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 Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie. Filming is slated to begin later this year, with a release date of July 31, 2026.
Marvel and Sony have declined to comment on the casting news. Deadline speculates Sink's role could be either the X-Men's Jean Grey or another iconic redheaded Spider-Man character, possibly Mary Jane Watson. However, the introduction of another Mary Jane figure into Peter Parker's established relationship with MJ (Zendaya) remains unclear. Deadline suggests Sink will have a significant role in Spider-Man 4, potentially acting as a kind of 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 is expected to begin shooting Spider-Man 4 upon completion.

Late last year, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige hinted at the introduction of X-Men characters in upcoming MCU films. He stated that fans would see familiar X-Men characters in the "next few" MCU movies, without specifying which characters or films. Feige also emphasized the X-Men's importance in the MCU's future, particularly in the lead-up to and aftermath of Secret Wars.
Every Confirmed Mutant in the MCU (So Far)






Considering Marvel's release schedule, mutant appearances are more likely throughout Phase 6, 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. Feige has confirmed the X-Men's significant role in the MCU's future following Secret Wars, suggesting Phase 7 will be heavily X-Men focused. Storm's appearance in What If...? Season 3 marked her first appearance in the wider MCU. With three untitled Marvel movie projects added to the 2028 release schedule, the possibility of an X-Men film is increasingly likely.
Feige has emphasized the X-Men's crucial role in the MCU's future after Secret Wars.