The Marvel Cinematic Universe is on the cusp of a new era, with the highly anticipated X-Men reboot stirring excitement among fans worldwide. Among the names swirling in casting rumors is Lux Pascal, a rising star and transgender actress, who has publicly expressed her desire to portray the iconic Jean Grey. This bold ambition, shared in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, has sparked conversations about representation, talent, and the evolving landscape of superhero cinema. Lux, the younger sibling of Pedro Pascal, known for his roles in The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, is no stranger to breaking barriers. Her potential casting as Jean Grey could mark a historic moment, making the character the first female superhero in a major franchise to be played by a transgender woman.

Lux Pascal’s connection to Jean Grey runs deep. In her own words, she feels profoundly tied to the character, stating, “I feel so connected to her, both physically and mentally, and how she becomes Phoenix because she’s corrupted by the world.” This sentiment reflects not only her personal affinity for the role but also her understanding of Jean Grey’s complex narrative arc. Jean, a cornerstone of the X-Men universe, is a powerful psychic mutant whose transformation into the Phoenix is driven by internal struggles and external pressures. For Lux, this journey resonates on a personal level, mirroring her own experiences navigating identity and societal expectations as a transgender woman in Hollywood.

The X-Men franchise has long been a cultural touchstone, celebrated for its themes of diversity, acceptance, and resilience. Casting Lux Pascal as Jean Grey would align seamlessly with these values, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved character. Lux’s acting credentials are impressive, with her recent lead role in Netflix’s Miss Carbón showcasing her ability to portray complex, real-life figures. In the film, she plays Carlita Rodríguez, a transgender woman who defied societal norms to become the first female coal miner in her Argentine hometown. The role earned praise for its authenticity, with director Agustina Macri noting, “Lux’s beauty, talent, and presence on screen made her casting a no-brainer.” This performance underscores her capability to tackle a character as multifaceted as Jean Grey.

Pedro Pascal, a vocal advocate for his sister, has been a pillar of support in her career. His own star is rising in the MCU, with his upcoming role as Reed Richards in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, set to release on July 25, 2025. In the same Hollywood Reporter interview, Pedro praised Lux’s talent, saying, “There’s something very, very few people have—talent and skill that is married with a camera that is in love with your face. She has that. I am stunned when I see her act in a close-up.” His endorsement not only highlights Lux’s acting prowess but also underscores the close bond the siblings share, a dynamic that could translate beautifully to the screen if they were to collaborate in the MCU.

The prospect of Lux Pascal as Jean Grey has ignited both excitement and debate. Social media platforms, particularly X, have buzzed with reactions. A post from @NexusPointNews captured the sentiment, quoting Lux’s passion for the role and garnering significant engagement. However, some voices, like @thatstarwarsgrl, have raised questions about the implications of such a casting choice, reflecting the broader discourse around representation in blockbuster films. While no official casting announcements have been made for the X-Men reboot, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has confirmed that the project is in development, with a script by Michael Lesslie and direction by Jake Schreier. Feige hinted at a “new era of mutants” following Avengers: Secret Wars, suggesting a bold reimagining of the franchise.

Lux’s interest in Jean Grey comes at a time when Hollywood is increasingly embracing diverse casting. The X-Men’s narrative, rooted in the struggles of marginalized groups, makes it an ideal platform for such a move. Jean Grey, previously portrayed by Famke Janssen and Sophie Turner, is a character defined by her strength, vulnerability, and transformation. Lux’s personal journey as a transgender woman adds a layer of authenticity to the role, particularly in capturing Jean’s internal conflict and eventual empowerment. Her martial arts training, as mentioned in interviews, further positions her as a strong candidate for the physically demanding aspects of the character.

Beyond the X-Men, Lux Pascal’s ambitions extend to other genres, including horror and fantasy. She humorously expressed a desire to “kill as an elf” in a Lord of the Rings project, showcasing her versatility and playful approach to her career. Currently, she is filming Love & Chaos, an English-language romantic comedy in Montreal, which marks her first lead role in an indie film. Director Drew Denny praised her, noting, “She’s a tremendous listener with a deliciously dark sense of humor.” This range of projects highlights Lux’s growing presence in the industry, positioning her as a talent to watch.

The potential casting of Lux Pascal as Jean Grey would be a landmark moment for representation in superhero cinema. Transgender actors have historically been underrepresented in major franchises, and Lux’s involvement could pave the way for greater visibility. Her brother Pedro’s advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, including his public criticism of anti-trans rhetoric, further amplifies the significance of this moment. In an April 2025 interview with Vanity Fair, Pedro called out such rhetoric as “heinous loser behavior,” emphasizing his commitment to supporting his sister and others in the community. Lux echoed this sentiment, sharing, “He says, ‘At the end of the day, you just have to be yourself, and that’s when the world really starts coming together for you.'”

As Marvel Studios prepares to introduce the X-Men to the MCU, the casting process will undoubtedly be scrutinized. Fans are eager for a fresh take on the mutants, and Lux Pascal’s name adds an intriguing dimension to the conversation. Her connection to Jean Grey, coupled with her proven talent and personal story, makes her a compelling choice. The X-Men have always been about embracing difference, and casting a transgender actress in such a prominent role would send a powerful message of inclusion.

The road to the X-Men reboot is still unfolding, with no confirmed release date but plenty of anticipation. Whether Lux Pascal ultimately secures the role of Jean Grey remains to be seen, but her ambition has already sparked a vital dialogue. Her story, intertwined with her brother’s rise in Hollywood, is a testament to the power of authenticity and resilience. As Lux herself noted, reflecting on her role in Miss Carbón, “When I met her, I was mesmerized by this air of disappointment of how the world has treated her. I didn’t want to shy away from showing how sometimes that sadness is just impossible to hide.” This emotional depth, combined with her undeniable talent, makes Lux Pascal a name to watch as the MCU’s mutant era dawns.