‘X-Men: Apocalypse’: Young Jean Gray And Cyclops To Be Featured, Production Eyes New Casts—Report
Previous reports claim "X-Men: Apocalypse" will recast Jean Gray, Storm and Cyclops. A re-casting would have to be done since the sequel will be set in the 1980s. Thus, younger stars are needed to represent a younger version of the mutants, and producers have supposedly already found their candidates.
In an exclusive report, The Wrap claims sources knowledgeable about the "X-Men: Apocalypse" production have confirmed that producers already have their list of young actors and actresses for Jean Grey and Cyclops. Chloe Moretz, Elle Fanning and Oscar-nominated actress Hailee Steinfeld are reportedly being eyed for the role of Jean Grey. Additionally, Ben Hardy, Charlie Rowe and Timothée Chalamet are believed to be in contention to play as Cyclops.
According to The Wrap, a movie insider has confirmed that over the past few weeks, Chloe Moretz and Elle Fanning have met with movie director Bryan Singer to talk about the role. However, it's still uncertain who the frontrunner among the two young stars is. Elle Fanning is believed to be an exception for the role of Jean Grey since it's still uncertain if the actress is even vying for the part. Likewise, Chloe's representative has yet to respond to "multiple requests for comments" regarding the news. "Sources caution that official test offers for the role of Jean Grey have not been made yet and not only are other up-and-comers still in the mix, but it's unclear whether Fanning is even pursuing the high-profile role at this time," writer Jeff Sneider said.
However, according to Movieweb, what's interesting to note is The Wrap's assertion that whoever gets cast as the young Jean Grey will be featured in the future "X-Men" films. The site's claim apparently contradicts Simon Kinberg's previous statement about "X-Men: Apocalypse." Movieweb claims the producer confirmed the sequel will be the end to the "X-Men" franchise that includes "X-Men: First Class" and "X-Men: Days of Future Past." Therefore, it remains uncertain where a young Jean Grey or even Cyclops would fit in future "X-Men" films. However, the site supposed the characters could be featured in a flashback sequence or another "time-travelling adventure" as seen in "DOFP."