Sadie Sink, best known for her portrayal of Max Mayfield in Stranger Things, has been cast in the upcoming Spider-Man 4, starring alongside Tom Holland. The film, set for release on July 31, 2026, is the latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Spider-Man saga and has fueled speculation about Sink’s role in the franchise.
According to Deadline, Sink’s role in the film is described as “significant,” though Marvel and Sony have declined to comment on her casting. The secrecy surrounding her character has led to considerable discussion among fans and industry insiders, with two leading theories emerging: she could either be playing Jean Grey, one of the X-Men’s most well-known members, or Mary Jane Watson, a longtime staple of Spider-Man’s lore.
Potential Roles for Sadie Sink
The possibility of Sink portraying Jean Grey aligns with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige’s recent comments regarding the gradual introduction of X-Men characters into the MCU. Feige has previously mentioned that “some X-Men players” will appear in upcoming Marvel films, setting the stage for the franchise’s next major expansion. Given Jean Grey’s history as a founding member of the X-Men, her presence in Spider-Man 4 could indicate a crossover between Peter Parker’s world and the emergence of mutants in the MCU.
Another theory suggests that Sink could be cast as Mary Jane Watson, a character long associated with Spider-Man. However, this possibility raises questions about how her presence would fit into the established dynamic of the MCU, where Zendaya’s character, Michelle “MJ” Jones-Watson, has already served as Peter Parker’s primary love interest. Given that MJ’s full name includes “Watson,” introducing a separate Mary Jane Watson could complicate existing storylines. Some have speculated that Sink’s character could serve as an alternate version of Mary Jane or a new adaptation tailored to the evolving narrative.
A third possibility is that Sink could take on the role of Gwen Stacy, a character with deep ties to Spider-Man’s past. Gwen has gained renewed popularity in recent years due to her portrayal in the Spider-Verse animated films, where she is voiced by Hailee Steinfeld. If Spider-Man 4 explores Peter Parker’s transition into his college years, introducing Gwen could be a natural next step for the franchise.
Spider-Man and the Future of the MCU
The upcoming film follows the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, which ended with Peter Parker facing a reset of his personal life after Doctor Strange erased his identity from the memories of his closest friends. The story’s direction remains unknown, but Sink’s casting hints at a new chapter for the character. If her role involves Jean Grey, it could signal a turning point for the X-Men’s integration into the MCU, reinforcing Feige’s assertion that the mutants will be an important part of the franchise’s future.
Holland, who is currently working on Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, is expected to begin filming Spider-Man 4 once his current project wraps. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, known for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, the film is part of Marvel’s Phase 6 lineup, potentially leading to larger crossover events, including Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027.
While details about Spider-Man 4 remain scarce, Sink’s addition to the cast has increased anticipation for the film. Whether she is playing Jean Grey, Mary Jane Watson, Gwen Stacy, or another character entirely, her presence signals a shift in the direction of the superhero franchise.
