Inde Naverrette met with MCU X- Men director Jake Scherier

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is slowly building toward the arrival of the X-Men, and as speculation continues to grow, fans have already begun imagining which actors could bring some of Marvel’s most beloved mutants to life. One name that has recently entered the conversation is Inde Navarrette, the breakout star of the horror hit Obsession.

While there has been no official announcement from Marvel Studios, an interesting detail has caught the attention of fans. Navarrette recently met filmmaker Jake Schreier, the director behind Thunderbolts and a key creative figure within Marvel’s expanding universe. On its own, a meeting between an actor and a director doesn’t confirm anything. But Navarrette herself also confirmed meeting with Jake Scherier. However, in an era where Marvel casting rumors can begin with the smallest clue, it has sparked plenty of discussion.

As someone who thoroughly enjoyed Thunderbolts—one of my favorite recent Marvel films—I couldn’t help but wonder whether Navarrette could be a fit for the MCU’s mutant era. If Marvel is looking for fresh faces rather than established blockbuster stars, she could be exactly the type of talent the studio has often favored.

Here are four X-Men characters I believe she could play surprisingly well.

Rogue

Among all the possibilities, Rogue may be the most intriguing.

The character requires a performer capable of balancing confidence, vulnerability, and emotional depth. Rogue’s inability to physically touch others without absorbing their memories and powers makes her one of the most tragic figures in the X-Men mythos.

Navarrette’s work in horror has shown an ability to portray fear, resilience, and emotional conflict—qualities that would be essential for a modern interpretation of Rogue. Rather than leaning entirely into the character’s Southern charm, Marvel could explore a younger Rogue still learning how to live with her powers, allowing Navarrette to make the role her own.

Kitty Pryde

If Marvel chooses to introduce the X-Men through a younger perspective, Kitty Pryde remains one of the strongest candidates to lead audiences into the mutant world.

Kitty has traditionally served as the audience’s entry point into the X-Men, discovering both her powers and the realities of mutant life alongside viewers. She is intelligent, relatable, courageous, and often underestimated.

Navarrette’s youthful energy and natural screen presence could make her an ideal fit for a version of Kitty designed to grow across multiple MCU phases. The role would allow her to evolve alongside the franchise in the same way many Marvel stars have done before.

Mystique

This choice may seem unconventional, but that’s exactly why it is interesting.

Mystique has often been portrayed as a mysterious and calculating figure, but Marvel Studios has an opportunity to reinvent the character for a new generation. Rather than introducing a fully formed master manipulator, the MCU could present a younger Mystique whose worldview is still developing.

Navarrette has demonstrated enough range to handle both emotional vulnerability and intensity. A fresh interpretation of Mystique could benefit from an actor capable of bringing more humanity to the role while still embracing the character’s dangerous edge.

X-23

If Marvel wants to continue the legacy of Wolverine while establishing a new generation of mutants, X-23 could become one of the most important characters in the MCU.

Known for her ferocity, emotional complexity, and relentless determination, X-23 demands an actor who can convey both strength and inner conflict. Navarrette’s experience in intense genre projects suggests she could handle the physical and emotional demands that come with portraying Laura Kinney.

With audiences already familiar with the character through previous appearances, a fresh MCU interpretation could quickly become a fan favorite.

Why This Casting Rumor Feels Different?

Most fan-casting discussions begin with appearance alone. This one feels different because it is rooted in momentum.

Marvel has a long history of identifying rising stars before they become household names. Many of the MCU’s biggest success stories started with actors who were not obvious blockbuster choices at the time. Navarrette fits that mold perfectly. She is building buzz, earning attention for her performance in Obsession, and arriving at a moment when Marvel is actively shaping the future of the X-Men.

Does a meeting with a Marvel-connected director mean a casting announcement is around the corner? Not necessarily. But in the world of superhero films, these kinds of connections are often enough to start a conversation.

For now, this remains pure speculation. There is no confirmation that Inde Navarrette is being considered for any mutant role, but it’s confirmed that she met the director of the film. Still, the idea is an exciting one.

If the MCU is searching for emerging talent to help define its version of the X-Men, Navarrette could be a name worth watching. Whether as Rogue, Kitty Pryde, Mystique, or X-23, she possesses the potential to bring something fresh to characters that audiences already know and love.

And if Marvel eventually does announce her as part of the mutant roster, don’t be surprised if this turns out to be one of those clues fans look back on and realize was hiding in plain sight.