X-Men: Ben Wang in talks to play Iceman
The actor will soon be appearing in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
It appears that Iceman will also be part of the superhero team in the new "X-Men" movie. Ben Wang is now being considered for the role of the mutant. The actor has reportedly entered talks. This has not yet been officially confirmed, but Deadline claims to have learned of this from unnamed sources. In addition, Gabriel LaBelle, Jackson Kelly, and Rhenzy Feliz are said to have tested for the part.
Wang has made a name for himself in films such as "Karate Kid: Legends" and "The Long Walk," as well as the series "American Born Chinese." The actor will soon be seen on the big screen in "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping." The new "Hunger Games" film is set to premiere on November 20, 2026.
As Iceman, aka Bobby Drake, he would play an "X-Men" hero who has been part of the Marvel comics from the very beginning. He made his debut in the first issue of the "X-Men" comics in September 1963. This makes him one of the original "X-Men" members, alongside Cyclops (aka Scott Summers) , Marvel Girl (aka Jean Grey) , Angel (aka Warren Worthington III) , and Beast (aka Hank McCoy). Thanks to his superpowers, Iceman can drastically lower the temperature around him and turn his own body into ice. In previous "X-Men" films, the mutant was played by Shawn Ashmore.
The X-Men ensemble is increasingly taking shape
Just recently, there was a rumor about the casting of another original "X-Men" member. According to Knight Edge Media, "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" actor Peter Claffey is reportedly set to play the superhero Beast, a mutant known for his superhuman physical strength and agility, as well as his brilliant mind. However, there has been no official confirmation yet. Other stars of the new "X-Men" film from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, on the other hand, have been officially confirmed for some time now. Among them is Kit Connor, known for his lead role in the coming-of-age series "Heartstopper," who will play Cyclops – the X-Men leader with the deadly eyes. The X-Men founder and powerful telepath Charles Xavier, aka Professor X, will be portrayed by "Wolf Man" actor Christopher Abbott.
The villain of the new "X-Men" film has also been revealed: "Star Wars" actor Adam Driver will take on the role of the antagonist Mr. Sinister. "Ready or Not" star Samara Weaving will play Emma Frost, also known as the White Queen, who was initially an adversary of the X-Men but later switched sides. The character possesses telepathic powers and can transform her body into an organic diamond form. Inde Navarette, who caused a sensation with the horror hit "Obsession," will take on the role of Rogue, who can absorb the energy of those she touches. Less well-known internationally is likely Broadway actress Maya Boyd, who will be seen as Storm, aka Ororo Munroe. The mutant has the ability to control the weather and use it to her advantage in battle against her opponents. It was also recently reported that Asa Germann is in talks to play the role of "X-Men" member Angel. The mutant has angel-like wings, which were later replaced by metallic wings in subsequent stories.
The release date has already been set
It has been known for some time who will be behind the camera for the "X-Men" movie. Jake Schreier will direct. He's already made his mark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe: the filmmaker was also responsible for directing "Thunderbolts." Lee Sung Jin and Joanna Calo are on board as screenwriters for "X-Men"; like Schreier, they were also involved in "Thunderbolts." The release date for the new Marvel blockbuster has also been set. However, fans will have to wait a little longer: "X-Men" hits theaters on May 5, 2028.
