Marvel Unveils Full X-Men Cast for 2028 Reboot at D23

Key points

• Sadie Sink stars as Jean Grey, continuing her role from Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
• Kit Connor is cast as Cyclops, a role previously held by James Marsden and Tye Sheridan.
• Christopher Abbott takes over the role of Professor X from Patrick Stewart.
• Adam Driver plays the villain Nathaniel Milbury, also known as Mr. Sinister.
• The film is directed by Jake Schreier and scheduled for a May 5, 2028 release.

Background

The X-Men franchise was acquired by Disney in 2019, leading to years of speculation about a new MCU entry. Recent films like Spider-Man: Brand New Day introduced Jean Grey to the wider audience, setting the stage for this dedicated team-up movie. The previous X-Men film, Dark Phoenix, was released in 2019 under 20th Century Fox.

How outlets are covering it

While all sources confirm the core cast, Deadline provided earlier exclusive reports on Kit Connor’s casting in August 2026, highlighting the competitive audition process. Marvel.com emphasized the surprise video appearance of Adam Driver, who joked about his initial assumption that he was joining the set rather than the villain role. BBC noted the transition of the Professor X role from Patrick Stewart to Christopher Abbott, marking a significant shift in the character's representation within the MCU.

Why it matters

This casting marks the first major X-Men ensemble in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, signaling a new era for the franchise. The inclusion of high-profile actors like Adam Driver and the return of Sadie Sink indicates Marvel’s commitment to integrating the X-Men into its broader narrative, potentially influencing future Avengers films like Doomsday.

What to watch

Fans should expect additional casting announcements, as Kevin Feige indicated more news is coming. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on May 5, 2028, following the December 2026 release of Avengers: Doomsday.