Sadie Sink's Mystery Spider-Man Role: Who Could She Be Playing?
It’s a big year for Marvel, but 2026 is not just about Avengers: Doomsday. No, later in the year, Peter Parker is back in action as he tries to piece his life back together in the wake of Doctor Strange’s multiverse-saving spell.
While no one in the Earth-616 timeline remembers he’s Spidey, we do, and it’s safe to say that Spider-Man: Brand New Day is one of our most anticipated movies of the year. We obviously know that Tom Holland will return as everyone’s favourite webslinger, but he’ll also be joined by Jon Bernthal, who reprises his role as the Punisher, as well as Stranger Things alum, Sadie Sink.
As usual with Marvel, a few surprises are being kept up the sleeve. We’re not exactly sure who Sink will be playing, but there are plenty of rumours doing the rounds – everything ranging from heroes to villains and even a longstanding fancast that could finally come true. Let’s cut through the noise and check out all the potential characters she could be taking on.
Sadie Sink Could Be Playing a Pivotal X-Men Character
One of the most prevalent theories is that Sadie Sink will usher in a new era for mutants in the MCU by playing Jean Grey. We know that the likes of Scott Summers (James Marsden) and Magneto (Sir Ian McKellen) are in the Avengers: Doomsday cast, reprising their roles from the original X-Men trilogy, but it’s widely believed a younger team will take over the mantle from there onwards.
Sink would be perfect to play the problematic yet extremely powerful mutant. She not only looks the part, thanks to her striking red locks, but she’s also had her fair share of experiencing telekinetic powers thanks to her role as Max Mayfield in Stranger Things. Personally, this is the route I hope Marvel takes. Sink is clearly a great actress and a character that’s as integral to the future of the MCU as Jean needs someone who can carry that weight and make the mutants a credible force in the next phase and beyond.
Sadie Sink Could Be a Peter Parker Relative, Or Punisher’s Right-Hand Woman
Other equally fascinating rumours suggest two very different paths Marvel could go down. One would see Sink playing Peter’s daughter, Mayday Parker. We saw this character show up in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, but she was a baby there. So, how would this work, I hear you ask? Well, obviously, she would be an older version of that character coming back in time to meet her dad… Because, of course, nothing is ever simple in Peter Parker’s life.
Alternatively, Sink could be on a much darker side of the superhero world. Some have suggested she will be playing Rachel Cole-Alves, a young marine who is hellbent on getting revenge on the criminals who murdered her family and spoiled her wedding day. In the comics, Rachel teams up with the Punisher, and they’re a formidable pair. Seeing that kind of dynamic play out between Sink and Bernthal would be a real treat.
This idea also fits with the fact that Sink has been spotted on set wearing military print trousers. The only problem is, there’s not a great deal of longevity to this role, per se, and you would think Disney would want Sink in the MCU for more than one movie.
The Shathra Rumours, Explained
From a morally questionable vigilante to a full-blown supervillain, some people think Sadie Sink will be taking on the role of a character we’ve never seen before on the big screen: Shathra. That theory makes a lot of sense, as Shathra is closely linked to the Spider-Verse in the comics.
Frankly, she’s pretty terrifying. Shathra is a wasp-goddess who preys on spider variants across the multiverse. Previous victims include Spider-Gwen, Spider-Man Noir, and Mayday Parker. She’s also got history with Ezekiel, who you may remember from Madame Web.
Introducing Shathra would be a very cool way to take the Spidey movies in a fresh but dark direction. But do I think Sink will be the one playing her? Probably not. I can’t get away from those camo trousers the actress was spotted in… I don’t know about you, but I don’t think many multiversal deities wear army print clothing.
A Stranger Things Reunion Could Be the Best Outcome
Ever since the release of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, fans of the wallcrawler have been crying out for a live-action Miles Morales. Could we see that dream finally realised thanks to Sadie Sink and her Stranger Things co-star, Caleb McLaughlin? Videos of the actor, who played Max’s boyfriend Lucas in the show, flexing his acrobatic skills on social media have fuelled Spider-Man casting speculation.
Casting the pair as Gwen Stacy and Miles Morales would certainly be a great way for Marvel to lean into fan casting to get bums in seats, mirroring the John Krasinski as Mister Fantastic cameo in Multiverse of Madness. It would also ensure that two of the most talented young actors in the industry are locked in for the long haul. Although it’s worth adding that there’s been some backlash to the idea due to McLaughlin not embodying Miles’ Hispanic heritage.
Marvel has confirmed it plans to introduce Miles Morales to the MCU at some point. However, reports suggest Sony has told them to stay away from the character until they are done with their animated trilogy. Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse is slated for release in 2027, meaning Marvel would either have to go against Sony’s wishes by sneaking Miles into the fray in Brand New Day, or focus on Gwen for now and lay the foundations for the alternate Spidey for the meantime.
It’s possible, and would be very cool indeed, but Sadie Sink playing Gwen Stacy still has to be considered a long shot at this point.
