has confirmed that the X-Men will play a crucial role in the MCU's future post-*Secret Wars*. He noted that while preparing for *Avengers: Endgame*, the focus was on reaching a narrative climax and then starting anew. This time, the roadmap to *Secret Wars* and beyond is already clear, with the X-Men being a pivotal part of that future. Phase 7 of the MCU is expected to be heavily influenced by the X-Men, with Storm already making an appearance in *What If...? Season 3*.

In October, Marvel Studios added three untitled movie projects to its 2028 release schedule, set for February 18, May 5, and November 10. It's increasingly likely that one of these films will be dedicated to the X-Men, further solidifying their place in the MCU's expansive universe.