Spider-Man 4 Casts Stranger Things’ Sadie Sink to Star Alongside Tom Holland, Reportedly as Either X-Men Favorite Jean Grey or Mary Jane Watson

Sadie Sink, known for her role as Max Mayfield in Stranger Things, is reportedly joining Tom Holland in Spider-Man 4. Deadline reports that Sink, whose film debut was in the 2016 film Chuck, will appear in the upcoming MCU movie, slated for release on July 31, 2026, with filming commencing later this year.

Marvel and Sony have declined to comment on the casting. Deadline speculates Sink's role might be either Jean Grey or another iconic redheaded Spider-Man character, possibly hinting at Mary Jane Watson. However, how this introduction would interact with Peter Parker's existing relationship with MJ (Zendaya) remains unclear. Deadline suggests Sink will have a significant role, potentially contributing to a narrative reset following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, where Peter's identity was erased and he reconnected with MJ.

Holland is currently filming Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, and Spider-Man 4 filming is expected to begin upon its completion.

Late last year, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige hinted at the introduction of X-Men characters in upcoming MCU films, stating that fans would see familiar X-Men characters in the "next few" movies, without specifying which characters or films. He further emphasized the X-Men's crucial role in the MCU's future, particularly after Secret Wars.

Considering Marvel's upcoming slate, X-Men appearances might be more prevalent throughout Phase 6 films, including Avengers: Doomsday and Spider-Man 4 in 2026, and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. The potential return of Deadpool, Wolverine, and even Channing Tatum as Gambit remains a point of speculation.

Every Confirmed Mutant in the MCU (So Far)

Feige has highlighted the X-Men's significance in the MCU's post-Secret Wars future, suggesting a Phase 7 heavily focused on the X-Men. Storm's appearance in What If...? Season 3 marked her first appearance in the wider MCU. Furthermore, Marvel Studios has added three untitled movie projects to its 2028 release schedule, increasing speculation about a dedicated X-Men film.