Marvel Studios is reportedly considering Ben Wang for the role of Bobby Drake, also known as Iceman, in its upcoming X-Men reboot. Wang’s involvement has not been confirmed as a completed deal, making the report a casting development rather than an official announcement from Marvel.
Wang is set to appear as District 12 tribute Wyatt Callow in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. He has also appeared in Karate Kid: Legends, American Born Chinese, and The Long Walk. Deadline additionally reported that Gabriel LaBelle, Jackson Kelly, and Rhenzy Feliz tested for the role, although no further details about the casting process were provided.
What is known about Marvel’s reboot
Marvel Studios has been developing a new X-Men film for several years and has confirmed a theatrical release date of 5 May 2028. The movie will be directed by Jake Schreier, who also directed Thunderbolts*, released in 2025.
The project’s initial cast was announced at D23 in August 2023. The announced names include Sadie Sink, Inde Navarrette, Samara Weaving, Maya Boyd, Asa Germann, Christopher Abbott, and Adam Driver. Marvel Studios has not revealed the film’s plot, so the reported role for Wang is currently the clearest indication of how Iceman may fit into the reboot’s lineup.
Iceman’s place in the X-Men
Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Iceman is one of the original founding members of the X-Men. The character was previously played by Shawn Ashmore in the 20th Century Fox-produced X-Men films, with his most recent appearance coming in X-Men: Days of Future Past in 2014.
In Marvel Comics, Iceman became an important LGBTQ character after the publisher established him as gay in 2015. The character has also appeared in television productions and video games, giving the reported casting significance beyond the upcoming movie’s ensemble. For audiences in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, the film’s confirmed theatrical date provides the current release milestone, while Wang’s possible casting remains subject to a formal Marvel announcement.
- Ben Wang is reportedly in talks to play Bobby Drake/Iceman.
- Marvel Studios has not confirmed a final deal for Wang.
- X-Men is scheduled to arrive in theaters on 5 May 2028.
