Marvel picks Kit Connor as Cyclops for X-Men reboot

Marvel Studios is moving forward with its long-awaited "X-Men" reboot, with actor Kit Connor reportedly selected to play the team's leader, Scott Summers, also known as Cyclops. According to multiple entertainment industry reports, the studio and director Jake Schreier have chosen Connor for the pivotal role following a series of meetings and auditions over recent months.

Connor, best known for his starring role in the Netflix series "Heartstopper," would be the latest addition to a new, younger cast of mutants being assembled for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The news follows last week's report that Samara Weaving is set to play the telepathic mutant Emma Frost in the film. Another key member, Jean Grey, has already been introduced in the MCU, portrayed by Sadie Sink in this summer's "Spider-Man: Brand New Day."

The casting process for Cyclops involved several candidates, with sources indicating a small group of actors tested after the Fourth of July holiday. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and Schreier ultimately landed on Connor last week. The studio has not officially commented on the casting. If finalized, Connor would follow actors James Marsden and Tye Sheridan, who...