Marvel has reportedly cast a former Star Wars actor as Magneto in its new X-Men movie

Marvel has supposedly cast a major star as Magneto in its new X-Men film

The actor in question was linked with another major role in the MCU

They were said to be close to playing The Fantastic Four's Reed Richards

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has reportedly found its Magneto.

According to multiple industry insiders, none other than former Star Wars actor Adam Driver has supposedly signed on to play the iconic metal manipulating mutant in the comic giant's new X-Men movie.

At the time of publication, the Hollywood trades are yet to corroborate this via their own sources. Furthermore, with this rumor being circulated online by leakers with spotty track records, including MyTimeToShineHello and KnightEdgeMedia, Driver's casting is mere speculation at this stage.

That said, another insider in Apocalyptic Horseman, who's more trustworthy than the aforementioned pair, has backed up their claim. So, until we get an official line from Marvel and/or some form of verification from Deadline, Variety, or The Hollywood Reporter, it's just as likely that Driver will appear in the MCU's first X-Men film as not.

What are the chances of Driver's involvement being confirmed sooner rather than later? Well, San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2026 is right around the corner and Marvel is set to take the stage for its traditional Hall H panel on Saturday, July 25. Considering Marvel has had a surprise or two up its sleeve for past editions of SDCC presentations, I wouldn't rule out the prospect of some form of official X-Men movie casting news at this year's event.

Driving the Marvel rumor mill

If Driver becomes the third A-lister to portray Magneto in a live-action film — the others being Michael Fassbender and legendary actor Ian McKellen — it'll bring an end to his long-rumored involvement in the MCU.

In October 2022, Driver was supposedly in talks to play Doctor Doom in Marvel's Fantastic Four film. Seven months later, Driver was apparently among the stars up for consideration for playing The Fantastic Four's Reed Richards instead. Said whisper was just one of many Fantastic Four casting rumors that sent MCU fans into a tailspin and, eventually, didn't come to pass.

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Will this Magneto-specific rumor prove to be third time's a charm for Driver? Some fans aren't convinced — indeed, threads on ResetEra and various Reddit pages are full of comments saying Driver would be a better fit for famous X-Men villain Mister Sinister, or that he should steer clear of a franchise whose best days are arguably behind it.

With or without Driver, Marvel's untitled X-Men movie is slowly taking shape. Lee Isaac Chung and Jake Schreier (Beef, Thunderbolts*) are already on board as its respective writer and director, and Marvel President Kevin Feige recently revealed (per Collider) that the mutant-led feature could be the first MCU film post-Avengers: Secret Wars.

Meanwhile, with speculation swirling online that Sadie Sink is playing iconic X-Men member Jean Grey in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, as well as Obsession star Inde Navarrette saying she recently met with Schreier, and Apocalyptic Horseman saying Marvel is searching for the MCU's Cyclops, Storm, and Rogue, this new X-Men movie's cast might soon be in place. All eyes will be firmly fixed on Marvel's SDCC 2026 presentation, then, for confirmation of any or all of the above.

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As TechRadar's senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You'll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.

An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as this Moon Knight TV spot.

Away from work, Tom can be found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, reading the many unread books on his shelf, staying fit at the gym, and petting every dog he comes across.

Got a scoop, interesting story, or an intriguing angle on the latest news in entertainment? Feel free to drop him a line.