Adam Driver is set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the supervillain Mister Sinister, while rising star Inde Navarette will portray Rogue in Marvel’s upcoming “X-Men” reboot.
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige announced the new cast members Friday night at Disney’s D23 convention in Anaheim, California. Driver’s former “Girls” co-star Christopher Abbott will play Professor Charles Xavier, while Maya Boyd has been cast as Storm.
The film, directed by Jake Schreier, is scheduled to hit theaters in May 2028. “Beef” creator Lee Sung Jin and “The Bear” co-showrunner Joanna Calo are writing the screenplay.
Driver’s involvement in the “X-Men” project had been widely rumored for years, with speculation often suggesting he might portray Magneto. During the D23 presentation, Driver appeared on a large screen while the rest of the newly announced cast members appeared on stage.
“Kevin and I had been talking for years about my joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and I think we finally found the perfect film,” Driver said.
He jokingly announced that he would play Magneto before correcting himself and revealing that he would instead portray Nathaniel Essex, the character better known as Mister Sinister.
Navarette, who has quickly gained attention following her performance in the horror film “Obsession,” was also the subject of considerable casting speculation before her role as Rogue was confirmed.
Previously announced cast members at the event included Samara Weaving as Emma Frost, Kit Connor as Scott “Cyclops” Summers and Sadie Sink as Jean Grey. Sink’s role was revealed through her appearance in this summer’s Marvel hit “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”
Feige noted that many of the actors had only met one another backstage shortly before appearing before the audience.
Marvel’s incorporation of the “X-Men” into the MCU became possible after Disney acquired 21st Century Fox’s film assets in 2019.
The D23 presentation also featured updates on Disney’s upcoming “Star Wars” projects.
Ryan Gosling and director Shawn Levy promoted “Star Wars: Starfighter,” which is scheduled for release in May 2027. Gosling will play Kade Auberon, a character described as a man from the less privileged side of the galaxy whose fate becomes connected with a powerful starfighter.
Gosling said his early association with Disney played an important role in his career and described his return to the company decades later as life-changing.
The event also featured appearances by “Star Wars: Ahsoka” star Rosario Dawson and Hayden Christensen, who will return as Anakin Skywalker in the second season of the Disney+ series.
Marvel veterans Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans and Hayley Atwell also appeared to promote “Avengers: Doomsday,” scheduled for release on December 18. Downey, now playing Doctor Doom, is shown battling Thor, while Evans returns as Captain America.
The trailer also features Ian McKellen as Magneto. Hugh Jackman appeared in a video message and suggested he may return as Wolverine, though Marvel has not definitively confirmed his participation.
Disney also offered a preview of the upcoming Disney+ series “Visionquest,” starring Paul Bettany as Vision and James Spader as Ultron.
The evening included a presentation for “Frozen 3,” with Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel performing for fans despite technical problems involving audio, video and stage doors. Josh Gad also performed a song as Olaf, while the cast of “The Greatest Showman” presented musical numbers from the stage adaptation of the 2017 film.
