Marvel fans are buzzing with anticipation for the studio's upcoming slate, especially the long-awaited X-Men reboot. While the casting announcements have been rolling in, one actor has just revealed he didn't make the cut. KJ Apa, best known for his role on Riverdale, recently opened up about his audition for the Marvel film, and it's a bittersweet update for fans hoping to see him join the mutant universe.
During an exclusive interview with Collider for his new movie Jimmy, Apa was asked about his connection to the X-Men franchise. When he spotted a collection of X-Men memorabilia in the interviewer's setup, he quipped, "I didn't get that one, but that's fine." Pressed further, he confirmed, "I already tested for it. I didn't get it." While he didn't specify which character he auditioned for, his comments have sparked speculation among fans.
The X-Men reboot is one of the most highly anticipated projects in Marvel's upcoming slate. Set to hit theaters on May 5, 2028, it will be the first fresh take on the team in years, with a new cast and a new direction. The film is part of Marvel's Phase Six, following Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, which will reset the universe and introduce a new saga.
Earlier this year at D23, Marvel officially announced a star-studded cast for the reboot. Adam Driver will play the villainous Mr. Sinister, while Christopher Abbott takes on the role of Charles Xavier. Samara Weaving is set to portray Emma Frost, with Inde Navarette as Rogue, Sadie Sink as Jean Grey, Maya Boyd as Storm, and Kit Connor as Scott Summers. Just this week, Ben Wang was added as Iceman, and Asa Germann will play Angel.
With such a talented ensemble, it's no surprise that many actors are eager to join the project. However, the casting process is highly competitive, and not everyone gets the part. Apa's revelation adds him to the list of actors who auditioned but didn't make the final cut. While he didn't name the role, fans have speculated that he might have been up for Gambit, a character known for his charm and Cajun accent, which could suit Apa's style.
Gambit remains uncast, as do other key characters like Magneto and Nightcrawler. Given the relationship between Magneto and Professor X, it's likely that Magneto will appear in some capacity, especially with Christopher Abbott already on board as Xavier. Nightcrawler is also a fan favorite, and Alan Cumming is set to reprise the role in Avengers: Doomsday, which could set up his involvement in the reboot.
Directed by Jake Schreier, who recently helmed Thunderbolts*, the X-Men reboot has a script from Joanna Calo and Lee Sung Jin. With a release date of May 5, 2028, there's still plenty of time for more casting announcements. Fans can expect to hear more names in the coming months, as Marvel continues to build out its mutant lineup.
For now, Apa's fans can catch him in Jimmy, which hits theaters this weekend. While his X-Men dreams may not have come true, he's still a rising star with plenty of opportunities ahead. And who knows? Marvel has a habit of bringing actors back for other roles, so this might not be the last we hear of Apa in the MCU.
Stay tuned for more updates on the X-Men reboot and other Marvel projects. In the meantime, check out our ranking of every Star Wars movie for some intergalactic fun, or see what's new on Homestead: The Series.
