Marvel fans eagerly await the return of the X-Men, as rumors swirl about the casting for the MCU’s next wave of mutants. Elle Fanning has emerged as a leading contender for the role of Jean Grey, one of the franchise’s most iconic characters, as the MCU prepares to introduce its own definitive version of the X-Men following the Disney-Fox merger.
Insider Reports Highlight Fanning’s Renewed Interest for the Role
Entertainment insider Jeff Sneider, speaking on The Hot Mic podcast with John Rocha, revealed that Elle Fanning’s name is back in consideration for Jean Grey, alongside other actresses like Margaret Qualley and Daisy Edgar-Jones. Sneider noted that Fanning’s inclusion on the shortlist signals Marvel’s renewed focus on assembling a fresh generation of mutants within the MCU.
Fanning’s Previous Audition for the Role and Past Industry Challenges
Elle Fanning’s potential casting as Jean Grey is not without precedent. Prior to the Disney-Fox merger, she auditioned for the role in X-Men: Apocalypse but lost out to Sophie Turner. Fanning shared on the Happy Sad Confused podcast in May 2023 that a contributing factor in not securing the part was her comparatively lower Instagram following.
“I did try out for…I’m not going to say what it was, but I didn’t get a part once for something big because – it might not have just been this reason, but this was the feedback that I heard – was because I didn’t have enough Instagram followers at the time.” —Elle Fanning
“So that was a little like…I firmly don’t believe in not getting a part [for that]. It was for a bigger thing, a franchise thing.” —Elle Fanning
Sophie Turner later corroborated this, admitting that social media presence influenced casting decisions during that period.
“I auditioned for a project and it was between me and another girl who is a far better actress than I am, far better, but I had the followers, so I got the job. It’s not right, but it is part of the movie industry now.” —Sophie Turner
Marvel’s Vision for a Mutant-Centered Future in the MCU
Marvel Studios is reportedly developing a long-term strategy for the mutants, tentatively called the “Mutant Saga,” which is expected to unfold after the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars films. Marvel president Kevin Feige has hinted at a 10-year roadmap that mirrors the scope and ambition of the previous Infinity Saga, signaling a major commitment to the X-Men franchise within the MCU.
Fanning’s Growing Profile and the Potential Impact of Landing Jean Grey
With recent successes including Death Stranding 2 and a series of well-received performances, Elle Fanning’s profile has grown considerably, strengthening her suitability for a high-profile role like Jean Grey. Should she secure this part, it would mark a significant moment in her career, overcoming past setbacks tied to social media influence and highlighting talent as the core criterion. This development could shape the landscape of the MCU’s mutant narrative for years to come.
