According to a new report from Deadline, the Heartstopper star is expected to take on the role of Scott Summers, better known as Cyclops, in Marvel Studios’ upcoming X-Men film. While the studio has not confirmed the casting, the report says Connor has emerged as Marvel’s choice to lead the next generation of mutants.
For fans who have followed Connor since his breakout performance as Nick Nelson, the reported casting is an exciting next step. Over the past few years, he’s become one of Hollywood’s fastest-rising young actors, balancing blockbuster projects with the heartfelt queer storytelling that made audiences fall in love with him in the first place.
The MCU’s New Mutant Leader?
Cyclops isn’t just another superhero. As the longtime leader of the X-Men, Scott Summers has been one of Marvel’s defining characters for decades, known for his powerful optic blasts and unwavering sense of responsibility. It’s a role previously played by James Marsden and Tye Sheridan, but Marvel’s reboot is expected to introduce an entirely new team.
Spider-Man Spoiler Warning
Connor also won’t be the only new mutant joining the MCU. Sadie Sink has been confirmed as Jean Grey, setting up one of the most iconic romances in Marvel history. Scott Summers and Jean Grey have long been at the heart of the X-Men comics, with their relationship becoming one of the franchise’s defining love stories.
From Queer Coming-of-Age to Comic Book Hero
Connor first captured hearts through Netflix’s Heartstopper, where his performance as Nick Nelson helped turn the series into a global phenomenon and one of television’s most celebrated queer love stories. Since then, he’s built an impressive résumé with projects including Alex Garland’s Warfare and A24’s upcoming adaptation of Elden Ring, proving he’s more than ready to take on a franchise of Marvel’s scale.
With Marvel slowly assembling its new X-Men roster, Connor’s reported casting feels like a strong signal of the studio’s direction for the future. If the reports are true, one of our favorite actors is about to suit up for one of the biggest superhero roles there is, and we’ll definitely be first in line to see what he does with it.
