Marvel’s ‘X-Men’ Movie Finds Its Cyclops in Kit Connor

Kit Connor is in talks to join the cast of Marvel Studio’s “X-Men” as Scott Summers, aka Cyclops, TheWrap has learned. Should a deal happen, the “Heartstopper” star would join Samara Weaving who is playing Emma Frost. Cyclops is one of the founding members of the X-Men and considered the longtime tactical leader of the mutant supergroup. He has powerful optic blasts as a result of head trauma he suffered when his parents were attacked by an alien spacecraft. “Thunderbolts*” director Jake Schreier is attached to direct the project. “Beef” creator and writer Lee Sung Jin has been tapped alongside writer Joanna Calo to tackle a new draft of the script. Created by legendary writer Chris Claremont and artist John Byrne, Emma Frost is a mutant with telepathic abilities who first appeared in “The Uncanny X-Men” No. 129, published in January 1980. The “X-Men” film franchise began in 2000 with “X-Men,” directed by Bryan Singer. This first film introduced audiences to the concept of mutants – humans born with genetic superpowers – and focused on the leader of the X-Men, Professor Charles Xavier, and the metal-clawed Logan/Wolverine, as they attempt to make peace with their rival Magneto. It was praised for its serious, character-driven take on the superhero genre. In total, the series has grossed over $6 billion worldwide over nearly 20 years and at least 10 films. Once considered B-list superheroes, the X-Men franchise paved the way for comic book and superhero blockbusters to be taken more seriously by critics and audiences. The themes of diversity, identity and “otherness” in the films also connected deeply with many viewers. Best known for breaking out in Netflix’s “Heartstopper,” Connor recently reprised the role in a movie spinoff “Heartstopper Forever.” Other credits include A24’s war movie “Warfare,” and as the upcoming video game adaptation “Elden Ring.” Connor is repped by WME and Independent Talent Group. Deadline first reported the news.