Samara Weaving has been cast to play Emma Frost in Marvel Studios’ next X-Men film, sources confirmed on July 31, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Director Jake Schreier and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige were involved in selecting Weaving for the role [2, 3]. Testing for the part wrapped up in early July 2026 [3].
Emma Frost is a mutant character known for her telepathic abilities and a signature power to transform her body into an organic diamond form [1, 2]. The character has appeared in previous live-action X-Men films, portrayed by January Jones in X-Men: First Class and X-Men: Days of Future Past [1, 2, 3].
Weaving, 34 years old, is widely recognized for her roles in horror and thriller films such as Ready or Not and The Babysitter [1, 2, 3]. She also has a family link to the MCU; her uncle, Hugo Weaving, played Red Skull in earlier films [1].
Other rumored cast members for the new X-Men movie include Adam Driver as Mister Sinister, Cailee Spaeny as Rogue, and Charles Melton as Beast, though these have not been officially confirmed [1, 3]. Emma Frost’s alignment in the film is unclear since in the comics she has been both a villain and a hero at different times [2, 3].
Inde Navarrette, a Marvel insider, praised director Jake Schreier’s previous work on Thunderbolts, noting it was character-driven and captured what fans love about Marvel storytelling [3]. Navarrette also remarked, "I mean, Mystique has always been super cool," referencing another key mutant character [3].
Marvel Studios has not officially announced the new X-Men casting or confirmed a release date for the film [1, 2]. More details and additional casting announcements are expected at the D23 fan event scheduled for September 2026 [1].
