Marvel Studios has begun casting its long-awaited X-Men lineup within the MCU, bringing the mutant team into the main franchise for the first time following the end of the separate Fox-produced films. Sadie Sink made her debut as Jean Grey in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, prompting a wave of follow-up casting announcements, but the choices have drawn heavy criticism from parts of the online fan community, particularly directed at the female leads.

Alongside Sink as Jean Grey, Kit Connor has been cast as Cyclops and Inde Navarrette as Rogue, with further additions including Samara Weaving as Emma Frost and Adam Driver as Mr Sinister. Critics online have dismissed the casting as "Disney X-Men", with Sink facing backlash largely over her association with Stranger Things despite acclaimed performances elsewhere, while Navarrette has been criticised even though fans previously campaigned for her to land the role of Rogue. The article argues the backlash is disproportionate, noting these actors bring fresh depth to the characters and that the casting also finally gives underused figures like Emma Frost a proper live-action showcase.