Has Marvel Studios added another cast member to its new “X-Men” ensemble? Deadline says so, and it’s the Cyclops role being filled by actor Kit Connor. Connor joins Samara Weaving‘s Emma Frost (and, one presumes, Sadie Sink‘s Jean Grey) on Jake Schreier‘s upcoming film. Expect more casting news for the MCU blockbuster as August continues.
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Sources told Deadline that Connor’s casting went similarly to Weaving’s, with several candidates auditioning for Cyclops before Schreier and Marvel head Kevin Feige found the finalist they wanted. Marvel reps had no comment on Connor as Cyclops, but the news break should assure “X-Men” fans that the Cooper Hoffman-Cyclops casting rumors are dead. Deadline also noted that a small group of actors tested for various “X-Men” roles over the 4th of July holiday, so it’s safe to expect news on other roles in very soon.
Cyclops is arguably the biggest role to cast in Schreier’s film, however, so Connor’s casting is huge news. Also known as Scott Summers, the character is the captain of the comic book’s team of Mutants, with the powerful ability to project energy beams from his eyes. That accounts for Cyclops’ name and trademark look: a visor that lets him control the beams. James Marsden and Tye Sheridan previously played the character, with Marsden reprising the role in the upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday.”
How Marsden, Hugh Jackman‘s Wolverine, and other old “X-Men” actors play into Marvel’s future iteration remains to be seen, though. One expects Schreier and screenwriter Joanna Calo want to distance themselves as much as possible for the previous crews, but some multiversal shenanigans should be expected in “Doomsday,” “Avengers: Secret Wars,” and beyond.
Meanwhile, Connor’s casting as Cyclops may be the most important of his young career, next to leading Alex Garland‘s upcoming “Elden Ring” adaptation over at A24. Other recent work for the actor includes “Heartstopper Forever,” the movie sequel to Connor’s breakout role on the Netflix‘s “Heartbreaker” series, Garland’s “Warfare,” and “One Of Us.” Other upcoming roles include “Rapture” and “A Cuban Girl’s Guide To Tea And Tomorrow.”
Cyclops, Emma Storm, and Jean Grey may be cast, but some big roles remain to be filled on Schreier’s “X-Men,” most notably Storm and, of course, Wolverine. Stay tuned for news to break there before the summer ends.
 on the cast sheet of Schreier's upcoming 'X-Men' MCU reboot.){kind=link}