‘Heartstopper’ star eyed to play Cyclops in Marvel’s ‘X-Men’ reboot
Kit Connor is reportedly Marvel Studios’ choice to play Scott Summers, also known as Cyclops, in its upcoming ‘X-Men’ reboot. However, Marvel has not announced the casting, and Connor’s representatives have not commented on the report. Deadline reported on August 6 that sources said the studio landed on Connor after meeting and testing several actors for the role. For now, he is only being considered for the part of Cyclops and has not been officially confirmed for the film.
The wording across the reports points to a casting process that may be close to completion but is not yet public. Deadline called Connor Marvel’s choice, while other reports suggest that any appearance depends on his deal closing. Jake Schreier, who directed ‘Thunderbolts,’ is set to direct the new film, with Lee Sung Jin and Joanna Calo working on the script.
Cyclops is one of the original X-Men and first appeared in Marvel Comics in 1963. His mutant ability produces energy beams from his eyes, which he controls with a visor or special glasses. Scott has often served as the team’s field leader and is closely tied to Professor Charles Xavier’s plans for the X-Men. His long-running relationship with Jean Grey has also shaped many of the team’s central stories in the comics and earlier films.
James Marsden played Cyclops in the original ‘X-Men’ films, while Tye Sheridan portrayed a younger Scott Summers in the later prequel movies. Marsden is also set to return as Cyclops in ‘Avengers: Doomsday,’ alongside other actors from the previous film series. Connor would therefore not replace Marsden in that movie. Instead, his reported casting would establish a new version of Scott for Marvel Studios’ separate ‘X-Men’ reboot.
The reports also suggest Marvel is assembling a younger mutant team for the next stage of the MCU. Sadie Sink has joined the MCU as Jean Grey, while Samara Weaving has been linked to the role of Emma Frost. Connor’s addition would place Scott and Jean near the center of the developing lineup. It would also give Marvel time to build Cyclops as a leader across more than one film, though the studio has not revealed its plans for the character.
Connor is best known for playing Nick Nelson in Netflix’s ‘Heartstopper’ and recently appeared in Alex Garland’s ‘Warfare.’ He is also attached to the ‘Elden Ring’ adaptation, continuing his move into larger film projects. Marvel has not announced a release date, production schedule or full cast for ‘X-Men.’ Until the studio confirms the deal, Connor remains the reported choice for Cyclops rather than an officially announced member of the MCU’s new mutant team.
