Kit Connor is officially joining the MCU. Fans are celebrating the casting. The Heartstopper star will play Cyclops in Marvel Studios‘ upcoming X-Men movie, ending months of fan speculation about his future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
This announcement has revived talks about another Marvel role many fans never wanted Connor to play. For many viewers, Cyclops always seemed like the better fit.
Why didn’t Kit Connor fans want the Heartstopper actor to play Hulkling in the MCU?
Before being cast as Cyclops, Kit Connor was often rumored to play Hulkling in the MCU (a role he ultimately didn’t play). The idea became popular because Connor stars with Joe Locke in Heartstopper. Locke already plays Billy Maximoff, also known as Wiccan, in the MCU. In Marvel Comics, Hulkling and Wiccan are one of Marvel’s most popular couples.
Many felt that including the Heartstopper duo in the MCU was very predictable. Some of them also believed that Hulkling is a lesser-known Marvel hero, while Cyclops is one of the leading X-Men characters.
The reaction online reflected that view. X user @anericanpsycho wrote, “Kit Connor freed from the shitty Hulkling fancast for good.” Another fan, @Blazecap1203, posted, “That being said, I’m sorry, but Cyclops is SUCH a better role for Kit Connor than Hulkling (where they can’t even do him in the MCU since his dad died in the first Captain Marvel film) mfs ONLY casted him as Teddy because he was with Joe Locke’s character in Heartstopper.”
@needtcknow tweeted, “not sure if i like this casting but at least he won’t be playing hulkling thank god.” Comedian Jay Jurden also joked about the news and wrote, “Sorry hulking fans. All 3 of ya.”
Cyclops (whose real name is Scott Summers) is one of the key mutant superheroes from Marvel. He is the long-time team leader of the X-Men and is known for his incredibly strong optic blasts, which can only be controlled using a special visor.
Connor’s casting also reunites him with fellow Heartstopper star Joe Locke inside the MCU, although the actors are expected to play very different characters. This is better for fans, as it allows Connor to build his own distinct Marvel identity rather than revisiting a relationship they already know from another franchise.
