After months of speculation and secrecy, Sadie Sink has finally spoken openly about her role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day and what lies ahead for her character, Jean Grey in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The actress, known for her roles in Stranger Things and The Whale has been tight-lipped about her involvement in the film, but with the movie now in theaters, she can finally share her experiences and insights.
The revelation that Sink plays Jean Grey in Spider-Man: Brand New Day has been one of the worst-kept secrets in Hollywood. Fans and critics alike have been eager to learn more about her character and her future in the MCU. In an exclusive interview with Variety Sink discussed the casting process, the challenges of keeping her role a secret, and her excitement about joining the X-Men franchise.
From Stranger Things to the MCU: Sadie Sink’s Journey to Jean Grey
Sink’s journey to playing Jean Grey began with a phone call from Marvel Studios. She recalls, “I knew nothing about her. People had started rumors about me playing that character — for like years, it had kind of been circulating online — so that was all I knew about her. But I had never seen X-Men so I was just like unfamiliar.” It wasn’t until Marvel’s Kevin Feige and Louis D’Esposito reached out that she started to delve into the character’s rich history and significance in the comic book world.
The actress quickly realized that Jean Grey was a “no-brainer” for her. “She’s such an iconic figure in X-Men and in comics, and I’m very excited to bring my iteration of her to life,” Sink said. Her portrayal of Jean Grey in Spider-Man: Brand New Day introduces a complex and flawed character, which Sink believes is crucial for the X-Men franchise. “What makes them special is that they are all incredibly flawed and maybe have done bad things,” she explained. “That makes them more compelling, complex characters and a more complex hero if they don’t start out that way.”
The Challenges of Playing a Villain with a Cause
Playing a villain is never easy, especially when the character has a justified reason for their actions. Sink described Jean Grey as someone who “doesn’t want to harm, but she herself has been harmed, so that’s all she knows.” This backstory and motive behind her actions make Jean Grey a relatable and compelling character. “They told me that I was the villain, but that you’re not actually the villain, which is how I played her,” Sink revealed. “I don’t really want to lean into, like this bad guy aura. Because in her brain it’s totally justified. Which I mean, I agree. I think it is.”
One of the most memorable scenes in Spider-Man: Brand New Day is the revelation of what V-Max stands for. Sink shared her reaction to reading the script: “Well, at first, I was like, ‘Is the sister in the vent?’ [Laughs.] Then I kept on reading the script, and I was like, ‘Oh my god, wait, that’s so much better that it means absolutely nothing.'” This pivotal moment unleashes Jean Grey’s full potential and sets the stage for her future in the MCU.
What’s Next for Jean Grey in the MCU
With Spider-Man: Brand New Day setting box office records and grossing over $1.15 billion worldwide in just seven days, the future looks bright for Jean Grey and the X-Men. Sink has already had conversations with Jake Schreier the director of the upcoming X-Men film, about her character’s journey. “It’s been really exciting all the conversations we’ve had, and I feel really lucky that I have this introduction through Spider-Man and [her] backstory,” she said.
While the exact release date for the X-Men film is still uncertain, it is expected to premiere in a post-Avengers: Secret Wars world sometime after 2027. Sink’s Jean Grey is one of the first real members of the team to show up in the MCU, and her performance in Spider-Man: Brand New Day has set the stage for an exciting future. “Knowing Jean’s struggle will be important in the future of her character and where she goes, just makes her really well-rounded, which I’m excited for,” Sink concluded.
