Casting 30 of our favorite Marvel and DC Comics superheroes and villains
By Mark Lynch
20. Jean Grey
You want to know one thing that people can’t take away from 20th Century Fox? They cast Jean Grey right twice. Even if X-Men: The Last Stand was bad, Famke Janssen was good. Jean Grey is a difficult character to cast.
The actor has to look good with red hair, be able to pull off being scared of her inner demons, but also be confident. Then there’s the transformation into Dark Phoenix. She’ll have to be able to look crazy on command even if she was calm two seconds ago. Sophie Turner was incredible at doing that.
Both she and Famke Jannsen were tall which helps sell the character as well. It’ll be awhile before we get another attempt at The Dark Phoenix Saga. So the actor playing Jean Grey should have some time to grow into the role before she plays the iconic character.
Our Dream Casting: Millie Bobby Brown
If you’ve seen Stranger Things, you can see why this works. Millie Bobby Brown has shown that she can pull off being telekinetic and telepathic. We’ve also seen that she can look crazy and powerful while using her powers.
Right now, she’s only 15 years old. By the time they start casting for Jean Grey, she will have had more experience and acting credits to her name. Even if they cast her in the next year, we could get a young Jean Grey and Cyclops who can grow together. You know, before Jean Grey eventually dies and comes back.