Sadie Sink‘s mysterious role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day has finally been revealed.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which hit theaters Friday, July 31, picks up after Dr. Stephen Strange’s spell caused the world to forget that Peter Parker (Tom Holland) exists. Four years later, Peter is anonymously protecting New York City as Spider-Man while navigating the memory losses of his friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) and girlfriend MJ (Zendaya).
The latest Spider-Man film also features Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle (a.k.a Punisher), Florence Pugh as Black Widow, Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk and Sink in a role that was kept secret. Ahead of the film’s release, Sink had to dodge any and every question about how she fit into the Marvel universe.
Director Destin Daniel Cretton previously spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about the decision to maintain such secrecy with Sink’s character.
“Keeping what Sadie’s doing under wraps, you’ll honestly understand when you see the movie. The movie is a better movie if you don’t know certain things,” he said in July. “I wish people didn’t know anything when they go in to watch this movie, but we’re not doing it for any other reason but to protect the experience of the fans. And whoever goes on opening weekend, you are going to have a much cooler experience if you go in not knowing certain things.”
With Spider Man: Brand New Day out in theaters, Sink’s role as (spoiler alert!) Jean Grey has finally been confirmed. But what does that mean for the MCU? Keep scrolling for a breakdown of Sink’s character and the next phase of the MCU:
Who Does Sadie Sink Play in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’?
Sink isn’t seen on screen until nearly halfway through the film. As Spider-Man begins investigating a villain who has the power to possess people’s bodies, he is introduced to Sink’s character, Jean.
It is ultimately revealed that she is, in fact, Jean Grey — a.k.a one of the original members of the X-Men.
Where Did Sadie Sink’s Character End Up?
After Spider-Man saved Jean’s life (by literally taking a bullet for her), she was seen on a bus headed out of New York City. Eagle-eyed fans have made the connection that Jean could be headed to Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters in Westchester.
Does Sadie Sink’s Character Introduce More ‘X-Men’?
Jean is the only reference to X-Men in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, but Sink’s role in the franchise seems to be just beginning. MCU’s planned X-Men film — which hasn’t announced a cast or release date — is expected to center around Jean.
What Comes Next for the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
While no more details about an X-Men film have been shared yet, Marvel’s Doomsday will bring back Patrick Stewart as Professor Charles Xavier and Kelsey Grammer as Beast. James Marsden, meanwhile, is Cyclops, with Ian McKellen as Magneto, Rebecca Romijn as Mystique, Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler and Channing Tatum as Gambit.
The X-Men universe will cross over with the MCU as they join forces with the Avengers and Fantastic Four to take on Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom.
What Has Sadie Sink Shared About Playing Jean Grey?
Sink wasn’t able to discuss her role for most of the Spider-Man press tour. In 2025, Sink admitted she was looking forward to when she could finally speak up, telling THR, “There’s so much I want to share.”
“Spider-Man has always been my favorite,” she said at the time. “I love Spider-Man. I love Tom’s Spider-Man, especially. To be a fan of something and then join it is a familiar feeling for me, because I was a fan of Stranger Things before I joined the show, but I was super excited about what they had planned.”
She concluded: “I also worked with the director, Destin Daniel Cretton, in one of the first movies I ever did when I was 14, so it’s kind of a full-circle moment. I had an amazing time working on that film.”
