Sadie Sink s the fourth entry in Tom Holland's Spider-Man franchise, besides confirmation that it will release in 2026, Holland is returning and Shang-Chi's Destin Daniel Cretton is directing. Stranger Things' Sink is the first new casting for the film, but Marvel hasn't shared who she's playing.

Per usual, the internet is theorizing who she could be playing, and reacting accordingly. Many theories suggest she could be playing X-Men's Jean Grey, while others speculate she could play a new love interest, possibly Mary Jane Watson or Gwen Stacy.

Film Updates shared an unofficial update on X, stating, "Sadie Sink could be playing Jean Grey or Mary Jane in SPIDER-MAN 4." This tweet led to plenty of pushback from other X s.

@Helensfilms didn't criticize the possible casting, but wants more clarity from Marvel, saying, "Marvel needs to clear this up right now."

Kyle Selby is positive Sink's not playing MJ, reminding other s about a scene from Spider-Man: No Way Home that confirms her last name is Watson, making her the MCU's MJ Watson.

Tiff believes there's no way Holland would allow Sink to play MJ, saying, "There’s literally no way Tom holland allows zendaya to be replaced as his love interest/his Mary Jane, let’s be so real right now and wrap this up."

@wildestblues believes there's no point in adding another love interest as Zendaya is perfect, saying, "no offense but this spiderman universe has already a love interest and that is mj portayed by zendaya!! we don't need mary jane we already have the perfect one."

@trymeasureloss believes introducing Sink as an actual Mary Jane Watson would be an affront to Zendaya, who has been referred to as MJ for three movies: "Introducing a Mary Jane Watson as an actual love interest, after spending 3 movies calling Zendaya's character MJ (Michelle Jones) Watson, because they refused to let her be Mary Jane, would be very... yeah (derogatory)."

@hobiesprowler refuses to believe Sink is playing Mary Jane, saying, "you know DAMN well she's not."

What Marvel Fans' Responses To Sadie Sink's Potential Casting As MJ Means

Based on the reactions to Sink's casting, most fans would not be happy if she was playing Mary Jane Watson. Many of these s are ionate defenders of Zendaya's performance and would find it inappropriate to replace her as Spider-Man's new love interest. Zendaya has portrayed MJ in three films, and it's obvious she's supposed to be Mary Jane, even though her name is Michelle Jones.

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The other response to this possible casting is denial. Many believe that she's not playing Mary Jane because Marvel already has one and because Holland wouldn't allow Zendaya, his real-life girlfriend, to be replaced. It's important to note that nobody is opposed to Sink ing the MCU, but they do take issue with Sink possibly taking over Zendaya's place in the franchise.

Our Take On Marvel Fans' Responses To Sadie Sink's Potential Casting As MJ

Sadie Sink as Max in the Upside Down in Stranger Things season 4

Marvel hasn't confirmed anything regarding Sink's MCU role. She could be playing someone that the internet hasn't even thought about. Since she has red hair, it's easy to think she could be playing MJ. However, the same could be said about Emma Stone in The Amazing Spider-Man films and Bryce Dallas Howard in Spider-Man 3. Both actresses have natural red hair, but they portray Gwen Stacy, who is blonde.

Sink could be playing Stacy or an alternate version of MJ. Spider-Man 4 releases between Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, meaning the multiverse could be open, allowing a variant of MJ to the MCU briefly. There's also the possibility she's playing Jean Grey, who Sink has been linked to in several casting rumors. Marvel fans need to show patience, as there are many possibilities regarding who Sink could play in Spider-Man 4 and in what context.

Spider-Man Brand New Day Logo Poster
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Not Yet Rated
Superhero
Action
Adventure
Release Date
July 31, 2026
Director
Destin Daniel Cretton
Writers
Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Stan Lee
Franchise(s)
Spider-Man

MCU Movies