Marvel's X-Men Reboot to Center on Jean Grey, Director Confirms at D23 2026
Jake Schreier says Jean Grey will lead Marvel Studios' 2028 X-Men film, following her introduction in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
Marvel Studios is putting Jean Grey at the center of its X-Men reboot. Director Jake Schreier confirmed at D23 2026 that Jean will be the main character of the studio's 2028 X-Men movie, according to fan outlet Screen Rant.
The character was introduced in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, with Sadie Sink playing Jean Grey. That appearance now sets up her expanded role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's mutant era.
Marvel Studios has held the rights to the X-Men since 2019, when Disney's acquisition of Fox brought the mutants under the MCU umbrella. Kevin Feige has teased that the X-Men will be central to the next few MCU Sagas.
The move marks a break from the Fox era. That franchise launched with Jean Grey as a major secondary character, but Wolverine quickly took the lead, with Hugh Jackman's character getting multiple solo movies and returning to lead X-Men: Days of Future Past. The series later shifted its focus to Professor X and Magneto for X-Men: First Class.
Jean Grey's only previous shot at being the true main character of a film came with 2019's Dark Phoenix. Now, under Schreier's direction, she will headline Marvel Studios' own X-Men franchise when it launches in 2028.
Quick answers
Who is the main character in Marvel's 2028 X-Men movie?
Jean Grey, as confirmed by director Jake Schreier at D23 2026.
Who plays Jean Grey in the MCU?
Sadie Sink, who was introduced as Jean Grey in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
When did Marvel Studios get the X-Men rights?
Marvel Studios has had the rights to the X-Men since 2019.