Top 15 Actresses Perfect for the Role of Kitty Pryde in the MCU

Kitty Pryde, also known as Shadowcat, is a beloved X-Men character with the power to phase through objects. Her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) demands an actress who can capture her youthful energy, wit, and growth into a strong leader. Fans are excited to see how the MCU will reintroduce Kitty, a mutant with ties to the X-Men, Guardians of the Galaxy, and even Star-Lord. The right actress must bring charm, emotional depth, and action-hero skills to the table.

With the MCU’s X-Men projects in development, casting Kitty Pryde is a hot topic. She’s a character who can bridge the mutant world with the broader MCU, so the actress needs to be versatile. Below is a list of 15 actresses who could shine as Kitty Pryde, based on their acting skills, screen presence, and ability to embody her nerdy yet heroic spirit.

Julia Butters

At just 15, Julia Butters has already shown her range in projects like ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood’ and ‘The Gray Man.’ Her youthful energy and ability to handle emotional scenes make her a great fit for a teenage Kitty Pryde just joining the X-Men.

Rumors suggest Marvel is eyeing her for the role, and her work with the Russo Brothers gives her an MCU connection. Butters can portray Kitty’s innocence and growth into a confident mutant, especially as a student at Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters.

Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown, known for ‘Stranger Things,’ brings star power and a knack for playing powerful yet relatable characters. Her role as Eleven shows she can handle a young hero with hidden strength, much like Kitty.

Brown’s ability to balance vulnerability and toughness fits Kitty’s early X-Men days. At 21, she’s the right age to play a slightly older Kitty, and her massive fanbase could draw new viewers to the MCU’s X-Men.

Odeya Rush

Odeya Rush, with roles in ‘The Giver’ and ‘Goosebumps,’ shares Kitty’s Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, which could honor the character’s comic roots. Her experience in young adult adaptations proves she can carry a nerdy, lovable role.

Rush’s charm and ability to portray earnest characters make her ideal for Kitty’s naive yet heroic side. She can capture the mutant’s early struggles and growth into a team leader.

Kaitlyn Dever

Kaitlyn Dever is a fan-favorite pick for Kitty due to her emotional depth in ‘Booksmart’ and ‘Unbelievable.’ Her ability to convey raw emotion suits Kitty’s journey from a shy teen to a bold X-Men member.

Dever’s knack for playing complex characters would bring depth to Kitty’s relationships, like her bond with Wolverine or Peter Quill. At 28, she could play an older Kate Pryde leading a team.

Sadie Sink

Sadie Sink, another ‘Stranger Things’ star, excels at sarcastic yet heartfelt roles, as seen with Max Mayfield. Her sharp delivery and emotional range align with Kitty’s witty, earnest personality.

Sink’s experience with action and drama makes her a strong choice for a teenage Kitty learning to use her phasing powers. At 23, she could grow with the role over multiple MCU projects.

Alison Brie

Alison Brie’s comedic timing in ‘Community’ and action experience in voice roles, like Black Widow in a Marvel game, make her a unique pick. She could play an older Kate Pryde, perhaps as a space-faring leader.

Brie’s charm and ability to handle complex roles would make her a great foil for Star-Lord in a Guardians crossover. Her experience with ensemble casts fits the X-Men’s team dynamic.

Zoey Deutch

Zoey Deutch’s action skills in ‘Vampire Academy’ and comedic chops from Disney Channel roles show her versatility. She could portray a slightly older Kitty transitioning to leadership.

Deutch’s ability to handle fight scenes and emotional moments makes her a strong candidate. Her experience in romantic comedies could add depth to Kitty’s romantic arcs, like her ties to Peter Quill.

Alisha Boe

Alisha Boe, known for ‘13 Reasons Why,’ brings dramatic depth and a knack for sarcastic line delivery. Her ability to portray trauma and growth fits Kitty’s early X-Men struggles.

Boe’s earnestness would shine in Kitty’s desire to do the right thing, even when making mistakes. At 28, she could play a young adult Kitty finding her place among mutants.

Maisie Richardson-Sellers

Maisie Richardson-Sellers, seen in ‘Legends of Tomorrow,’ has the charisma to portray a confident Kitty. Her work in action-heavy roles shows she can handle the mutant’s phasing stunts.

While not a household name, her ability to hold her own in ensemble casts makes her a great fit for the X-Men. She could bring a fresh take to Kitty’s nerdy, heroic side.

Sophia Lillis

Sophia Lillis, star of ‘It’ and ‘Nancy Drew,’ has a youthful look and talent for playing quirky, brave characters. She’d be perfect for a teenage Kitty just discovering her powers.

Lillis’ ability to balance humor and heart would capture Kitty’s early X-Men days. Her experience in mystery and horror could add depth to Kitty’s adventurous spirit.

Cailee Spaeny

Cailee Spaeny, known for ‘Priscilla’ and ‘Civil War,’ has a rising star quality and action experience. Her ability to portray determined characters fits Kitty’s growth into a leader.

Spaeny’s youthful appearance and emotional range make her a great choice for a young Kitty. At 27, she could play a slightly older mutant stepping into bigger roles.

Victoria Pedretti

Victoria Pedretti, from ‘You’ and ‘The Haunting of Hill House,’ brings intensity and vulnerability to her roles. She could portray a Kitty dealing with the emotional weight of being a mutant.

Pedretti’s ability to handle dramatic scenes would suit Kitty’s complex relationships, like her mentorship under Wolverine. At 30, she’d fit an older Kate Pryde leading a team.

Thomasin McKenzie

Thomasin McKenzie, seen in ‘Jojo Rabbit’ and ‘Last Night in Soho,’ has a unique ability to play sensitive yet strong characters. Her Jewish heritage aligns with Kitty’s comic background.

McKenzie’s subtle acting style would capture Kitty’s nerdy charm and growth into a hero. She could shine as a young Kitty navigating the X-Men’s world.

Dafne Keen

Dafne Keen, who played X-23 in ‘Logan,’ has proven she can handle action and emotional depth. Her experience as a young mutant makes her a natural fit for Kitty.

Keen’s fierce yet vulnerable performance style suits Kitty’s journey from rookie to leader. At 20, she could grow with the role in the MCU’s X-Men projects.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy, star of ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ and ‘Furiosa,’ brings a magnetic presence and action experience. Her ability to play complex, powerful women fits an older Kate Pryde.

Taylor-Joy’s ethereal charm and intensity would make her a standout Kitty, especially in leadership roles or cosmic adventures. Her star power could elevate the X-Men’s MCU debut.

What’s your take on who should play Kitty Pryde in the MCU—share your dream casting in the comments!