Sadie Sink Joins Spider-Man 4 Cast with Tom Holland

Exciting news for fans of *Stranger Things* and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) alike: Sadie Sink, known for her role as Max Mayfield, is reportedly joining the cast of *Spider-Man 4* alongside Tom Holland. According to Deadline, Sink, who made her film debut in the 2016 biographical sports drama *Chuck*, will take on a significant role in the upcoming MCU film. Filming is set to begin later this year, with a release date targeted for July 31, 2026. Both Marvel and Sony have remained tight-lipped about the casting news when approached by Deadline.

Speculation is rife about the character Sadie Sink might portray. Deadline suggests she could be playing the iconic X-Men character Jean Grey or another beloved redheaded Spider-Man character, potentially Mary Jane Watson. This casting choice raises questions about how her introduction will integrate with Peter Parker's ongoing relationship with Michelle "MJ" Jones-Watson, played by Zendaya in previous Spider-Man films. Given the events of *Spider-Man: No Way Home*, where Peter reintroduces himself to MJ after Doctor Strange erases his identity from everyone's memory, *Spider-Man 4* might serve as a sort of reset for the series.

Tom Holland, currently engaged in filming Christopher Nolan's *The Odyssey*, is scheduled to start shooting *Spider-Man 4* once his current project wraps up, as per Deadline.

In related news, Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige has teased the integration of X-Men characters into the MCU's future. Speaking at the Disney APAC Content Showcase in Singapore last year, Feige hinted that fans would soon see "some X-Men players that you might recognize" in upcoming films. He remained coy about specific characters or movies but emphasized the importance of the X-Men in the MCU's narrative arc leading up to and beyond *Avengers: Secret Wars*.

Every Confirmed Mutant in the MCU (So Far)

Feige's comments suggest that mutant characters may appear in the next few MCU films, potentially including *Captain America: Brave New World*, *Thunderbolts*, and *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* in July 2025. However, it seems more likely that significant mutant appearances will occur during Phase 6, which includes *Avengers: Doomsday*, *Spider-Man 4*, and *Avengers: Secret Wars* in 2027. The return of Deadpool and Wolverine, following their successful standalone film, and the possible return of Channing Tatum as Gambit, are also points of speculation.

Feige has made it clear that the X-Men will play a crucial role in the MCU's future, particularly after *Secret Wars*. He stated, "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."

It appears that Phase 7 of the MCU will be heavily influenced by the X-Men. In the short term, Storm made her debut in the wider MCU in *What If...?* Season 3. Additionally, Marvel Studios has added three untitled movie projects to its 2028 release schedule, increasing the likelihood that one of these will be an X-Men film.