Obsession breakout Inde Navarrette has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in Hollywood, and there is reason to believe she could be planned for one of these fantastic characters in the MCU’s upcoming X-Men movie. Following Obsession‘s digital release, praise for Navarrette’s performance as Nikki has only increased, with many even believing she could earn an Oscar nomination.
With all of this in mind, Navarrette’s future looks very bright. She has discussed the possibility of leading a Fourth Wing TV series and has had meetings with several other filmmakers about future projects, including Michael Mann and Jake Schreier. While the prospect of an appearance in Michael Mann’s Heat 2 is enticing, it is Schreier’s next film with Marvel that has stirred up more attention.
Jake Schreier directed last year’s Thunderbolts*, and has since been hired to helm Marvel’s new X-Men movie. Following Schreier addressing X-Men casting reports, it is clear that the film is deep into development, and there are a multitude of roles that will need to be filled in order to best create one of Marvel’s most beloved superhero teams.
Navarrette only took a meeting, and it was not even confirmed that it was for X-Men, although this is clearly the most likely scenario. Following one of this year’s most discussed and beloved performances, making the jump to Marvel’s next big blockbuster could make a lot of sense for Navarrette.
Songbird
Before moving into the mutants, it is worth addressing the possibility of a Thunderbolts* sequel film. Schreier directed the first film, and while it was not a huge box office hit, audiences responded to the rich, character-focused story.
Most Marvel directors stay connected to the same characters, and it is possible that the Thunderbolts* team could play a part in Schreier’s next Marvel film.
If this is the case, one major character from the comics has been missing from the team. Originally a wrestler named Screaming Mimi, which immediately draws comparisons to the epithet Freaky Nikki, Songbird’s powers involve giving physical shape to sound and using it in combat. She could appear as an antagonist before joining the team, similar to Sentry.
If there remain connections to the Thunderbolts* story, Songbird would be a great character for Navarrette to play in the MCU. However, these reported discussions seem far more likely to lead to one of the more well-known mutant roles.
Rogue
One of the most commonly thrown-around names that Navarrette could play in an X-Men movie is Rogue. A mutant with the ability to steal powers with a touch, Rogue played a major part in the original X-Men films, where she was played by Anna Paquin, and is one of the characters most due for a reboot.
Navarrette has tremendous range, as seen in her performance as Nikki, although it remains to be seen how well she could capture the southern, folksy charm of Rogue. Certainly, she could look the part, and the Mississippi mutant’s writing could be effectively tailored to channel the youthful angst Navarrette embodied as Sarah on Superman & Lois.
Rogue needs a strong actor in the reboot, especially if it channels her complex backstory with Mystique and draws inspiration from X-Men: The Animated Series, like many hope to see. While Navarrette could work in the role, there are a few other options that might be a better fit for the young star.
Kitty Pryde
Navarrette is currently 25 years old, which could make her a strange choice for Kitty Pryde, who debuted in the comics as the youngest member of the X-Men team at only 13 years old. Kitty Pryde has been rumored as a major X-Men character in the reboot, with names like 17-year-old Julia Butters rumored to play her.
Still, Kitty or Kate Pryde has had many different phases in the comics. In the Krakoan era, for example, she took on a much more adult role, and led the Marauders as Captain Kate Pryde with her dragon Lockheed beside her. Navarrette would be fantastic for his older, more complex iteration of the familiar hero.
It must be noted that Navarrette would not fit every possible iteration of Kitty Pryde. While she would be a fantastic fit for certain versions of the character, rumors make it look more likely that Marvel might go much younger in this film. Fortunately, there are several other characters Navarrette would also be perfect for.
Mystique
There are few roles in the X-Men series that demand the dynamic range that someone like Mystique does. A complex character with shapeshifting abilities who has often been depicted as a foe of the team as a part of the Brotherhood of Mutants, it is hard to imagine a new X-Men story without her presence.
Shapeshifting has, of course, been a huge part of how Mystique has been represented on screen, but allowing Navarrette to show off her range in embodying other personalities and types could create something unique with the popular villain. Seeing that personality shine through even more might allow for the best look at this compelling character yet.
The only downside to any of this is that it feels like everything with Mystique has already been done. Jennifer Lawrence played the younger, troubled version of the character from X-Men: First Class, and was fantastic. Rebecca Romijn continues playing her in Avengers: Doomsday after decades in the role.
With that said, it feels as though a different take on Mystique might be required for this next film. Perhaps an older version that leans into the motherly aspects of the character, especially in her relationships with Rogue and Nightcrawler. If this is the tack taken, then the 25-year-old Navarrette would be better suited for another role.
Pixie
The Welsh mutant Pixie has not been seen in any Marvel movies yet, but she is an incredibly exciting character with a truly unique powerset. A winged figure with powers of hallucinogenic dust that scatters from her wings, Pixie has enough unique design and characterization to allow Navarrette to make the role her own.
More than this, most of the characters rumored for the upcoming X-Men film have been seen before. While the world certainly needs another Cyclops and another Rogue, it is also important that new roles be brought to the fore. Allowing Navarrette to craft the first on-screen Pixie could help to make the role a defining part of the actor’s career.
Pixie has become a popular character in the comics since debuting in 2004, and it is only a matter of time before she makes the jump to live-action. An extremely friendly character, Pixie could be an excellent addition to the story, both visually and in terms of personality, and Navarrette could be a great fit in the role.
Magik
Illyana Rasputin has become one of the most popular X-Men comic book characters in recent years, and she must play a part in the upcoming films. A troubled sorceress, Magik was abducted by demons and raised in Limbo, where her powers of teleportation eventually manifested.
Magik is Collosus’s younger sister, and their family dynamic could be a strong point of connection in the upcoming films. However, it is Magik’s distinct personality and incredible edge that make her such a compelling character in the series. Incredibly strong and wielding a magical sword, her unbroken spirit still bears a few deep cracks.
Navarrette has shown that she is able to portray complex characters and to depict internal struggles in powerfully effective ways from her work in Obsession. Casting her in a role like this would be perfect for the young star, and would allow her to make Magik her own.
Source: Nylon
- Release Date
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May 15, 2026
- Runtime
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108 minutes
- Director
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Curry Barker
- Writers
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Curry Barker
- Producers
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Christian Mercuri, James Harris, Roman Viaris, Haley Nicole Johnson
