Marvel Studios dropped some big news at San Diego Comic-Con last weekend, but it was clear that they were holding something back until after Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The dam is beginning to burst when it comes to the X-Men, because the first official casting for the upcoming movie from Jake Schreier has Samara Weaving set for the role of Emma Frost.
The news comes from Deadline, who say Schreier and Kevin Feige met with a number of candidates this week, and landed on Weaving, who is best known for action-heavy flicks like Ready or Not, Guns Akimbo, Mayhem, and Snake Eyes. She’s already had a busy year, having starred in Ready or Not 2, Carolina Caroline, and Over Your Dead Body.
Emma Frost is one of the most important figures in X-Men history. The telepathic mutant began as a cruel member of the evil cabal known as The Hellfire Club. As its White Queen, she was instrumental to the infamous “Dark Phoenix Saga”, using her powers to aid in the corruption of Jean Grey, who was overwhelmed by the power of the Phoenix Force. Eventually, Emma reformed and became a valued leader in the X-Men, even becoming the long-term lover of Scott “Cyclops” Summers. During Grant Morrison’s run on the comic, Frost’s powers evolved so that she can transform into a diamond form, increasing her durability and strength.
On the big screen, Emma Frost was most recently played by January Jones in X-Men: First Class. Sigourney Weaver was going to play her in X-Men: Last Stand, but dropped out when Bryan Singer left the project.
X-Men is the next big step in the MCU, as the team will likely take front and center stage ahead of The Avengers. Don’t be shocked if this is the first of many announcements in the coming days.
