The media titan that is Marvel Studios has started to unveil its future plans for the highest-grossing movie franchise of all time.
Established in 2008 and opening with the iconic “Iron Man,” the Marvel Cinematic Universe is now 38 movies deep, with “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” the most recent release. Having completed its “Infinity Saga,” the franchise is now in the thick of its “Multiverse Saga,” with “Avengers: Doomsday” coming in December. Next up, the “Mutant Saga” will explore the mutants of the MCU.
That, of course, will mean a proper introduction for the legendary X-Men. As of Friday, August 14, 2026, at the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California, we now know the superhero team’s first MCU movie is coming on May 5, 2028. It will be helmed by “Thunderbolts*” director Jake Schreier.
Rather excitingly, the core cast for the new untitled “X-Men” film was also unveiled by Marvel Studios’ head honcho Kevin Feige at the event. Let’s reveal who the protagonists will be and who will play them.
Sadie Sink (Jean Grey)
GettyHaving already portrayed the character in the aforementioned “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” “Stranger Things” star Sadie Sink will reprise her role as Jean Grey in the 2028 “X-Men” film.
Grey is a mutant telepath and telekinetic who, as revealed in “Brand New Day,” can jump between the minds of other individuals to possess and effectively mind-control them.
Sink’s previous movie credits include the likes of 2019’s “Eli,” 2022’s “The Whale,” and 2024’s “A Sacrifice” (per IMDb).
Kit Connor (Cyclops)
Getty“Heartstopper” star Kit Connor will play Scott Summers, aka Cyclops, in Marvel Studios’ upcoming “X-Men” movie.
Cyclops is the X-Men’s field leader. A combat and strategy expert, his primary mutant power is the ability to fire powerful optic blasts from his eyes.
Connor’s previous movie credits include 2018’s “Ready Player One,” 2019’s “Rocketman,” and 2024’s “The Wild Robot” (per IMDb).
Samara Weaving (Emma Frost)
GettyThe beautiful Australian actress and model Samara Weaving will play Emma Frost in the new “X-Men” movie.
Frost has been depicted as both a villain and heroine in Marvel’s comics. A powerful telepath, she can also shapeshift into an organic diamond form that grants her superhuman durability and strength.
Widely recognized as a scream queen, Weaving’s previous movie roles include 2017’s “The Babysitter,” 2019’s “Ready or Not,” and 2023’s “Scream VI” (per IMDb).
Inde Navarrette (Rogue)
GettyActress and former online streamer Inde Navarrette will play Rogue, aka Anna Marie (last name unknown), in the new “X-Men” film.
Rogue’s primary power is the ability to absorb the superhuman abilities of other characters via touch. However, having maintained physical contact with Carol Danvers for a prolonged period, she also permanently absorbed her superhuman strength, durability, speed, and flight (in the comic books, at least).
Navarrette’s past movie credits include titles like 2020’s “Wander Darkly,” and 2025’s “Trap House” and “Obsession” (per IMDb).
Maya Boyd (Storm)
GettyStage actress Maya Boyd will play Storm, aka Ororo Munroe, in the new “X-Men” movie.
Storm is, of course, the X-Men member with the superhuman ability to manipulate the weather. That includes manipulating the temperature and atmospheric pressure, creating storms, and more. Her powers inadvertently also enable her to fly.
The new “X-Men” movie will be Boyd’s movie debut, as she has previously only appeared on stage (on Broadway, no less), on television, and in a short film (per IMDb).
Christopher Abbott (Professor X)
GettyKnown best for his work in television, independent films, and theater, Christopher Abbott will play Charles Xavier, aka Professor X, in the upcoming “X-Men” film.
Famously, Professor X is the founder of the X-Men whose school takes in young mutants to guide them, educate them, help them to control their powers, and nurture them into becoming superheroes. A wheelchair-bound genius, Professor X possesses immensely powerful telepathic and telekinetic abilities.
Despite being more famous for appearing in independent movies and other media, Abbott’s other major films include 2018’s “First Man,” 2024’s “Kraven the Hunter,” and 2025’s “Wolf Man” (per IMDb).
Adam Driver (Mister Sinister)
GettyAlthough he wasn’t present at D23, Adam Driver appeared via video link to confirm his place in the new “X-Men” movie. In arguably the film’s most exciting casting, he’ll be playing its villain, Mister Sinister, aka Nathaniel Essex.
Mister Sinister is a human mutate with a long list of powers and abilities. They include superhuman strength and durability, telepathy, telekinesis, molecular manipulation, energy projection, and longevity. He is obsessed with engineering humanity into a perfect race of superhumans.
Undoubtedly the biggest name in the new “X-Men” movie cast, Driver’s previous movie credits include 2015’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” 2018’s “BlacKkKlansman,” and 2021’s “House of Gucci” (per IMDb). He has two Academy Awards nominations (for the aforementioned “BlacKkKlansman” and 2019’s “Marriage Story.”
Marvel Fans Are Excited
Understandably, Marvel fans are excited about the new “X-Men” movie and its brilliant new cast.
When Marvel Studios uploaded pictures of the announced stars, the comments section went wild.
One Marvel fan commented, “it’s finally freaking happening omg.”
Another fan wrote, “So we getting ghost rider xmen and black panther in 2028 now that’s kinda crazy.”
Someone else said, “I’m ready for the x-men to be backkk.”
“My girl making it to the big leagues in just a few years! Love you @indenavarrette,” said a fan of the new Storm actress.
Finally, one excited Instagram user commented, “Perfect casting 🔥.”
The future of the MCU is undoubtedly bright. We love the look of the new “X-Men” cast and can’t wait to see the film. There are just less than 20 months to go until it’s released!
