It’s been a big week for Marvel. Not only has “Ready or Not” star Samara Weaving been cast as Emma Frost in the forthcoming “X-Men” reboot, but “Stranger Things” breakout Sadie Sink finds her way into “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” as Jean Grey. Both casting announcements have been met with praise from fans online, with many applauding the comic book accuracy.
Additionally, the “X-Men” universe expands with the casting of Cyclops. After director Jake Schreier (“Paper Towns,” “Thunderbolts”) and Marvel president Kevin Feige met with countless contenders, including “The Long Walk” star Cooper Hoffman, Marvel has settled on their pick for the role. And it’s an unexpected addition.
Kit Connor Lands Cyclops Role
Kit Connor, best known for his role as Nick Nelson in Netflix’s “Heartstopper” series, has landed the role of Cyclops, per a report from Deadline. A source claims “a small group of actors tested” for their respective roles following the July 4th weekend.
Several other actors were considered for the role. Those include Drew Starkey (“Outer Banks,” “Love, Simon”), Harris Dickinson (“Where the Crawdads Sing,” “The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event”) and Jack Champion (“Avatar: Fire and Ash,” “Scream VI”).
Kit Connor Wraps ‘Heartstopper’ Run & Looks Ahead
This summer, Kit Connor finished his run on “Heartstopper” with the release of the series’ final bow, a film appropriately called “Heartstopper Forever.” “The last five years have been very good ones,” the actor wrote on Instagram. “So so thankful for these people and this story.”
Now, Connor looks ahead with a slew of upcoming roles. In addition to “X-Men,” he will star in Andrew Haigh’s “A Long Winter,” Alex Garland’s “Eden Ring” adaptation, “Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory,” “A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow” and “Rapture.”
While Connor wouldn’t exactly call himself a gamer, he has expressed his excitement in getting to work with Alex Garland (“28 Days Later,” “Ex Machina”). “When Alex told me that we were gonna do this film, I started playing it,” he told Entertainment Weekly. “So I’ve spent a fair few hours playing it — and it’s very difficult. I have played it quite a lot, and I have also watched a lot of other people playing it.”
As far as Connor’s upcoming work in “A Long Winter,” cast member Caitriona Balfe shared that he is “the most gorgeous, daring person,” she stated in an interview with Soundtracking. She also added “A Long Winter” is “the most beautiful film” and said co-star Fred Hechinger will “steal your heart” and that “he is just the most incredible young man.”
Before breaking out in “Heartstopper,” Connor had already amassed quite a resume. His credits include “Rocketman” as a young Elton John and “Little Joe,” as well as in TV series such as “Rocket’s Island,” “War & Peace” and “His Dark Materials.” He’s landed roles for several video game voiceovers, including for “Backwood Crossing” and “Dreams.” He has also done quite a bit of theatre, and most recently, he starred as Romeo in “Romeo + Juliet” at the Circle in Square Theatre on Broadway.
