Kirby Howell-Baptiste Talks Playing MCU’s Storm in the Upcoming X-Men Reboot

Marvel Studios has been quietly preparing to bring the X-Men into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Kevin Feige first confirmed back at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019 that mutants, including the X-Men, would eventually appear in the MCU.

He emphasized that the new films would be different from the previous X-Men movies produced by 20th Century Fox. By 2023, Marvel was meeting with writers about the project, and Michael Lesslie entered negotiations to write the script in May 2024, a role he officially took on a year later. Shortly after, Jake Schreier was announced as director following the positive reception to Thunderbolts*.

Feige has described the upcoming X-Men movie as a fresh start following the “reset” of the MCU in Secret Wars. He explained that the film would focus on a younger team and a more focused story.

Fans are eagerly waiting for the casting announcements, and one of the most anticipated roles is that of Storm, one of the most popular mutants in comic book history.

Rumors about the casting have been circulating for some time. Social media source MainMiddleMan, known for accurate scoops, claimed that Jodie Turner-Smith and Kirby Howell-Baptiste had been approached to play Storm. Neither actress confirmed the rumors at the time, until now.

Howell-Baptiste, who currently stars in the indie satire We Strangers, recently spoke with The Disinsider. When asked about the Storm rumors, she responded playfully. “Send that article,” she said. “I’d love to read it. How intriguing?” While she didn’t directly confirm or deny the reports, her answer has fans buzzing.

Kirby Howell-Baptiste has built a strong career on television, appearing as a series regular in shows like Downward Dog (2017), Killing Eve (2018), Why Women Kill (2019), and The Sandman (2022–2025) as Death of the Endless.

She also stars in Dead Boy Detectives (2024) and has had recurring roles in Love (2016–2018), Barry (2018–2023), and The Good Place (2018–2020). Additionally, she voiced Grace Monroe in the second and third seasons of Infinity Train (2020).

Fans are excited at the possibility of Howell-Baptiste joining the MCU as Storm. Her experience in both dramatic and fantastical roles makes her a strong candidate for the iconic mutant. Personally, I think she would bring a fresh and compelling energy to the character. What do you think? Would you like to see Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Storm in the MCU? Share your thoughts in the comments.