Adam Driver Says X-Men Was the Right Marvel Role for Him

Adam Driver said his childhood connection to X-Men, director Jake Schreier’s approach and the film’s script persuaded him to accept a role in Marvel’s upcoming X-Men movie after turning down earlier Marvel offers. Driver will play Nathaniel Essex, also known as Mister Sinister, in the film, which is scheduled to open in theaters on May 5, 2028. Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Driver described himself as a longtime X-Men fan. He recalled playing Wolverine as a child with his cousin Tony, who took the role of Sabretooth. That attachment, he said, made this project feel like the right opportunity, alongside Schreier’s idea for the film and the script. Driver also said Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige had approached him about other roles, which he considered before declining. Feige has described a recurring pattern of meeting Driver over Zoom to discuss a part, after which the actor would pass. Driver’s account of the earlier offers and his reasons for accepting this one comes from his own remarks. The actor said he felt a responsibility to the franchise and was conscious of the film’s potential audience. He said he did not want to disappoint viewers or mishandle a series he...