Marvel Studios is preparing to introduce the X-Men into its cinematic universe, and fans have been waiting to see who will be the new faces of the Mutant team.
Since Disney acquired 20th Century Fox’s entertainment assets in 2019, X-Men characters have been appearing in MCU films, including the upcoming ‘Avengers: Doomsday,’ where several stars from the X-Men trilogy will reprise their roles.
‘Thunderbolts*’ director Jake Schreier is set to officially bring one of Marvel’s most well-known superhero teams to the MCU canon, with release eyed for 2028 after ‘Avengers: Secret Wars.’
There has been no official confirmation of the cast of the reboot, but industry insiders said Schreier and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige met with a number of candidates in early July.
Jean Grey
With the release of ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’, it was confirmed that ‘Stranger Things’ star Sadie Sink is playing the MCU’s Jean Grey.
The powerful telepath, who became the host of the Phoenix Force, was previously played by Famke Janssen in Fox’s X-Men trilogy and Sophie Turner in the prequels.
Jean served as the main threat in ‘Brand New Day,’ with Tom Holland’s Peter Parker investigating her attacks at the Department of Damage Control.
In the end, Jean can be seen leaving New York for an unknown location, with fans speculating that she may be going to Charles Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters.
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Cyclops
‘Heartstopper’ star Kit Connor is in talks with Marvel Studios to play Scott Summers a.k.a Cyclops, the captain of the X-Men who can shoot beams of energy through his eyes.
A ‘scooper’ previously mentioned ‘The Long Walk’ actor Cooper Hoffman as a possible choice for Cyclops.
Others have also pointed to Drew Starkey, who starred in ‘Outer Banks’ and ‘Queer’, as a possible frontrunner for the role, but sources said Marvel ultimately landed on Connor to don Cyclops’ ruby-quartz visor.
The character has previously been portrayed by James Marsden in the Fox trilogy and Tye Sheridan in the prequels.
Emma Frost
Marvel has also reportedly found its Emma Frost, with ‘Ready or Not’ actress Samara Weaving set to bring the White Queen to the MCU.
Insiders said Schreier and Feige landed on Weaving after she gave a strong performance during a screen test in early July.
One of the actress’ representatives has declined to comment on the casting news.
Emma Frost is a powerful telepath who can transform herself into diamond.
She has a complicated history with the X-Men, with her character shifting from a villain to an ally throughout Marvel Comics history.
January Jones previously played her in ‘X-Men: First Class.’
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Professor X
Insider reports stated that the casting for Professor X, the founder of the X-Men, is down to two actors: Bill Skarsgård and Tom Pelphrey.
Skarsgård is most well-known for playing Pennywise the Clown in the ‘It’ film series, and has recently starred in films like ‘Barbarian’ and Robert Eggers’ ‘Nosferatu.’
Meanwhile, Emmy-nominated actor Pelphrey appeared in shows like ‘Ozark’, ‘Guiding Light’ and ‘Banshee.’
The actor who will play MCU’s Charles Xavier will have big shoes to fill following Patrick Stewart’s iconic performance in the X-Men trilogy and James McAvoy’s portrayal in the prequels.
Magneto
Adam Driver is one of the rumoured actors that could take the helm of Magneto in the MCU.
Scooper accounts on X said the actor, who previously played Kylo Ren in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy, could be the next Master of Magnetism after Ian McKellen and Michael Fassbender.
The rumour is further fuelled by Feige, who said he had many talks with Driver about the actor being a part of the MCU.
However, some insiders are saying that he could instead play Mister Sinister, another X-Men villain.
Aside from Driver, other scoopers are saying ‘Supernatural’ and ‘The Boys’ star Jensen Ackles could play Magneto.
Beast
Beast, a scientist with superhuman strength and a blue, animal-like appearance that has been a core member of the X-Men across different media, will reportedly be played by Charles Melton, following speculation from industry insiders.
Insiders said Melton has closed a deal with Marvel and could reunite with his ‘Beef’ co-star Cailee Spaeny in the X-Men reboot.
The role has been previously filled by Kelsey Grammer and Nicholas Hoult.
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Rogue
Scoopers also said Cailee Spaeny is in talks to play Rogue, a Mutant who can absorb other people’s memories, abilities and powers through touch, in the reboot.
Spaeny is known for her roles in ‘Priscilla,’ ‘Alien: Romulus’ and ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.’
Mystique
While there are no casting reports about Mystique, Inde Navarette said she met with Schreier and expressed her interest in playing the blue-skinned shapeshifter in the MCU.
In an interview with Variety, Navarette said she has been meeting with other directors, including Schreier, after the success of her film ‘Obsession’.
Although she quickly quelled fans’ expectations, saying not all meetings ‘turn into projects’.
When asked what possible role she wants to play, Navarette said: “I mean, Mystique has always been super cool.”
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Eugene Nicklaus S. Laqui 
Newsjustnews writers 
Levi Mora