The Marvel Cinematic Universe is gearing up for its next big chapter, and ‘Spider-Man 4’ just received a major casting update. After months of speculation about who would join Tom Holland’s Peter Parker in the highly anticipated sequel, ‘Stranger Things’ star Sadie Sink has officially been cast in an undisclosed role.
While Marvel Studios has yet to confirm exactly who Sink will be playing, reports suggest two major possibilities. This includes Jean Grey, the powerful telepath from the X-Men, or “another beloved red-haired Spider-Man character”.
Sadie Sink Might Be The New MJ In ‘Spider-Man 4’
The ‘Stranger Things‘ star’s name has been tied to the role of Jean Grey since late 2024 when reports surfaced that she was the frontrunner to play the iconic X-Men character. Now, with her confirmed casting in ‘Spider-Man 4’, speculation is running wild about how Jean Grey could fit into the story.
Related: Simu Liu Is Hopeful About ‘Shang-Chi 2’ Despite Delays Due To Tom Holland’s ‘Spider-Man 4’
The X-Men have been a major point of interest for Marvel fans. While characters like Professor X and Wolverine have already made their MCU debut, Jean Grey’s introduction could signal a full-fledged X-Men integration. Moreover, if Sink is indeed playing Jean, it raises several questions with the main one being, how does she fit into the narrative of ‘Spider-Man 4′?
However, there’s also the other possibility, one that would shock the whole fandom. The Deadline report confirming Sink’s casting tested that she could be playing Mary Jane Watson. In the comics, Mary Jane is Peter Parker’s ultimate love interest.
This possibility is intriguing because Zendaya’s character, Michelle Jones, has already filled the role of Peter’s lover. However, she’s never been a direct adaptation of Mary Jane Watson. So, introducing the real Mary Jane could set up a complicated and emotional love triangle.
Additionally, ‘Spider-Man 4’ is expected to take place between ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Secret Wars’, meaning it could serve as a crucial bridge between major multiversal events. If Sink is Jean Grey, it could mean that the X-Men will play a significant role in Secret Wars. But If she’s Mary Jane, it could mean a major shift in Peter Parker’s personal life.
Paul Rudd Speaks On His MCU Future As Ant-Man
While the focus has been on ‘Spider-Man 4’, another MCU fan-favorite has been making headlines, Paul Rudd, who plays Ant-Man, recently addressed the uncertainty surrounding his return to the franchise. Since ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ underperformed at the box office, Marvel has remained quiet about Rudd’s future.
In case you missed it: Why Tom Holland’s Spider-Man Will Never Appear In Live-Action Disney+ Shows
However, in a recent interview, the actor left the door open for a potential comeback. Speaking at the SXSW premiere of his new movie Death of a Unicorn, Rudd was asked if he would reprise his role as Ant-Man in future MCU films. “We will see, I don’t know,” he said. “I mean, that suit is… I feel like I should never be too far from the suit in case they call, but you never know. They know where I’m at.”
While not a direct confirmation, Rudd’s comments suggest that he’s more than willing to return if Marvel has a place for him. Additionally, Scott Lang played a crucial role in ‘Avengers: Endgame’, helping to introduce time travel to the MCU and ultimately assisting in the defeat of Thanos. However, after Quantumania, his story seems to be in limbo.
Additionally, some reports claim ‘Avengers: Secret Wars‘ could be a farewell for several key characters. However, Rudd remains optimistic but realistic. So, if Marvel decides that Scott Lang has more to do, fans can expect to see him return. There’s also a possibility that his time in the MCU may have already reached its natural conclusion.
