Sadie Sink has officially joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe, taking on the role of Jean Grey in the newly released film "Spider-Man: Brand New Day." The "Stranger Things" star's casting had been the subject of widespread speculation since her involvement in the project was first rumored.
In the film, Tom Holland's Peter Parker faces a new antagonist capable of inhabiting the minds of individuals within a 33-foot radius. Midway through the movie, this telepathic foe is revealed to be Jean Grey, also known as Dark Phoenix, portrayed by Sink. The character is not presented as malicious but is shown to have been wronged by the Department of Damage Control, an organization seeking to understand and replicate her and her sister Sara's mind-control abilities.
Sink's portrayal marks the first official introduction of an "X-Men" character into the main MCU timeline. Previously, the "X-Men" franchise existed in a separate cinematic universe, with Famke Janssen playing the adult Jean Grey and Sophie Turner portraying the younger version in subsequent films.
Throughout the film's press tour, Sink, 24, largely remained tight-lipped about her character. During an appearance on "The Tonight Show," she responded to direct questions about playing Jean Grey with evasiveness, telling host Jimmy Fallon, "Wouldn't you like to know." Sink also mentioned that not being allowed to discuss her role had been "freeing," as it reduced her interview anxiety.
Months earlier, Sink had shared with Fallon that she was aware of fan theories about her potential role even before being cast. "There was speculation online that said, 'Sadie Sink is going to be in the new Spider-Man.' I was like, 'Hmm? I am?'" she recalled, adding that she was approached for the part just two days later. "So yeah, those theories, there's sometimes some truth to it."
MCU head Kevin Feige commented on Sink's casting, stating that her name was the one that "solidified the idea of the character" after the creative team considered various individuals for the role as they developed the story for Peter Parker. Tom Holland lauded Sink's performance, noting that she "stole the movie" with her grace in handling the character's pressure and delivering a strong third act.
"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" is currently in theaters.