‘The Long Walk’ Star Garrett Wareing Wants To Play Iceman in the MCU’s X-Men Reboot

Marvel’s rebooted X-Men project has become something of a magnet for fan speculation, with actors across the industry increasingly willing to publicly campaign for roles rather than waiting quietly on the sidelines. That trend has only intensified as more details about the studio’s mutant lineup slowly trickle out.

The latest actor to throw his hat into the ring brings a rising profile of his own, having recently broken through with a starring role in one of the year’s most talked-about horror adaptations. His comments came in a setting typically reserved for career highlights rather than casting pitches, making the moment feel especially candid.

Garrett Wareing wants to play Iceman in the MCU, expressing genuine enthusiasm about the role during a red carpet interview at the Spirit Awards. Asked about his dream hero and villain roles, Wareing didn’t hold back about his interest in the character, saying he wants to play Bobby, Iceman, so badly, and that it’s what he’s hoping for, according to Collider.

That kind of direct, public interest stands out given how most fan-casting conversations around Marvel’s X-Men reboot have played out so far. With numerous actors floated across fan speculation for various mutant roles, Wareing’s comments mark a rare instance of an actor expressing genuine interest in a specific character rather than fans simply speculating from the outside.

Wareing has spent the past few years steadily building his profile, starting with a breakout role in Netflix’s western series ‘Ransom Canyon’ before landing a starring part in ‘The Long Walk,’ the recent Stephen King adaptation. That growing recognition gives his comments about Iceman considerably more weight than a similar statement might have carried just a year or two earlier.

Born in College Station, Texas, Wareing made his feature film debut at just 13 years old opposite Dustin Hoffman in ‘Boychoir,’ before going on to appear in ‘Independence Day: Resurgence’ and building a steady television résumé through shows like ‘Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists’ and ‘Manifest.’ That career trajectory has positioned him as an increasingly recognizable young talent well before his comments about Iceman started generating buzz.

Shawn Ashmore previously played Iceman, also known as Bobby Drake, across four films in the original 20th Century Fox X-Men franchise, giving the character an established on-screen history that any new actor would need to contend with. Marvel Studios has yet to announce who will take over the role for its rebooted mutant lineup, leaving the door open for speculation from actors like Wareing.

That reboot is already shaping up to be a significant undertaking for the studio, with Sadie Sink recently confirmed as Jean Grey in the project and Jake Schreier attached to direct. Given how much attention the broader X-Men integration into the MCU has already generated, any additional casting news is likely to draw considerable fan interest.

It’s worth stressing that Wareing’s comments represent his own personal interest in the role rather than any indication of ongoing talks with Marvel Studios. Still, with the reboot’s cast still being assembled and plenty of key roles yet to be filled, his public enthusiasm gives fans another name to watch as casting news continues rolling out.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!