X-Men’s Beast Casting Falls Apart, D23 Panel Rumored to Be in Trouble

A Riverdale star just walked away from what could have been the biggest role of his career. The actor has reportedly passed on playing Beast in Marvel Studios’ X-Men reboot, throwing the film’s D23 plans into uncertainty.

Charles Melton rumored to have dropped out of X-Men reboot’s Beast race

Charles Melton has reportedly passed on the role of Hank McCoy/Beast in Marvel Studios’ upcoming X-Men reboot, according to scooper Daniel Richtman (via Cosmic Marvel on X). The report also suggests the full cast announcement initially expected at D23 may no longer happen as planned.

Melton had been widely rumored for the role for several weeks. It was previously reported that Melton “has indeed closed his deal to star in X-Men,” citing industry insider MyTimeToShineHello. The 35-year-old Korean-American actor rose to prominence playing Reggie Mantle in Riverdale and earned critical acclaim for May December (2023). He recently received two Primetime Emmy nominations for Netflix’s Beef Season 2.

The reported departure leaves a significant gap in the X-Men reboot’s lineup. Jake Schreier directs the film, which currently has three confirmed cast members. Samara Weaving will play Emma Frost, Kit Connor will portray Scott Summers/Cyclops, and Sadie Sink will reprise Jean Grey. The earlier cast roundup tracked seven major roles already confirmed or rumored for the reboot.

Beast remains one of the original five X-Men from Marvel Comics’ 1963 debut alongside Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Iceman, and Angel. A recent report suggested that Angel and Iceman may also appear in the reboot. That would bring the film closer to adapting the team’s classic original roster from the comics.

Marvel Studios has not officially commented on Melton’s reported exit or on the D23 announcement timeline. The studio previously indicated the film would release sometime after Avengers: Secret Wars. Additional rumored cast members include Adam Driver in an unspecified villain role and Cailee Spaeny as a potential Rogue.