Ben Wang has entered talks to play Iceman in Marvel Studios’ upcoming “X-Men” movie, according to Deadline. His deal has not closed.
What was reported
Wang is circling the role of Bobby Drake, the teenager behind Iceman. Deadline reported that Gabriel LaBelle, Jackson Kelly and Rhenzy Feliz were among the other actors who tested for the part.
The casting remains unconfirmed. Wang is still in talks rather than locked into a finished deal.
What the studio has said
Marvel has not publicly commented on the talks.
Track record and context
Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created Iceman, who debuted in “The X-Men” No. 1 in September 1963. Bobby was the youngest of the team’s original five members, and his power lets him create and control ice and cold. In the comics he’s long been the group’s wisecracker, a lighter counterweight to the team’s heavier missions.
Shawn Ashmore played the character in four of 20th Century Fox’s “X-Men” films, from the 2000 original through 2014’s “X-Men: Days of Future Past.”
Wang will next appear as District 12 tribute Wyatt Callow in “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” which opens Nov. 20. His other credits include “Karate Kid: Legends,” “The Long Walk,” Disney+’s “American Born Chinese,” 2024’s “Mean Girls” and “Brian,” a comedy that premiered at SXSW.
If his deal closes, Wang would join Christopher Abbott as Professor X, Adam Driver as Mr. Sinister, Kit Connor as Cyclops, Samara Weaving as Emma Frost, Inde Navarrette as Rogue, Maya Boyd as Storm, Asa Germann as Angel and Sadie Sink as Jean Grey. Jake Schreier directs from a script by Lee Sung Jin and Joanna Calo. Kevin Feige produces.
What would confirm it
“X-Men” is set to open in theaters May 5, 2028. An announcement from Marvel or a statement from Wang’s representatives would make the casting official. Until then, the Ben Wang Iceman deal stays in the talks stage.
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