Marvel Studios is assembling its cast of mutants for the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s X-Men, securing actors for some high-profile Marvel characters in the process. Following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century, the MCU gained access to the X-Men, making the reboot film a home for some of the most sought-after roles in Hollywood.
While past iterations of several X-Men characters have been beloved in previous X-Men movies, the MCU requires its own versions of the most significant heroes and villains. Some castings from Fox’s X-Men may remain long-term, such as Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool, but most characters will be recast. This opens opportunities for new actors to portray Professor X, Magneto, Cyclops, Jean Grey, Beast, Storm, Wolverine, and other staples of X-Men storytelling in the comics.
Marvel Studios’ untitled X-Men movie is deep into development with director Jake Schreier. It’s expected to start filming in 2027 and is confirmed to release on May 5, 2028. This has left Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige, casting director Sarah Finn, Schreier, and other creatives and producers to determine who will take on the main roles.
While there are numerous rumors regarding who will be in the MCU’s X-Men movie cast, these are actors confirmed to appear and the characters they will portray.
Sadie Sink As Jean Grey
Credit: Faye’s Vision/Cover Images
Character: Jean Grey is one of the most prominent members of the X-Men in the comics. She’s an incredibly powerful telepath, empath, and telekinetic mutant, making her an Omega-level mutant. Jean is also the host of the Phoenix Force, transforming her into the Phoenix while tapping into these substantial abilities and darker tendencies.
Jean has already been introduced in the MCU ahead of X-Men thanks to Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The movie revealed that she and her sister, Sara Grey, were orphans after being abandoned by their mother. After Sara is kidnapped by Damage Control, Jean goes on a mission to find her, which leads to her being subdued by Spider-Man’s universal inhibitor. She’s then experimented on by Damage Control, which enhances her telepathic abilities and unlocks her telekinesis.
Actor’s Notable Movies & TV Shows: Sadie Sink made her debut as Jean in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Before joining the MCU, she was best known for playing Max in Stranger Things. Sink also appeared in two of Netflix’s Fear Street movies and had a supporting role in Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale. She becomes the fifth actress to play Jean Grey in live-action.
Kit Connor As Scott Summers/Cyclops
Doug Peters/PA Images/INSTARimages
Character: Scott Summers, aka Cyclops, is a founding member of the X-Men. He possesses the ability to emit optic blasts from his eyes, which he has more control over thanks to his visor. Cyclops is a natural leader, often commanding the X-Men in battle. He frequently has romantic ties with Jean Grey or Emma Frost. Cyclops is also Havok’s brother and Cable’s father.
Actor’s Notable Movies & TV Shows: Kit Connor has officially been cast as Cyclops for the X-Men reboot. He gained prominence as Nick Nelson in three seasons of Heartstopper, a role he reprised in 2026 for a movie continuation with Heartstopper Forever. He also had a voice role in DreamWorks’ The Wild Robot and a key role in A24’s Warfare. Connor becomes the fourth actor to play Cyclops in a live-action Marvel movie.
Christopher Abbott As Charles Xavier/Professor X
Udo Salters/startraksphoto.com
Character: Charles Xavier, aka Professor X, is the leader of the X-Men and founder of Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. He’s one of the most powerful telepaths ever to exist and a firm supporter of mutants helping humanity. However, comics have explored his willingness to do whatever is necessary to preserve mutant kind.
Actor’s Notable Movies & : Christopher Abbott adds Professor X to an impressive filmography that includes recurring roles on shows like Girls, key roles in other series such as The Sinner, Catch-22, and The Crowded Room. His film appearances include titles like Wolf Man, Kraven the Hunter, The Testament of Ann Lee, Poor Things, Sanctuary, and First Man. Abbott becomes the third actor to portray Professor X in live-action films.
Adam Driver As Nathaniel Milbury/Mister Sinister
Nathaniel Milbury is an alias used by X-Men villain Dr. Nathaniel Essex, aka Mister Sinister. He is driven to perfect humanity and tirelessly works towards his goals. Notably, Nathaniel achieves powers through Apocalypse and Celestial technology that allow him to alter his molecular DNA for enhanced physical attributes and healing abilities. He can also change his appearance and harness telepathy and telekinesis. Sinister will serve as the film’s main antagonist.
: Adam Driver is best known for portraying Ben Solo/Kylo Ren in Disney’s Star Wars sequels but first gained recognition through his role on Girls. He has received two Academy Award nominations for BlacKkKlansman and Marriage Story. Driver has also garnered attention for roles in Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel and Steven Soderbergh’s Logan Lucky.
