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With the launch of Spider-Man: Brand New Day just days away, speculation over the character played by Stranger Things star Sadie Sink has reached fever pitch, leading to one interviewer trying an unlikely method of extracting the truth.
During an interview to promote the film in New York, one interviewer attempted to gauge Sink’s reaction when the words “Jean Grey” were said, following huge fan speculation that the actress is taking on the role of the legendary X-Men character.
“Let’s pretend here…” podcast interviewer The Backstage Experience began.
“Mmm…” Sink replies.
“…I walked into a store…” the interviewer continues.
“Mhm…” Sink acknowleges.
“…and I bought some jeans, grey for instance.”
“And what about them?!” Sink says, trying to hide a smile.
oh my god someone finally brought up jean grey to her you can tell she got so nervous free sadie 😭 pic.twitter.com/Pf0Plwi6os
— ؘ (@m3yfield) July 20, 2026
With just a week to go until Spider-Man: Brand New Day begins its previews, Sink’s character still hasn’t been officially unveiled, with the mystery becoming a key part of the film’s marketing. However, fans are becoming increasingly convinced that she’s playing Jean Grey due to various leaks, while trailers have heavily alluded to her having psychic powers, and shown her taking over the minds of people and even other heroes.
There has been growing certainty over Sink playing the iconic X-Men character Jean Grey in recent weeks, with numerous other Marvel insiders all now rounding on her playing the character, rather than some of the other, earlier candidates. It’s been clear for some time, though, that Sink was not playing just another regular Spider-Man villain (of which Brand New Day has half a dozen already).
Last year, it was reported that Sink will be back in 2027’s climactic Multiverse Saga finale Avengers: Secret Wars, something that seemingly sets her up for a far bigger MCU role. Of course, Marvel is currently prepping its big X-Men reboot, which is being helmed by Thunderbolts/The New Avengers director Jake Schreier. Introducing Jean Grey now would allow Marvel to gently introduce audiences to the idea of a fresh generation of X-Men, before fans get to say farewell to various legacy characters who are returning for Avengers: Doomsday.
Speaking on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Sink discussed the huge amount of secrecy over her role and described not being able to say who she’s playing as “torture.” Still, there’s not long to wait now until Spider-Man: Brand New Day finally arrives on July 31 and we finally get some answers, while Sink will presumably be able to breathe a sigh of relief.
In the meantime, the ever-chatty Tom Holland has revealed a few details, such as the fact that “one person” still remembers Peter Parker is Spider-Man. Holland has also been discussing his potential involvement in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars — which he has suggested he will feature in.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at [email protected] or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
