An MCU Star Already Nailed the Perfect Mystique Casting

We’re excited to witness who will take on the role of Mystique in the new X-Men series by Marvel Studios, a revival of the franchise. Historically, Mystique has been portrayed by Rebecca Romijn and Jennifer Lawrence in 20th Century Fox’s X-Men movies, each bringing their own interpretation to the blue-skinned mutant character. Although Romijn is rumored to return as the character in 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday, her portrayal may undergo a transformation for Jake Schreier’s X-Men reboot, with the casting decision yet to be made.

During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter at the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con in July, Dafne Keen endorsed Sophie Nélisse as a fitting choice for Mystique in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). “I’ve been saying this, but I believe Sophie should play Mystique,” Keen said when asked about which character she thought would suit Nélisse. “She’d be fantastic as Mystique, she’s already sporting blue, I think she’d be excellent for the role. Somebody should cast her,” added Keen, who made her film debut as X-23 in Logan and reprised the beloved character in Deadpool & Wolverine. Her endorsement is sure to catch the attention of MCU producers.

At San Diego Comic-Con 2025, Dafne Keen proposes Sophie Nélisse for the role of Mystique in the Marvel Cinematic Universe during a conversation in THR’s suite.

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) July 27, 2025

In addition to Dafne Keen’s suggestion for the role, Sophie Nélisse has repeatedly demonstrated her suitability for the character of Mystique, should she be cast. Nélisse herself expresses her interest in being considered for the part, stating that she is actively wishing for it. Canadian actor Sophie Nélisse, famous for playing Shauna Shipman on Showtime’s Yellowjackets, is particularly recognized for her portrayal of the younger version of Melanie Lynskey’s Shauna Sadecki. Nélisse’s performance in Yellowjackets has highlighted her acting abilities, particularly in morally ambiguous scenarios, much like Mystique would encounter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Considering Marvel Studios’ potential decision to cast a younger actor for their X-Men reboot, 25-year-old Nélisse could be an ideal fit for a fresher take on Mystique. She has the potential to spearhead the villain role for several years, providing ample opportunity to delve into her transformation from a villain to an antihero, the formation of the Brotherhood of Mutants, her relationships with Rogue and Nightcrawler, and her romantic involvement with Destiny – elements that were not fully explored in previous portrayals by Romijn and Lawrence. Moreover, Nélisse’s background as a gymnast might make her exceptionally suited for the more athletic aspects of Mystique’s character, potentially making her an excellent choice for the role.

In 2011, Sophie Nélisse made her big-screen debut in the film “Monsieur Lazhar,” which brought her several awards. Her standout performance in the 2013 movie “The Book Thief” as Liesel Meminger earned her additional honors, including a Hollywood Film Award, a Satellite Award, and a Young Artist Award. Recently, she’s been featured in films like “The Kid Detective,” “Irena’s Vow,” and the upcoming “Whistle” with Keen. With her promising career on the rise, Sophie Nélisse could be an excellent candidate for Marvel Studios to discover and develop into a household name, similar to other stars they’ve nurtured in the past.

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2025-08-31 21:12