Marvel Studios has officially announced the principal cast for its rebooted X-Men film, ending years of rumours around the next mutant chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The announcement arrived at Disney’s D23 fan convention, where Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige introduced the actors taking on roles including Cyclops, Storm, Professor X, Rogue and Mister Sinister. The film is being directed by Jake Schreier, whose previous Marvel work includes Thunderbolts*.
The project now has a confirmed theatrical release date and final title: X-Men will open in cinemas on 5 May 2028.
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X-Men 2028 confirmed cast
Adam Driver as Mister Sinister
Adam Driver will play Nathaniel Milbury, an alias used by the villain Mister Sinister. Driver, known for the Star Wars sequel trilogy, Girls and Megalopolis, had previously declined several Marvel roles.
Driver appeared in a pre-recorded video rather than attending D23 in person. In a playful introduction, he first suggested that he was playing Magneto before correcting himself and revealing Mister Sinister. He said discussions with Feige about joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe had continued for years, and that this film felt like the right opportunity.
Christopher Abbott as Professor X
Christopher Abbott will portray Charles Xavier, the founder and leader of the school for gifted youngsters. His credits include independent films such as Possessor, Poor Things and It Comes at Night, as well as the television series Girls.
Abbott has already appeared in a Marvel-related production, playing the assassin known as Foreigner in Sony’s Kraven the Hunter.
Sadie Sink as Jean Grey
Sadie Sink, recognised for Stranger Things, will play Jean Grey. Her involvement had already been suggested by her secretive appearance in the summer blockbuster Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
The autumn bus journey shown at the end of that film now appears to lead Jean towards Xavier’s school in upstate New York, matching a theory held by many Marvel fans.
Kit Connor as Cyclops
Kit Connor is taking over the role of Scott Summers, also known as Cyclops. He follows James Marsden and Tye Sheridan in playing the X-Men’s field leader in live action.
Connor is known for Heartstopper and Warfare. He is also attached to the 2028 film adaptation of Elden Ring, although his role in that project has not been disclosed.
Samara Weaving as Emma Frost
Samara Weaving will play Emma Frost, the White Queen. The character has traditionally been introduced as an X-Men adversary before becoming an ally, making her a potentially complex addition to the new team.
Weaving’s previous credits include The Babysitter, Ready or Not and Scream 6.
Inde Navarrette as Rogue
Inde Navarrette has been cast as Rogue, the mutant whose powers allow her to absorb another person’s abilities and consciousness. Navarrette is known for the series Obsession; the role was previously played in live action by Anna Paquin.
Maya Boyd as Storm
Maya Boyd will make her major-screen debut as Ororo Munroe, better known as Storm. The actor is primarily associated with Broadway and will inherit the role previously played by Halle Berry and Alexandra Shipp.
Storm’s weather-manipulating abilities make her one of the most recognisable members of the X-Men, while the new casting suggests Marvel is building a fresh ensemble around established characters.
More X-Men casting is coming
Feige confirmed that additional casting announcements are still to come, so the D23 line-up is not yet the complete roster for the 2028 film.
The announcement gives fans a clearer picture of Marvel’s new mutant era, while leaving plenty of questions about the wider team, the film’s story and how these characters will connect with the existing MCU.
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What we know so far
- Film: X-Men
- Release date: 5 May 2028
- Director: Jake Schreier
- Confirmed cast: Adam Driver, Christopher Abbott, Sadie Sink, Kit Connor, Samara Weaving, Inde Navarrette and Maya Boyd
- More announcements: Kevin Feige says further X-Men casting is on the way
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